Austin Wachter joined JDCF as a Reserve Manager for Big Sky Nature Reserve in January of 2023. He graduated from River Ridge High School and later went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry...

In this new role, Sarah will lead the implementation of all JDCF land acquisition projects (fee simple and conservation easement) from start to finish, serve as Co-Chair of the Land Preservation Committee, assist local municipalities and other partners with land...

Aaron Hogate joined JDCF as a member of the Northerwest Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team in June of 2020. Originally from New Jersey, Aaron witnessed firsthand how mismanagement can degrade and destroy natural areas. After earning his degree in Biology, Aaron...

Anna joined JDCF as a NISC Restoration Technician in February 2023. She graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2021 with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management. After working a variety of seasonal land stewardship jobs from Montana to Vermont, she is...

Ryan Hance joined the NISC team in October 2023. While an undergrad at Iowa State University, he interned with the Iowa Chapter of The Nature Conservancy where he fell in love with land stewardship and solidified his ecological career trajectory. After college, he...