My introduction to both the The Prairie Enthusiasts and prairies started by chance—The Prairie Enthusiasts offered the only Wisconsin Master Naturalist training that fit my schedule. Hosted by the Empire-Sauk Chapter at Schurch-Thomson, the training sparked a passion for prairie. I was (and still am) fascinated by the high diversity of plants within a small area of prairie, the vast plant communities that vary by site type and location and the rhythms of seasonal changes that are so apparent on prairie landscapes.
The people of The Prairie Enthusiasts made an equally impactful first impression. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with dozens of nonprofits, and I was immediately struck by the detailed depth and long-term dedication of people like Rich Henderson, who make progress on sites such as Schurch-Thomson possible. This level of effort is uncommon and special. Volunteers drive progress on local levels, where we can positively influence the ecosystems we love.
After returning home to Milwaukee, I tried out a work party with my local group, the Glacial Prairie Chapter. I still vividly remember the pleasant Saturday morning seed collecting at Lulu Lake State Natural Area with Walter Mirk—the warmth of the autumn sun, learning more about plants by getting to know their seed forms, hiking from dry hilltop prairie to shady oak woodlands, connecting with other volunteers over our shared appreciation for the natural environment, and, of course, Walter’s expressive storytelling and Alice Mirk’s delicious cookies. Over the years, field work with prairie friends has remained my favorite volunteer activity, whether it is collecting seed, controlling invasive species or conducting prescribed burns. In my opinion, there is nothing more satisfying than observing an area I’ve personally worked on positively respond with expanding native plant communities through the efforts of many over time.
One thing led to another, and I soon found myself in a leadership position with Glacial Prairie as Chair and Board Representative. Through these roles, I’d come to appreciate the hard work that happens “behind the scenes”—the planning, budgeting, organizing, coordinating, communicating and persistence it takes to keep things rolling for a Chapter. Through Board and Chapter Leaders Collaborative meetings, I met other Chapter leaders and learned about the uniqueness of how each implements the organization’s mission. I’ve also enjoyed meeting volunteers from other areas at our annual conferences and summer events. While we do things slightly differently in each Chapter, we share common goals, interests and values, so it’s easy to connect. This local work further depends on a strong Chapter Support team, which I joined as Operations Director in May 2025. In this role, I’ve been absorbing all that I can about the intricacies of the three elements of our mission: land protection, land restoration and education. I’ve continued to learn about these elements and meet more Prairie Enthusiasts as I stepped into the Acting Executive Director position in October 2025.
Now living on the other side of Wisconsin within the Coulee Region Chapter, I still try to lend a hand at work parties—it really is the best therapy. But I also have the opportunity to give back to the land and this community in a different way. In this new position, I’m looking forward to further serving The Prairie Enthusiasts and connecting with more members. Together, we have the opportunity to do something remarkable: protect and build upon the legacy the grassroots founders established. By caring for the land and sharing that with others, we spark a passion for prairie that turns into a torch that can be passed forward.
