Who We Are
Who We Are
The Prairie Enthusiasts is made up of 12 regional chapters. Our engaged volunteers are driving local land stewardship, grassroots outreach and education, and leading the organization. We’re grateful for our dedicated community and welcoming of new, interested volunteers.
Prairie Enthusiasts explore Kasota Prairie SNA by Sarah Barron.
The Prairie Enthusiasts is made up of 11 regional chapters. Our engaged volunteers are driving local land stewardship, grassroots outreach and education, and leading the organization. We’re grateful for our dedicated community and welcoming of new, interested volunteers.
Prairie Enthusiasts Explore Kasota Prairie NA by Sarah Barron.
Message us to learn more about our committees or offer your time and talents as a committee member. You can also direct questions or committee suggestions by emailing us.
Board of Directors

Jim Rogala
President

Alice Mirk
Vice President

Jerry Newman
Treasurer

Harvey Halvorsen
Secretary

Matt Dettlaff
Prairie Sands Chapter Representative

Gary Eldred
Board Member Emeritus

Peter Fritz
St. Croix Valley Chapter Representative

Nancy Gloe
Glacial Prairie Chapter Representative

Katie Hahn
Chippewa Savannas Chapter Representative

Greg Heberlein
Minnesota Oak Savanna Chapter Representative

Rich Henderson
Empire-Sauk Chapter Representative

Jerry Newman
Prairie Bluff Chapter Representative

Addeline Theis Paradis
Many Rivers Chapter Representative

Jon Rigden
Coulee Region Chapter Representative

Jay Rutherford
Northwest Illinois Chapter Representative

Kay Wienke
Southwest Wisconsin Chapter Representative

Stephen Winter
Minnesota Driftless Chapter Representative
Staff

Debra Behrens
Executive Director

Sarah Barron
Advancement Manager

Jessica Bizub
Operations Director

Becky Bradish
Operations Manager

Rob Schubert
Program Manager

Reid Bartholomew
Advancement Coordinator

Kelly Billig
Leadership Coordinator

Dan Carter
Ecologist

Cassidy Coulson
Advancement Assistant

Kysh Lindell
AmeriCorps Member

Sylvie Rising
Operations Assistant
Committees
- Executive Committee
- Education Committee
- Land Management Committee
- Land Protection Committee
- Finance Committee
- Prairie Enthusiasts Trust
This committee addresses questions that affect The Prairie Enthusiasts as a whole. They provide guidance related to messaging, activism and more.
Jim Rogala, Board President
Alice Mirk, Vice President
Jerry Newman, Treasurer
Harvey Halvorsen, Secretary
This committee discusses education programs and evaluates potential future programs and materials.
Jessica Bizub, Committee Chair
Alice Mirk
Dan Winkler
Jim Rogala
Molly Fifield Murray
Pat Trochlell
Scott Fulton
Sarah Barron, Chapter Support Staff
This group handles topics like CRP plans, fire plans, management plans, and site monitoring.
Rich Henderson, Committee Chair
Alex Bouthilet
Dan Carter
Jim Rogala
Nick Faessler
Jake Pulfer
Michaela Rosenthal
Becky Bradish, Chapter Support Staff
This committee handles topics like grants specific to properties, logistics of buying/accepting properties and easements, and property monitoring.
Mark Martin, Committee Chair
Debra Behrens
Harvey Halvorsen
Jim Rogala
Rich Henderson
Scott Fulton
Topf Wells
Becky Bradish, Chapter Support Staff
This committee’s objective is to oversee The Prairie Enthusiasts’ handling of finances, both accounting and investment, and provide recommendations to the board.
Jerry Newman, Committee Chair
Debra Behrens
Peter Fritz
Jay Rutherford
Jim Rogala
Jon Rigden
Becky Bradish, Chapter Support Staff
Rich Henderson, Committee Chair
Debra Behrens
Frederick Rikkers
Richard Oberle