
OUR BOARD
Jeff O'Connor - Chairman
Jim Frogge - Vice Chairman
Alan Wissmiller - Secretary
Larry Kirchner - Treasurer
Ed Brown - Director
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
John Settle
OUR STAFF
Crystal Sauder - Resource Conservationist
Emilie Watkins - Remote Grant Writer & Project Manager
Matt Raymond - Conservation Coordinator
Linda Settle - Administrative Coordinator
See our Staff Bios below!
CRYSTAL SAUDER
Resource Conservationist & District Manager
I grew up on my family's farm right outside of Roanoke. My passion for conservation has been influenced by growing up in an agricultural community and my experiences at Olivet Nazarene University. In May of 2019, I graduated from ONU with a B.S. in Zoology.
After serving as the District's Education Coordinator for 2 years, I transitioned into the role as the Resource Conservationist. I currently oversee the day-to-day operations of the District and assist Emilie and Matt with projects happening around the County. I enjoy providing urban conservation projects and programs to community members around Kankakee County.
In my free time I enjoy birding, wildlife photography, hiking with my dog, Ducky, drinking coffee, and working on projects around my house!

EMILIE WATKINS
Remote Grant Writer &
Special Projects Manager
I grew up on a five acre hobby farm in the rural outskirts of Peotone. Growing up surrounded by fields and forest instilled in me a passion for the outdoors, and an appreciation for country living. In 2016, I graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a B.S. in Zoology.
After serving as the Resource Conservationist for the Kankakee County SWCD for 5 years, I transitioned to a remote grant writing & project management position in 2021. My husband is an Army Nurse and we are currently stationed in San Antonio, TX (but who knows where we'll end up next!). I enjoy seeking out funding opportunities and facilitating collaborative projects that further clean water and healthy soil in Kankakee County and beyond.
In my free time I enjoy hiking and camping with my outdoorsy husband, wildlife photography, birding, and FaceTime Czech cooking dates with my Mama back in Illinois!

Matt Raymond
Conservation Coordinator
Insert short background bio here.
Insert short description of your role here.
Insert short description of what you like to do in your free time.
Change background image of column to the right with photo of yourself
