Board of Director Bios
Bill Kleiman
Project Director, Nachusa Grasslands
The Nature Conservancy, Illinois Chapter
For 27 years, Bill Kleiman has been the project director for The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands in North-central Illinois. Bill has directed various aspects of land management, habitat restoration and the volunteer stewardship program for the 4,000-acre Nachusa Grasslands preserve. The preserve introduced bison in 2014 and has a vigorous science program. Bill co-leads the Grassland Restoration Network, serves with the Middle Rock Conservation Partners.
Bill has been a burn boss for over 400 fires. He is a director with the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council, co-author of the Illinois Fire Needs Assessment and the Illinois Fires Accomplished Map.
Bill has received recognition awards from the Natural Areas Association and the Society of Ecological Restoration.
[How to pronounce Kleiman. “Kliman” with an i like in the element iodine”]
Project Director, Nachusa Grasslands
The Nature Conservancy, Illinois Chapter
For 27 years, Bill Kleiman has been the project director for The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands in North-central Illinois. Bill has directed various aspects of land management, habitat restoration and the volunteer stewardship program for the 4,000-acre Nachusa Grasslands preserve. The preserve introduced bison in 2014 and has a vigorous science program. Bill co-leads the Grassland Restoration Network, serves with the Middle Rock Conservation Partners.
Bill has been a burn boss for over 400 fires. He is a director with the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council, co-author of the Illinois Fire Needs Assessment and the Illinois Fires Accomplished Map.
Bill has received recognition awards from the Natural Areas Association and the Society of Ecological Restoration.
[How to pronounce Kleiman. “Kliman” with an i like in the element iodine”]
Deb Carey
Deb Carey, 68, grew up and resides on a 5th-generation family farm in rural Lee County, a stone’s throw from the 2,365-acre Green River State Wildlife Area (GRSWA). An outspoken advocate for natural areas, she served on the Advisory Board for Governor Jim Edgar; created the first Natural Area Guardian Committees for Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and continues today to manage the four natural area sites acquired and owned by Lee County SWCD. Carey strongly lobbied USFWS in Washington, D.C. for enlightened management practices at GRSWA and visited the White House in 1988 to receive an award for volunteerism. She worked for the Dixon, IL Park District for 30 years and was instrumental in the designation of Lowell Forest Illinois Nature Preserve. Currently she serves as President for the Illinois Audubon Society, Springfield, IL, and is a site steward for the 330-acre IAS Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve and the 430-acre IAS Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary. She credits life-long friend Bill Rogers as her impetus for preservation of natural areas. No one has more fun than she does!
Deb Carey, 68, grew up and resides on a 5th-generation family farm in rural Lee County, a stone’s throw from the 2,365-acre Green River State Wildlife Area (GRSWA). An outspoken advocate for natural areas, she served on the Advisory Board for Governor Jim Edgar; created the first Natural Area Guardian Committees for Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and continues today to manage the four natural area sites acquired and owned by Lee County SWCD. Carey strongly lobbied USFWS in Washington, D.C. for enlightened management practices at GRSWA and visited the White House in 1988 to receive an award for volunteerism. She worked for the Dixon, IL Park District for 30 years and was instrumental in the designation of Lowell Forest Illinois Nature Preserve. Currently she serves as President for the Illinois Audubon Society, Springfield, IL, and is a site steward for the 330-acre IAS Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve and the 430-acre IAS Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary. She credits life-long friend Bill Rogers as her impetus for preservation of natural areas. No one has more fun than she does!
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David Hinkston
David grew up on a farm in nearby Shabbona, IL. and attended Parkland College in Champaign, IL. He retired in 2008 after a long career with Elgin-based civil engineering company Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. He was an Illinois Professional Land Surveyor and retired as President and CEO. He spends his time now working in his woodworking shop and volunteering for MRCP. |
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Russ Blogg
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Damian Considine
Damian has been a natural areas volunteer for over 20 years, helping various agencies and non-profits do prescribed fire, clear brush, harvest seed, and such. He is a welder and fabricator helping Nachusa Grasslands on many projects. Damian is the hunt coordinator for the Dixon Park District. He is the lead operator of the MRCP brush mower. His career was with the IL Department of Transportation. |