One of the Conservancy’s MVPs, Hannah Walchak, recently parted ways with the Conservancy. She is returning to the Chicago area to spend time with family.  As Conservation Director, Hannah has been instrumental in developing, restoring, and maintaining the land under the Escondido Creek Conservancy banner. Under her guidance the Land Team and the Conservancy’s land volunteers have become a force for nature.

My five words about working and becoming friends with Hannah—curious, energetic, compassionate, intrepid, smart.

Hannah came on board during a time of rapid expansion of Conservancy managed properties and was instrumental in upping our game to ensure all our land was properly stewarded. She leaves a fine legacy and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

• Leonard Wittwer, Escondido Creek Conservancy Board President

“Hannah is a perennial champion of wildlands, and the Conservancy’s properties have flourished under her care.  When she wasn’t in the field, she always brought the sunshine into the office with her.”

• Simon Breen, Education Director

I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Hannah without a smile, even during a long Zoom meeting! Her positivity was infectious and I was inspired by her hands-on approach to giving back to nature.

• Ryan Woldt, Former Marketing & Communications Associate