Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding private and conservation-owned lands provide habitat for some of the highest concentrations of endangered species and wetlands in the state. Located in McHenry County, Illinois and Walworth County, Wisconsin it is the first wildlife refuge within 100 miles of Chicago. The refuge’s name, Hackmatack (hack-ma-tack), is an Algonquin word for the very old tamarack trees found in the refuge area that are living remnants of the last Ice Age.
The refuge was officially established on Nov 6, 2012, with the US Fish and Wildlife Service goals of: protecting and enhancing habitats for federally endangered species; conserving wetlands; and promoting science, education and research through partnerships. The Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge (FOH) is led by an all-volunteer board of residents from northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin, building on the commitment of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop an informed and involved citizenry that will support fish and wildlife conservation through recreation, scientific research, and environmental education in and near cities.
Join Steve Byers and Nancy Williamson, founding members of The Friends of Hackmatack, as they discuss the journey in establishing the first national wildlife refuge in the Chicago metro area and the work that continues to grow this beautiful nature reserve. Don’t miss this wonderful presentation!
About Our Speakers
Steven Byers currently serves as the Chair of the Friends of Hackmatack NWR. Previously, he was the Field Representative for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission for 29 years where he was responsible for protection and stewardship of over 100 Nature Preserves in northeastern Illinois. He earned a M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Iowa State University and has served as the President of the Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society and President of the Fox Valley Land Foundation. Steve received the Cyrus Mark Conservation award from The Nature Conservancy for helping preserve Bluff Spring Fen Nature Preserve and has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Interior as a recipient of the “Partners in Conservation Award” for his role in helping establish Hackmatack NWR. Interests include fen wetlands and their management, biking, and kayaking.
Nancy Williamson serves as Treasurer for the Friends, and is a founding member of the organization. She retired from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as a grant administrator and also gets called on to provide graphics and logos by the group. Nancy has received two U.S. Department of Interior “Partners in Conservation Awards” for her role in helping establish Hackmatack NWR and her leadership in the Chicago Wilderness Green Infrastructure Initiative.
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