Joined Wild Ones: December 23rd, 2020
Board Term: 2023-2026
Serves on:
Contact Wild Ones: [email protected]
Chapter: Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie (IL) Chapter
Favorite Native Plant: Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
About:
Dave has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, biology and resource management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, as well as additional credits in education from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. He received a certificate in landscape design from the College of Lake County and is a Master Gardener. Dave has worked in natural resources throughout the Midwest for more than 35 years in government, nonprofits and businesses. He currently owns NatureSpace, a native landscape consulting business, and has an Illinois real estate broker license specializing in rural properties. Since 2015, Dave has been a member of the Sustain Libertyville Commission for Libertyville, Illinois. In addition, he is the sustainability coordinator for the Village of Grayslake, Illinois. Growing up, Dave spent summers at the family's property in northern Wisconsin. “My grandfather, parents and other family members instilled in me an interest and respect for nature,” he said. “This led to my long and varied career in natural resource management. Everywhere I’ve lived, I’ve utilized native plants in the home landscape. On a larger scale, I’ve planned, restored and managed tens of thousands of acres of native habitats on public and private lands.” He also has expertise in partnerships and program management.
What inspired you to become involved with Wild Ones:
I wanted to be able to have a wider influence and impact through spreading the message of the value of native plants in the landscape. Wild Ones is the "go-to" organization dedicated to native landscapes, and it seemed like a natural fit for me.
