Wild Things 2025

Dani Abboud is the Senior Program Director at Brushwood Center. Dani manages Brushwood Center’s collective strategy for community art and nature programs, and oversees the It’s A W.I.N., At Ease, and Health, Equity, and Nature Accelerator Initiatives. They cultivate strategic, long-term partnerships across the region, working with community partners to increase equitable access to nature and the arts through community-determined youth and family programs, resource sharing, and curriculum training.  They graduated from Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Environmental Sustainability, where they studied Environmental Science and Sociology, and are currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work... Read more

Negin Almassi has worked for the Forest Preserves of Cook County for over a decade, first as a naturalist and now as the Resource Management Training Specialist. In this role she coordinates in-house trainings in support of FPCC staff, Conservation Corps, and partner organizations. Negin also monitors Odonates and curates an entomology collection at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center and volunteer leads the Singing Insect Monitoring Program (singinginsects.net), a community science program started by Kathleen Soler. Negin’s passion for insects was ignited in high school thanks to an amazing... Read more

I've been involved with raptor migration in northeastern Illinois for approximately 25 years. I founded the Illinois Beach State Park Hawkwatch in 2000 and contributed much to the study of raptor migration. I am also currently serving on the board of the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA) and Chair of the Winter Raptor Survey Committee. I also love to photograph raptors and have contributed to several raptor/birding guides, written several articles and frequently give in-person and online presentations.

Erika Hasle is a Lead Conservation Ecologist with the Field Museum's Keller Science Action Center. Erika brings their background in both ecology and Geographic Information Systems to the Action Center's Chicago Region Conservation Programs. Recent projects include using GIS to support habitat stewardship, in the Kankakee Sands Ecoregion, and conservation planning for monarch butterflies and bumblebees in urban areas. Central to all of Erika's work is an interest in the power of privately heald land to support conservation and quality of life for local residents. Erika has a B.S. from Roger Williams... Read more

Life is beautiful and each day is a precious gift I accept with gratitude. I strive to live it with humility, a sense of humor and detachment. Towards all who cross my path I offer love, kindness and positivity. I dedicate each day to serve the earth and its creatures. Let's do it together.

I have worked for the Forest Preserves of Cook County since 1990 and am currently in the role of Director of our department of Resource Management.  The day-to-day duties of this position is overseeing our Resource Crews, Project Management, Conservation Corps, Fisheries, Wildlife, Ecology and our office teams, working with partners and volunteers.  Never a dull moment that is for sure.  I have a particular interest in prescribed fire and the forestry side of our work.  I truly enjoy the chaos and challenges of all my work, most of which is very rewarding!

Pollinators
Plants for pollinators
Monitoring odonates and Lepidoptera
Children and nature

Amateur naturalist specializing in native bees.
Reviews spottings for Beespotter, engages in public outreach, bioblitzes, tours etc.
Dayjob: Master Flavorist and Food Scientist.