wendy Paulson

Bobolink Foundation

I guess it's safe to say that I'm a convert to grasslands - a zealous one. When I moved to the Midwest in my early 20s, and under the tutelage of generous mentors, I soon became enamored of the beauty and complexity of grassland habitats, and alarmed by their extreme vulnerability. I have participated in the restoration of grasslands in northern IL - which means tallgrass prairie and oak savannas - for over 40 years. Collecting seed, removing invasive species, working on burn teams, leading groups (both kids and adults) in prairie immersions, giving presentations on volunteer restoration have become an important part of my personal life. Grasslands of the Americas is one of the focal programs of our conservation foundation.