OTTAWA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce that Emily Hansen has transitioned into a new role as Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, serving Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties.
Previously a Commercial Agriculture Educator, Hansen will continue Extension's mission of connecting people with the natural world through research-based education, conservation stewardship, and community engagement. In her new role, she will develop educational programming that helps individuals and communities better understand, appreciate, and care for Illinois' natural resources.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to share my passion for nature and the environment with people of all ages," Hansen said. "My background is in biology and ecology, and I've always been fascinated by how ecosystems function and how people interact with them. I enjoy helping people discover the wildlife, plants, and natural areas that make our region unique. It's rewarding to help people see familiar places in a new way."
Over the past year, Hansen has expanded natural resources programming throughout north-central Illinois, offering educational programs on fossils and Illinois' natural history, soil science, moth ecology, bat conservation, and insect collection and pinning techniques. These hands-on learning opportunities have helped participants of all ages explore local ecosystems, discover the region's natural history, and gain a deeper appreciation for the wildlife and landscapes that make Illinois unique.
Looking ahead, Hansen plans to continue growing Extension's natural resources offerings with additional programs focused on wildlife, native plants, insects, ecology, and conservation. One topic that has generated particular enthusiasm is the fossil-rich Mazon Creek region, which has become a favorite subject among community members and Master Naturalist volunteers alike.
"One program I'm especially excited about explores Mazon Creek fossils, which have generated a lot of interest among both my Master Naturalist volunteers and community members," Hansen said. "It's such a unique part of our region's history, and people are always amazed to learn that world-famous fossils can be found so close to home. Sharing that story has become one of my favorite parts of this role."
Hansen also coordinates the Master Naturalist and Master Gardener volunteer programs in Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties. Master Naturalist volunteers contribute hundreds of hours each year supporting citizen science projects, habitat restoration efforts, environmental education, and conservation initiatives throughout local communities.
"I've been fortunate to work alongside an incredible group of Master Naturalist volunteers who are passionate about conservation and environmental education," Hansen said. "Their dedication makes a real difference in our communities, and I look forward to continuing to support their efforts while creating even more opportunities for people to get involved."
While her primary focus is natural resources and environmental education, Hansen will continue supporting agricultural producers through programs such as the Oglesby Agronomy Summit, IVCC Ag + Extension Fall Field Day, and Sustainability on the Farm series. Her background in agriculture provides a unique perspective on the connections between working lands and natural systems.
"One of the strengths I bring to this role is my background in agriculture," Hansen said. "In north-central Illinois, agriculture and natural resources are closely connected, so I enjoy helping audiences explore topics that sit at that intersection, including soil health, water quality, on-farm conservation, and sustainable land management. By bringing together agricultural and ecological perspectives, I hope to help growers find solutions that support both productive landscapes and healthy natural systems."
Hansen earned her master's degree in biological sciences from Illinois State University, where her research examined the influence of cover crops on soil microbial communities. She also holds a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from Lewis University and was raised around her family's fifth-generation farm in Grundy County.
Looking ahead, Hansen plans to continue growing Extension's natural resources programming in north-central Illinois while supporting the work of Master Naturalist volunteers and fostering greater connections between people and the natural world.
"Whether someone is a lifelong naturalist, a gardener, a farmer, or simply curious about the world around them, there's a place for them in Extension's programs," Hansen said. "I'm excited to continue building educational opportunities that help people connect with nature, learn about their local environment, and become stewards of the natural resources that make our region special."
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.