1101 W Peabody Dr Urbana IL 61801
Amanda Christenson supports the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy by coordinating statewide conferences, working group meetings, and partner data collection for the NLRS Data Portal. She works closely with the NLRS Steering Committee, Policy Working Groups, and Illinois Extension NLRS Team to maintain consistent reporting systems, communicate implementation efforts, and share emerging trends and technologies across the Strategy. Amanda manages non‑governmental partner resource and outreach data, compiles project narratives, and tracks membership status. She also aggregates and analyzes data from Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts and provides technical support to the stormwater and watershed outreach teams.
Amanda collaborates with the NLRS Program Manager Joan Cox, who oversees staff and grant reporting and manages government agency datasets, to ensure that NLRS partners have the information, tools, and communication channels needed to make informed decisions. Together, they support the NLRS Steering Committee, Policy Working Group, and its subgroups, by coordinating meetings and advancing decisions and action items. In addition to her NLRS responsibilities, Amanda regularly contributes to the Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Team with statewide professional development coordination. Amanda has been in this role since 2023 and is based on campus at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Before joining NLRS, Amanda spent eight years as an Extension Program Coordinator, overseeing Master Naturalist and Master Gardener programs across 11 counties in Central Illinois. In this role, she supported hundreds of volunteers, delivered community outreach, and coordinated events ranging from field days to conferences and hybrid training sessions.
Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Eureka College. She is passionate about community engagement, environmental stewardship, and helping partners use data and outreach to address shared challenges collaboratively.