Colleagues:

Nachusa is about to make a big move.  We are excited to welcome Dr. Elizabeth Bach as our Nachusa Grasslands Ecosystem Restoration Scientist.

Bach will coordinate with external scientific partners, TNC staff, and stewardship volunteers to design and implement a high-impact research program that supports/enhances on-site management and restoration efforts while further developing Nachusa’s status as the premier site for tallgrass prairie restoration research.  She will oversee scientific surveys of endangered, threatened and unique plant and animal species at Nachusa Grasslands, collect and manage long-term monitoring data, and will be responsible for tracking and evaluating the results of multiyear research projects.  She will share findings with the relevant science community by publishing in peer-reviewed journals, attending conferences, workshops, etc. While primarily focused on science, she will also assist with prescribed fire, bison management, events, and engage with volunteer stewards, donors, neighbors, and the general public.

Elizabeth Bach received her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Iowa State University, M.Sc. in Plant Biology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), and B.A. from Cornell College, with honors.  Most recently, Elizabeth has served as Executive Director of the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative, housed at Colorado State University.  We think Elizabeth is a great fit for this new position and are excited to have her at Nachusa.

Elizabeth starts at the end of May.

Below is a recent photo of former and current Nachusa science researchers, including Elizabeth, at the Natural Areas Conference in Ft. Collins, CO in October 2017.  Pictured from left to right: Ben Wodika (Assistant Professor of Biology, Truman State University), Elizabeth Bach, Ryan Klopf (Mountain Region Steward, Virginia Natural Heritage Program, and Member of the Board of Directors, Natural Areas Association), Lewis Reed (Reserve Steward, UC Davis Bodega Marine Reserve), and Nachusa Project Manager Bill Kleiman.