Staff
Storme Nelson, Executive Director since 2002, and his wife Dawn live in the woods between Shell Lake and Siren, WI. They have four grown children and three grandchildren. Dawn works as office manager of the new Edward Jones Investments office in her hometown of Siren.
What does it mean to be the executive director of a nature center and sanctuary? Major responsibilities include: guiding the short and long-term plans for Hunt Hill to fulfill the wishes of Frances Andrews (original donor of the property); working with the volunteer Board of Directors; keeping a good working relationship with the National Audubon Society; managing the financial and legal responsibilities of the organization; managing the staff; being the chief public relations person welcoming visitors; speaking to groups; and developing new partnerships with outside organizations.
What I enjoy about Hunt Hill is the peaceful setting; the terrific natural resources; the diverse programs – always something new to learn; the deep concern for our environment; but most of all – the people. This family feeling is what really makes Hunt Hill special – the warmth and caring of our members and staff, the wonderful visitors (so full of questions!); and especially the volunteers who have cheerfully worked so hard for so many years.
Karen Kress, Office Manager As Office Manager I enjoy greeting folks on the phone and as they come into the office. Managing our database that includes information about our members, volunteers, donors and program participants keeps me informed about the people who interact with each other at Hunt Hill. Keeping up with program registrations and sending out information to campers, doing payroll and paying bills, filing, setting up the program guide and newsletters, generating the numbers for the annual report…keeping the office running smoothly are all part of the job. For the last three years I have taken over management of the Nature Store and it is lots of fun browsing through all the possibilities of what to stock and helping folks find what they want in the store.
What I enjoy the most is the dozens and dozens of excited, engaging people who come to enjoy the sanctuary and the programs we have to offer…along with the learning challenges that I come across in this job. The people I work with here – staff and volunteers both – plus the work of maintaining a sanctuary and the opportunity of providing environmental education fulfill my idea of a perfect work environment.
Larry and Colette Piskie, Maintenance, have been keeping Hunt Hill immaculate since the Spring of 2000. Native to Illinois, the couple fell in love with the area and now live on Long Lake 9 months out of the year and then ‘fly south’ for some much needed rest before they return for the busy season.
What does it mean to be the maintenance crew of a nature center and sanctuary? Major responsibilities include: all maintenance work, general cleaning, landscaping, and facilities improvements at Hunt Hill as assigned by the Executive Director and Board of Directors of the Friends of the Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary, Inc.
What we enjoy about Hunt Hill: We welcome the opportunity to work in the outdoors with nature. Both of us enjoy talking with visitors about the special resources available at Hunt Hill. We are continually learning about wildlife and experiencing it firsthand. Being employed at Hunt Hill provides us with an opportunity to grow personally while having a hand in local land and wildlife preservation. We are advocates for the Hunt Hill buildings, lands, flora and fauna. There is great enjoyment for us in the participation of a dedicated young organization as it continues to grow and reach out to more people right in our neighborhood.
Nikki Nelson, Program Director since 2008, is a local from the booming metropolis known as Cameron (!). She currently lives in Sarona with her boyfriend, Dan, and their notorious puppy, Ruger.
What does it mean to be the program director of a nature center and sanctuary? Major responsibilities include: coordinating, planning, promoting, scheduling, conducting and evaluating all programs; hiring and training staff and volunteers; developing yearly program guide with guidance from the program committee; creating educational programs to meet our visitor’s needs; and to welcome guests to Hunt Hill.
What I enjoy about Hunt Hill: The PEOPLE! I work with the most wonderful group of people; staff, volunteers, program participants and resource people. Their enthusiasm, support and overall great attitudes make Hunt Hill such a fun place to work. It also doesn’t hurt that I am in one of the most unique and beautiful places in the whole wide world (no bias).
Summer Staff for 2009 includes:
Head Cook:
Ava Gustafson Ava grew up in Westchester New York and now lives in Spooner Wisconsin with her husband. Her passion for cooking began at age 16 and has continued to grow since then. When she’s not cooking, she enjoys running, camping, fishing and gardening. Eventually she would like to own her own catering company and local market.
Environmental Educators:
Pahoua Lee (LLPA Intern) In May, I graduated with a BS in English and Biology. My love of biology actually grew from my interest in plants, and now I am passionate about environmental education so I’m very excited to be working at Hunt Hill. Last summer, I worked as a Naturalist Intern at Point Beach State Forest along Lake Michigan, which remains one of my most rewarding experiences. Some of my hobbies include biking, hiking, camping, and canoeing. I also have two cats that I spend much of my time with. The most beautiful place I ever travelled to is San Salvador, Bahamas, but Grand Teton National Park will always have my heart. I look forward to a career in environmental education, as well as graduate school in either environmental education or technical communications.
Kelly Winum I’m a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, with a degree in Conservation. I’m originally from Milwaukee but have come to love living in a rural atmosphere as River Falls has become my second home. The summer of 2007 was life-changing for me. While in Japan I realized my love for teaching children and decided to pair that with my love for the preservation of the earth.
I hope to one day become a program director for a non-profit organization. In my opinion these organizations are doing the largest amount and the most relevant work to give the public a new respect for the environment.
I’m thrilled to be a part of Hunt Hill this summer and hope for another life-changing summer! I’m excited to meet you so come introduce yourself!
Elizabeth Shmikler My name is Elizabeth. I am a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth majoring in Psychology and Outdoor Education and Recreation. I love the outdoors, particularly water sports, skiing, and bird identification. My most recent adventure was a sea-kayaking trip in the Everglades. I am passionate about environmental education and making the world a better place. I am so excited to meet everyone and have a great summer!
Kyle Green My name is Kyle James Green, I’m 19 yrs. old. I’ve lived all over the US. In high school I was in wrestling, cross-country and football. I was a state competitor in Future Business Leaders of America two years. I love to bow hunt as well as fish and hunt. I’m working towards getting my pilot’s license. Currently I’m attending school at Minnesota State University-Mankato. I have two older and two younger sisters and one younger brother. I went to high school at Chetek High. My summers are usually spent working construction with my grandparents in Mille Lacs, Minnesota. After graduation I hope to either get some type of pilot job or travel overseas to pursue a business career. I enjoy running, cooking, and dancing. I’m always excited to try new experiences and can’t wait to get to work this summer!
Park Taylor Hi, my name is Park! I have been working at Hunt Hill as a spring educator now for two seasons. After a career working behind the scenes in motion pictures and television shows, I decided to move up to the Northwoods. I have had a lifelong love of nature and have greatly enjoyed working with the youth at Hunt Hill. It’s a perfect combination!
Summer Staff 2009: L to R – Elizabeth Shmikler, Kyle Green, Ruger, Nikki Nelson, Colette Piskie, Storme Nelson, Park Taylor, Kelly Winum, Ava Gustafson, Pahoua Lee, Karen Kress and Larry Piskie.
Summer Staff 2008: L to R – Storme Nelson, Cody Myers, Bailey Woodruff, Colette Piskie, Larry Piskie, Jessica Pettersson, Nikki Nelson, Jillian Bjorklund, Karen Kress, Amber Mealman, Eric Severson
