STAFF
Nikki Janisin, Executive Director since October 2014. Before stepping into the Executive Director position, she served as the Program Director since 2008 and before that had been a summer environmental educator for two summers. Nikki is a graduate of UW-Eau Claire with a degree in Biology Education. She lives near Haugen where she resides with her husband Dan, son Joe and dog Pepperoni Spongebob (aka Pepper). When she is not hanging out at Hunt Hill, she spends her time taking her son on adventures, curling and crafting.
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, working with the volunteer Board of Directors, managing the financial and legal responsibilities of the organization, managing the staff, being the chief public relations person welcoming visitors, and speaking to groups.
What I enjoy the most about Hunt Hill: Hunt Hill holds such a special place in my heart. I have especially enjoyed hearing the stories of others who have been positively impacted by their experience here. I am inspired and motivated by our donor, Frances Andrews, who showed early insight to protection and education of the environment. Hunt Hill is a beautiful place with wonderful staff, volunteers, members and visitors and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.
Contact Nikki: [email protected]
Sage Dunham, Group Coordinator since 2019. Sage has been part of the Hunt Hill community since childhood. She was the Day Camp Director for two summers, an Environmental Educator for three summers, and a Junior Counselor for one summer. Sage graduated from St. Catherine University with a Masters in Elementary Education. On her days off, you may spot her playing guitar, needle felting, hiking the trails, or canoeing.
What does it mean to be the Group Coordinator of a nature center and sanctuary? As the Group Coordinator, my primary responsibilities are to schedule and coordinate with external groups that would like to come to Hunt Hill. I lead school field trips and coordinate the environmental educators at the field trips. I also manage facility rentals of the camp for a variety of different groups including Upward Bound camps, 4-H group outings, youth group retreats, college field experiences, wedding receptions, and family reunions.
What I enjoy the most about Hunt Hill: My favorite thing about Hunt Hill is that it provides many experiences for learning about the natural world. I have fond memories from my childhood of seeing butterflies come out of their chrysalises, catching frogs, and watching fireflies at Hunt Hill. It has been so fulfilling to come back and inspire the next generation of naturalists, especially those who would otherwise be tentative about interacting with the natural world. It is wonderful to see a person handle a spider, bug, or snake for the first time! Hunt Hill provides the community with a place to explore and connect with nature in lasting and memorable ways.
Contact Sage: [email protected]
Program Coordinator,
What does it mean to be the Program Coordinator of a nature center and sanctuary? As the Program Coordinator, my main responsibilities are to plan, promote, and coordinate all public events and programs for Hunt Hill, such as Beasts & Beer, Soup Lunch, Adult Spanish Camp, and more! I also manage seasonal summer staff and summer day camps for children.
What I am most looking forward to at Hunt Hill:
Contact: [email protected]
Sally Bartz, Office Manager since March 2014: has 3 kids, 4 grandchildren and a Westie named Jojo. She lives in Shell Lake where she enjoys quilting, being with family and friends, reading mysteries, and snowshoeing.
What does it mean to be Office Manager of a nature center and sanctuary? Major responsibilities include: Bookkeeping, office paperwork, greeting visitors, registration, maintaining email lists, tracking membership and much more.
What I enjoy the most about Hunt Hill: It’s such a beautiful setting for a job. I enjoy meeting the Hunt Hill’s members and campers, and listening to the kids having fun outside. I think it’s important for kids to learn to appreciate the outdoors. I know I feel a sense of peace come over me when I’m out in the woods. Its also a great bunch of people to work with.
Contact Sally: [email protected]
Mark Sauer, Head of Maintenance since March 2019, is a Sarona native who lives just up the road from Hunt Hill with his wife Julie. He has 3 children and 5 grandchildren. He enjoys many outdoor activities and volunteering with area groups and organizations. His grandmother and her siblings were actively involved with Frances Andrews during her Sarona days.
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.
What I enjoy the most about Hunt Hill: Being able to work in the beautiful preserved setting of Hunt Hill and to contribute to the history and heritage of the center and sanctuary at a time when facility and grounds improvements are being made possible by the many contributors and volunteers.
Will Bay, Assistant Maintenance joined our team in the spring of 2025.
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.
What I enjoy the most about Hunt Hill: As my comrades will attest, working at the Hunt Hill Nature Center isn’t something you “have” to do. It’s a “get” to do. For me, climbing a real ladder is much preferred to climbing the corporate ladder. Hunt Hill Nature Center has blessed me with a wonderful opportunity to blend my passion for the stewardship of land and the preservation of place.
Debbie Bouma, Cabin Coordinator has been prepping cabins, coordinating rentals, and offering great customer service to our cabin visitors since 2018.
What does it mean to be the cabin coordinator of two historic cabins? Major responsibilities include: managing listings on AirBnb, stocking the cabins with supplies, cleaning cabins, coordinating and accepting rental requests, and answering renter questions.
SUMMER STAFF
Anna Martin, Summer Environmental Educator: Hi! My name is Anna and I am a rising senior at UW Madison majoring in Environmental Studies and History. On campus I am involved in NAMA, Geology Club, and work at the UW Madison Geology Museum! In my spare time I love to read, hike, bake, and stay active. I am looking forward to working at Hunt Hill because I get to spend my summer outdoors and teaching and learning about the things I love!
Becca Jenny, Summer Environmental Educator: I am a rising Junior at The Ohio State University and am studying Environmental Policy and Decision Making with a specialization in Communication and Behavior Change. I am originally from Ohio and have lived there my whole life while spending summers up in Northern Wisconsin. I enjoy doing yoga, crocheting, water coloring, reading and drawing in my spare time. My favorite outdoor activity is canoeing; I have been on canoe trips that span from 7 days to 48 days (Camp Widjiwagan in Ely, MN). I chose Hunt Hill since it educates not only children but adults about the outdoors and helps people engage with their local environment. I am looking forward to exploring a new place this summer and meeting new people while making lifelong memories.
Emily Furman, Summer Environmental Educator: I’m Emily and I was born and raised in Duluth Minnesota. Now I go to school at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction CO as an environmental science major. I used to be a competitive gymnast and now I play on my school’s ultimate frisbee team and have started rock climbing! I also love doing other sports, going outside, reading, and having fun. I’m super excited to work at Hunt Hill because I want to share my passion and knowledge about nature and I love working with kids. I know it’s gonna be so fun!
PAST SUMMER STAFF PHOTOS
