Connections to Conservation

Rich and Laurie Mattas

For Rich and Laurie Mattas, a connection to nature has transformed into a labor of love. This dynamic couple has volunteered precious time, talent, and energy, all to promote the same appreciation for the outdoors that they both share.

As a child, Rich was fortunate to spend summers in the country by the Chain-O-Lakes in northeastern Illinois. His family had a summer cottage that lacked TV, radio, and phonograph. Rich spent every day there outdoors. Whether alone or with friends, there were an infinite number of things to do to get into trouble, which meant having fun! As the "child is the father to the man," those summers as a child fashioned a lifelong curiosity, interest, and appreciation for the natural world.

Laurie grew up in southern Connecticut, where she enjoyed spending her summers either at the beach or at the nearby park. In winter she loved to ice skate at the local pond. Growing up she instinctively knew that she connected to the outdoors. In the 7th grade Laurie remembers taking an interest survey that helped to determine what you should be when you grow up. Her results told her she should become a forest ranger!

When this couple came to Jo Daviess County in the 1980's, they had the sense that this was the place where they should be. As they learned more about the area and began to realize the uniqueness of its environment and cultural history, it was only natural for them to get involved with group that tie to the outdoors.

Today, Rich and Laurie donate hundreds of hours of volunteer service to further the mission of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. Their most recent projects include Camp Casper for kids and eagle watching tours at Lost Mound. They have also taught kids about the wonders of insects and praire plants, presented to large groups about the efforts of JDCF, and helped out with technical assistance in the JDCF office.

Conservation Guardians of Northwest Illinois

A Division of JDCF

Conservation Connection Overview and Index

In Jo Daviess County Rich and Laurie first became a part of the Natural Area Guardians. Rich remembers a suggestion that he and Laurie go on a Guardian-sponsored bird count. The couple enjoyed it so much that they've missed only a few counts since then.

In 2003 Rich was approached by Julie Bruser, then JDCF Executive Director, and by Julie Moor, a JDCF Board member, about getting involved with the JDCF.

"Volunteering was an easy decision to make," Rich said, "since protecting this area for future generations is most important to Lauri and me."

This talented couple finds joy in connecting people to the land that they have both come to cherish — and in going above and beyond, every chance they get, to support the important conservation work of JDCF.