.png)
STAFF DIRECTORY
Meet The Team
Jennifer Glad
Executive Director
Jennifer oversees the day-to-day activities of the Organization while securing funding in order to execute the Council's directives and support future efforts of the Organization to further our mission. Jennifer supports our team by helping develop new projects and new partnerships. She works on team recruitment, training, grant writing/administration, coordinating outreach, and more!
(715) 343-6215 Ext. 701
Amy Thorstenson
Advising Director
Amy assists the Executive Director in managing the operational functions of the business. Amy takes on administrative, HR, PR, or project oversight duties and activities as needed to execute the Council’s directives and achieve the mission of the organization. Amy also works with native milfoil weevils, a biological control agent for invasive Eurasian watermilfoil.
(715) 346-1264 Ext. 702
Denise Hilgart
Administrative Manager
Finance Director
Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator
Denise researches, tracks, and implements Administrative Business Functions and Financial Business practices to include implementation and training of administrative staff and Council Members. Denise supports Grazing staff and projects by sharing current Sustainable Agriculture opportunities and practices.
(715) 343-6217 Ext. 703
Carmen Wolfe
Marketing/PR Coordinator
Carmen works with Golden Sands RC&D where she brings creativity and strategy together to drive impactful campaigns and strengthen the organization’s brand presence. Carmen excels at crafting engaging narratives and building meaningful connections with target audiences. Her approach emphasizes clear communication, innovation, and a commitment to fostering strong community relations.
(715) 343-6215 - Ext. 716
Amanda Gurklis
Environmental Educator and Outreach Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
Amanda coordinates environmental education activities for area schools through various county and grant-funded projects. Amanda is also an Administrative Assistant and assists the Administrative Manager and Executive Director with various administrative tasks that need to be completed.
Don't know who to contact? Contact one of our Administrative Assistants.
(715) 343-6215 Ext. 710
Nathan Sandwick
Team Resource Leader
Nathan is part of our administrative team. He works out of our Stevens Point headquarters to support our project and affiliate staff in their work and help with our staff's professional development. Additionally, Nathan performs grant writing and grant administration duties, fundraising, and outreach for our organization.
(715) 343-6215 - Ext. 717
David Smith
Program Support Specialist
David works in joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. David is based out of the Baraboo NRCS Service Center. He gathers data and provides administrative support to the staff and producers by utilizing applicable survey tools, planning software and assisting with data collection.
(608) 581-3010
Morgan Jansen
GIS Specialist
Morgan works in joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and NRCS to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the easement provisions of the Farm Bill. Morgan is based out of the NRCS State Office in Madison. Morgan provides conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers and landowners across the state of Wisconsin.
(608) 893-3356
Brooke Patrick
Grazing Specialist, TSP
Brooke provides technical assistance, follow-ups on existing managed grazing plans, develops educational events, and writes new managed grazing plans for producers. Providing these services gives this position a chance to interact with new and experienced grazing farmers to continue promoting the practice of sustainable grazing and continue conversations as grazing practices evolve.
Kristin McAdow
Managed Grazing Specialist
Kristin provides technical assistance, follow-ups on existing managed grazing plans, develops educational events, and writes new managed grazing plans for producers. Providing these services gives this position a chance to interact with new and experienced grazing farmers to continue promoting the practice of sustainable grazing and continue conversations as grazing practices evolve.
(715) 343-6215 - Ext. 715
Asher Maliepaard
Regenerative Agriculture Specialist
Asher is responsible for developing and implementing agricultural initiatives that align with partner goals to be environmentally friendly, including climate-smart agriculture and reducing runoff from agricultural lands within the Great Lakes Basin by promoting sustainable agriculture methods, such as managed grazing. Asher develops and facilitates outreach and education efforts in the region to increase soil quality and productivity for producers.
(715) 343-6215 - Ext. 705
Shala Pence
Resource Conservationist
Shala works in joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Shala is based out of the NRCS State Office in Madison. Shala provides conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers and landowners across the state of Wisconsin.
(608) 982-1358
Adam Skadsen
Soil Conservation Technician
Adam works in joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Adam is based out of the Stevens Point NRCS Service Center and gathers data and provides technical support to the producers by utilizing applicable survey tools, planning software and assisting with data collection.
(715) 346-1313 Ext. 3815
Robert Bauer
Grazing Specialist/
Resource Conservationist
Robert works in a joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and Wisconsin NRCS to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Robert is based out of the Viroqua NRCS Service Center and provides conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers located in Vernon and Monroe Counties and Southwest Wisconsin.
(608) 637-2183 Ext. 218
Nichole Kirk
Urban Conservation Specialist
Nichole works in joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and NRCS to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Nichole is based out of the Madison NRCS State Office and promotes urban conservation through agricultural based practices and works with a wide variety of producers to educate the public on conservation practices and funding opportunities for urban producers.
(608) 851-0928
.jpg)
Erin Richards
Community Gardens Field Manger
Erin works in a joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D; The Giving Gardens, a project of the Hunger and Poverty Prevention Partnership of Portage County; and Central Rivers Farmshed's Growing Collective to improve and expand the community garden projects of all three partners on multiple project sites around Portage County including Golden Sands RC&D's two neighborhood gardens in the City of Stevens Point.
(715) 343-6215 - Ext. 711
Brady Albers
Soil Conservationist
Brady works in joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Brady is based out of the Green Lake NRCS Service Center and gathers data and provides technical support to the producers by utilizing applicable survey tools, planning software and assisting with data collection.
(920) 294-6474 - Ext. 3
Ben Babcock
Soil Conservationist
Ben works in joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Ben is based out of the Westfield NRCS Service Center and gathers data and provides technical support to the producers by utilizing applicable survey tools, planning software and assisting with data collection.
(608) 297-0989
Thor Gustafson
Soil Conservationist
Thor works in joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Thor is based out of the Prairie du Chien NRCS Service Center and gathers data and provides technical support to the producers by utilizing applicable survey tools, planning software and assisting with data collection.
(608) 326-7179 - Ext. 103
Claire Harwood
Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator
Claire assists with terrestrial invasive species mapping and control efforts across the landscape and educates citizens on identification as well as best management practices for removing invasive species from their lands. The Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the Northeast Wisconsin Invasives Partnership (NEWIP), which assists both public and private entities in invasive species management efforts.
(715) 343-6215 - Ext. 707
Jacob Fluur
Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator
Jacob assists with terrestrial invasive species mapping and control efforts across the landscape and educates citizens on identification as well as best management practices for removing invasive species from their lands. The Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the Central Wisconsin Invasives Partnership (CWIP), which assists both public and private entities in invasive species management efforts.
(715) 343-6215 Ext. 713
Bo Hendrickson
Habitat Restoration Technician
Bo works in a joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and the US Fish & Wildlife Service to focus on restoring and enhancing habitat for the Monarch Butterfly, Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Karner Blue Butterfly, and Poweshiek Skipperling. Through collaboration of respectable and proven conservation organizations, Bo's focus is on the restoration and enhancement of both private and public lands.
(715) 343-6215 - Ext. 706
Chris Hamerla
Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator
Chris provides education through informational booths and presentation at various events and with groups, such as Lake Associations. The aquatic invasive species (AIS) Coordinator trains others on identification and monitoring strategies of AIS as well as leading monitoring and verification efforts. Our AIS Coordinators also complete professional services, such as aquatic plant inventory surveys, and more.
(715) 343-6215 Ext. 704
Mara Lince
Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator
Mara provides education through informational booths and presentation at various events and with groups, such as Lake Associations. The aquatic invasive species (AIS) Coordinator trains others on identification and monitoring strategies of AIS as well as leading monitoring and verification efforts. Our AIS Coordinators also complete professional services, such as aquatic plant inventory surveys, and more.
(715) 343-6215 - Ext. 714
Andrew Senderhauf
Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator
Andrew provides education through informational booths and presentation at various events and with groups, such as Lake Associations. The aquatic invasive species (AIS) Coordinator trains others on identification and monitoring strategies of AIS as well as leading monitoring and verification efforts. Our AIS Coordinators also complete professional services, such as aquatic plant inventory surveys, and more.
(715) 343-6215 Ext. 708
Sebastian Rueth
Forestry Steward Intern
Sebastian works with the Taylor County Forestry & Recreation Department as a seasonal Forestry Steward Intern to collect forest data, implement forestry practices, and manage invasive species. Sebastian will also conduct plot measurements of tree saplings and seedlings, perform data entry, plan plot visits, and install and maintain deer enclosure units.
Squirt the Turtle
Office Support Turtle
Squirt, our Office Support Turtle and beloved office pet, provides an educational opportunity for kids and adults alike through his role as an exhibit at the Central WI Children's Museum, where he has been a fixture for the last decade. Squirt recently moved downstairs and is temporarily stationed at the Golden Sands RC&D office while the Children's Museum is making improvements and changing out exhibits. Squirt loves people (especially kids) and is very animated and friendly. There are no strangers to Squirt, only friends he hasn't met yet!