Cindy Becker
Southern Driftless Grasslands Project Manager
Education
B.S. in Natural Resource Conservation, Rutgers University
M.S. in Forest Ecology, University of Missouri – Columbia
Primary Responsibilities
Southern Driftless Grasslands is a diverse partnership of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders with a mission of actively supporting the conservation of grasslands in Southwest Wisconsin to benefit the region’s wildlife, water, farms, and communities. We envision Southwestern Wisconsin to be a place rich with healthy grasslands, successful working farms, clear flowing streams, diverse wildlife, and people who value and enjoy this landscape. DALC is a contributing member of the partnership.
The Southern Driftless Grasslands (SDG) Project Manager (PM) has two key functions:
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Serves as the “conservation liaison” to landowners and land managers in the project area, connecting them to technical and financial assistance within the partnership project area. that can help them establish and attain grassland conservation goals;
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Coordinates the partnership, promoting awareness of SDG to the public, welcoming new partners, and building funding capacity.
Past Jobs & Experience
Early in her career Cindy worked as a botanical consultant, assessing natural communities for invasive plants and rare plant species for the Missouri Department of Conservation, US Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy. In moving to Wisconsin in 2008, she transitioned from research and monitoring on public lands to landowner engagement and private lands restoration. Cindy jointly worked as the Blue Mounds Area Project Outreach Ecologist and co-operated a small restoration business, Nature’s Keeper Services.
Favorite thing about the Driftless Area
"The Driftless Area is filled with subtle wonders that force exploration. I enjoy seeking out and exploring obscure small natural areas and public lands. Within this working landscape are opportunities to preserve and protect nature all around us."
Hobbies and Interests
Cindy cherishes time outdoors, and in her spare time, can be found hiking, foraging, or botanizing, with a dog by her side. She loves to grow and share food and flowers from her garden. Cindy is also passionate about exercise and in the process of getting her yoga teacher certification.
