Barb Barzen
Community Conservation Specialist
Education
B.S. in Biology, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
B.S. in Education (Independently Designed Program), University of Minnesota
Certified to teach Life Science – Grades 7-12
Primary Responsibilities
Coordinates the Lowery Creek Watershed Initiative
Coordinates development of the Driftless Trail
Plans our Field Trip Program
Seeks funding for all of the above
Past Jobs & Experience
After starting her career working a variety of environmental education jobs, Barb became the first staff person at the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. She spent 28 years there developing programs that raise money and awareness for Wisconsin’s rare species, State Natural Areas, citizen science and environmental education programs, bird conservation, and more. She is a long-time volunteer with the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council in Sauk City and is helping to develop the Sauk County Conservation Network, which aims to strengthen connections among the area’s conservation community and the public.
Favorite thing about the Driftless Area
"I love the character of the landscape and its people and communities. They are all unique, resilient, resourceful, beautiful ... and are both challenged and strengthened by this landscape."
Hobbies & Interests
Outside of the office, you will find Barb going for long walks, photographing nature (she especially loves macro photography), knitting, birding, restoring the savanna she and her husband (Jeb) are restoring, and attempting to play the ukulele.
