Catching Nature

Bruce Blake spent much of his childhood playing outside. But he credits an aunt with teaching him to appreciate nature.

Petra Sliwiak knew she had to change her life. At 40 years old she faced myriad health issues, suffered from depression and couldn’t sleep

I’m originally from Washington state, having lived in both a rural area, near the hills and rivers of the Cascade Mountains, and urban Seattle. I moved to the Chicago region for work.

Kathy and I are both retired, but we like to remain active. We each volunteer for various organizations both together and individually. Most of these organizations are nature focused.

Connie Schmidt Outdoor enthusiast I have lived in Warrenville in DuPage County since 1982, raising two children with my husband Michael. We board horses and have chickens, dogs and multiple garden areas. I love my wildflower garden in the spring, cultivate perennial veggies as well as the traditional annual varieties in the summer, and enjoy awesome autumn color in my native prairie area in my front yard.

They come from all walks of life, but they bond over their common love of exercise, the great outdoors and nature.

Lynn Degnan grew up in Wisconsin with a cross-country ski trail right out her back door.

Annette McNeely Combines love of dogs, snow and nature  I started dogsledding in 2003 when I adopted a Siberian Husky and had no idea what I was in for. Reo was eating my house. After doing some research on husky behavior, I learned they are an energetic dog that needs to run.

Chuck Kelly Rekindling a love of nature  I have always enjoyed being outside but have really made an effort over the past 10 years or so to spend as much time outdoors as possible. In addition to working and volunteering with the District, outdoor activities for me include gardening, walking our dog and riding my bike.

Janet Lawrence Nature explorer, volunteer  I live in Naperville with my husband and have three young adult kids. My youngest just started his freshman year at college, so we are new empty nesters! I spent the last 25 or so years volunteering as much as I could with Naperville Community School District 203 and other spots around town. This past spring I began a regular shift as a volunteer animal keeper at the District’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.