The following are members of the Johnson County Conservation Board

Appointed: 01/01/20
Term expires: 12/31/29

Iowa City

 

Appointed: 01/01/21
Term expires: 12/31/25

North Liberty

Appointed: 01/01/18
Term expires: 12/31/27

Solon

Appointed: 01/01/17
Term expires: 12/31/26

Iowa City

Appointed: 1/1/25
Term expires: 12/31/28

Iowa City

Conservation Staff

Brad's Bio

It is my honor and privilege to be a part of the Johnson County Conservation Department and serve the citizens of Johnson County. I serve the Johnson County Conservation Board as the Director of the Conservation Department and I am the chief executive officer responsible for the planning, coordination, and directing all aspects of the Conservation Board program and department. I was selected to fill this position in 2025. Prior to that I held the position of Johnson County Conservation Program Manager. In this role I directed special projects and programs and supervised the Environmental Education Program. The special projects included significant trail development for Johnson County, I also served as the Johnson County Naturalist from 2002-2014. Following my graduation from Wartburg College, I held positions with numerous county conservation boards including serving five years as the Naturalist for the Pocahontas County Conservation Department.

I am a native of rural New Hampton Iowa where I grew up on a farm in southern Howard County with my parents, George and Julie and brother Jeff. I retain a great love for northeast Iowa and its resources. I keep busy spending time with my family and enjoying the outdoors anyway I can.

I currently reside in Coralville with my wife Tammy. We have five children, four adult boys who all still reside in Iowa and our daughter. I love attending their activities and spending time outdoors.

Conservation Program Manager Bio

Conservation Program Manager Bio

Operations Superintendent Bio

Operations Superintendent

Dave's Bio

Hi, I'm Dave Gustafson (aka Gus). I serve as the Assistant Operations Superintendent for the Conservation Board. I was made with pride on Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range. I began working for the Conservation Board in March of 2004.

I live in rural Williamsburg with my wonderful wife Laura and precious son Dayne.

Some of my duties with the Conservation Board include: maintaining the Kent Park wells, and the repair and maintenance of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, Geo Thermal and sanitary sewer systems. I'm also responsible for variety of construction projects.

On my days off I enjoy repairing power equipment, as well as spending time with Laura, Dayne and all of our animals. I hope to see you out enjoying the outdoors in one of the Johnson County Conservation Board Areas.

Charles' Bio

The Midwest is where I developed my love of the outdoors, and like so many in this field, spending time in the outdoors led to this career, and now a passion to protect it. I am fortunate that my passion and career have become one.

I started my career in conservation on the north side of Boone, Iowa many years ago. After Boone my career took me to north central Iowa for over a decade, where I am pleased to have added my wife Jenann and son Bo to this adventure. The outdoors and conservation is something we love to do together. In late 2012, early 2013, I think I made my final career stop, and maybe I’m partial, but my favorite and ongoing here in Johnson County. It’s this stop on the journey we call life that you find me and my family today.

What I enjoy most about working for Johnson County Conservation is being part of a dedicated staff that is committed to providing the best facilities and natural resources for the people to take in and enjoy. Outside of our staff I love the opportunity to help people. I want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and natural opportunities. At the end of the day that’s why I do what I do. I hope to see you soon in the great outdoors!

Aaron's Bio

I’m originally from Vinton, Iowa. Growing up I spent my free time hunting, fishing, and exploring our state’s public land with family and friends. These activities and memories sparked my passion for conservation and led me to attend Kirkwood Community College, where I obtained my AAS degree in Parks and Natural Resources and later Upper Iowa University, where I received a Bachelor’s degree in conservation management with a minor in criminal justice. Before starting with Johnson County Conservation, I was a seasonal park attendant for Linn County Conservation for several years and a park ranger intern for Poweshiek County Conservation.

During my free time I enjoy hunting upland game and turkey, fishing, hiking, and birding. Throughout the course of the year I hope to see you out in your county’s parks and natural areas enjoying a favorite outdoor activity of your own.

Jeremy's Bio

I'm originally from the Boone Area. I grew up on a farm and spent much of my youth in Ledges State Park where I gained much of my interest in the outdoors. I have a AAS degree in Parks and Natural Resources from Kirkwood Community College, and graduated from Upper Iowa University with a double major - Conservation Management and Life Science.

My duties include employing various methods to control a variety of invasive species such as: autumn olive, brush honeysuckle, multi-flora, rose, garlic mustard, wild parsnip, sweet clover, and reed canary grass to name a few. My other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, prairie trail maintenance, timber stand improvement (TSI), seed harvest, assisting with prescribed burns, prairie restoration/reconstructions and wetland reconstructions.

During my free time I enjoy mushroom hunting, hiking, camping, canoeing, playing disc golf, and fishing of any kind. Fly fishing has taken up most of my time on the water in recent years.

I hope to see you at F.W. Kent Park or enjoying one of the other JCCB areas.

Brad's Bio

I grew up in Dubuque Iowa where I graduated from Hempstead High School. After high school I joined the United States Navy and served from June 1995 to June 1999. I was trained as an Engineman and served on two separate ships in Auxiliary divisions.

After my discharge I worked at Sundown Mountain Ski Resort on chairlift and grounds maintenance. In 2001 I moved to Riverside Iowa to take a position with the City in Public Works. From there I went to the City of Cedar Rapids parks and Recreation Department then City of Iowa City Wastewater Treatment Plant moving up to the Senior Maintenance Worker position.

I still live in Riverside with my wife Misty and our three girls Anna, Katie and Emily.  I’m looking forward to this opportunity working with and for the Johnson County Conservation Board.

Josh's Bio

I was hired by the Johnson County Conservation Board in August 2020 as the mechanic for the department. As the mechanic I am responsible for keeping all the equipment maintained and running for the entire JCCB staff. This includes repairing and rebuilding everything from a weed eater to a backhoe, and anything in between. I also assist other staff members in other projects as needed.

I have four children; Lilly, Laney, Lincoln and Annie.  I like to spend my free time hunting, fishing and spending time with my family.

I hope you all enjoy the various parks and areas that the Johnson County Conservation Board has to offer. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work for the Johnson County Conservation Department.

Paul's Bio

I grew up on a farm in Northeast Iowa, where I learned to appreciate nature and enjoy the outdoors. The University of Iowa lured me to Iowa City, where I met my wife, Amy. Like so many others who found their way to the university, we never left town! We have been blessed with four amazing children, with whom we share our love of the land and outdoor activities. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Johnson County Conservation Board staff and to have the opportunity to work with the many talented people at Kent Park. I look forward to doing my part to make sure that everyone who visits our county parks has a great experience.

Mike's Bio

I am originally from rural Buchanan county, where I grew up hunting, fishing, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. I went to college at Loras in Dubuque, where I majored in Biological Research and studied Black Terns in Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas for my thesis.

I started my Natural Resource career working as a Biological Technician for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service on the Mississippi River, followed by work with Iowa DNR, Pheasants Forever, and lastly Conservation Districts of Iowa before coming to work at Johnson County Conservation.

My duties at Johnson County Conservation include helping the team restore and reconstruct native prairies and wetlands, control invasive species, manage tree plantings and conduct timber stand improvement, assist with prescribed fire, and continue the development and restoration of many of our newly-acquired properties.

During my free time I enjoy hunting ducks and pheasants with my Chesapeake Autumn, fishing and camping on the Mississippi River with my wife Kristina, and during the fall you will likely find me in a tree stand. I hope to see you out enjoying one of our outstanding areas Johnson County has to offer.

Kevin's Bio

I grew up in southwest Illinois on a 40-acre farm near the Mississippi River, and had a passion for fishing channel catfish, hunting waterfowl, and being out in the woods. This is where my love for the outdoors and understanding of the importance of conservation started.

I later went on to college and graduated from Hawkeye Community College with an Associate’s Degree, majoring in Natural Resources Management. I then went on to earn my Bachelor of Science Degree from Upper Iowa University, majoring in Conservation Management.

I have worked in the conservation field for the last five years. I worked in Hardin County as a natural resource seasonal employee for two summers, in Linn County as a park attendant and in Johnson County as a seasonal natural resource team member. I have also worked part-time for other agencies helping with timber stand improvement and prairie reconstruction for private landowners, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

I have been married for nine years to my wife Kelsey who has been nothing but supportive in this journey. We have three children, Cole, Cater, and Josie.

I am excited and looking forward to growing in this position with JCC and making positive changes in the world of conservation. I understand the benefits and lasting impacts that it will have, not only for my children, but for generations to come.

Blake's Bio

I grew up on an acreage in Parkersburg, Iowa. Upon graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Geography, I joined a wildland firefighting crew in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. I then spent the next two years working for various federal agencies including the National Park Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management as a hotshot firefighter. From here, I spent five years working for Hardin County Conservation working on the management of their prairies and woodlands.

My work at Johnson County focuses on the restoration of our county’s natural resources. Our projects often involve removing invasive plants like honeysuckle or autumn olive, as well as conducting prescribed burns through parks.

In my free time I enjoy backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing and hunting. I have a wonderful wife and two young boys and we can always be found enjoying the outdoors. Be sure to get out and enjoy some of the Johnson County parks for yourself.

Bio

I hope to see you at F.W. Kent Park or enjoying one of the other JCCB areas.

Dory's Bio

I am the Secretary/Office Manager for the Johnson County Conservation Board. I manage the office, provide administrative support and serve as the confidential Secretary to the Conservation Board.

I was born in Johnson County and enjoyed growing up in the rural areas of Janesville and Dysart, Iowa. Growing up I enjoyed riding horses and motorcycles. After living in the Quad Cities area for a short stint, I now live in North Liberty with my husband Keith. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and exploring the back roads of the country by motorcycle with my husband.

Ally's Bio

I’m originally from Muscatine, Iowa and moved to Johnson County in 2022. All my life I have truly loved the outdoors. I started deer and turkey hunting with my grandfather when I was about 13 years old and have continued ever since. Camping has also been a big part of my life with my family along the Cedar River just east of Conesville, IA. The outdoors has always been a huge part of my life and personality.

Originally when I started college, I wanted to go for Graphic Design but realized my time would be better spent in the outdoor/recreation field especially given the things in my childhood that connected me with nature. I now have a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration with a minor in Environmental Studies from Western Illinois University. Throughout college I interned with the Muscatine County Conservation Board. My goal has been since that experience to build a career with the local conservation organization and it is my pleasure to work in the office here at Johnson County Conservation and immerse myself in the environmental culture and share my passion of the outdoors in any way I can.

Kristen's Bio

I grew up on a farm up in northeast Iowa. I was lucky to have the whole countryside to explore, and spent many hours running through the forests and catching crawdads in the Cedar River. I was also lucky to get into adventure sports early in my life, and was started on backpacking, wilderness canoeing, and biking/bikepacking adventures as a kid on family trips. These experiences shaped me into a passionate conservationist and outdoor enthusiast, and guided me to later major in Environmental Science at Iowa State University. I spent a lot of time studying watershed science in school, and the topic of wetland, stream, and river health continues to be one of my main passions today. Before starting with Johnson County Conservation, I spent many years working as a backpacking guide/naturalist in New Mexico, working for a traveling restoration crew with The Nature Conservancy here in Iowa, in northern Idaho working for a watershed restoration organization, and up in northern Minnesota where I worked as a naturalist.

I've been a naturalist with Johnson County Conservation since 2015.  As a naturalist, I get to help connect people to the world around them, and I'm lucky that each day looks different. In my job, I lead elementary through high school fieldtrips, host adult educational programs, lead restoration-focused volunteer events, and get to organize and lead adventure programming, including backpacking trips, canoe/kayak ventures, campouts, bike trips, and more. I also get to create educational resources through artistry and craftswomanship, one of my favorite parts of an already cool job. 

In my free time, I'm either hiking with my dog and husband, cooking and processing a hoard of garden vegetables, working on my latest watercolor, on a backpacking or Boundary Waters trip, skiing anytime the snow falls, or reading a good book. 

Frances' Bio

I was born in Eastern Iowa, and spent my childhood catching frogs, searching for snakes, and finding fossils in the limestone gravel that surfaced our road. I loved exploring outside and I knew I wanted to help protect those outdoor spaces I enjoyed.

After graduating from the University of Dubuque in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science, I spent a summer with Dubuque County Conservation as a naturalist intern and worked at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. I spent a summer in New Jersey tracking turtles with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before I decided to get a Master of Science in Biology at Fort Hays State University, in Hays, Kansas. After I graduated again in 2014, I came back to Iowa and worked for Dickinson County Conservation and Cerro Gordo County Conservation before spending the last three years with Des Moines County Conservation as their Naturalist.

Now I have the pleasure of sharing my love of nature and outdoor recreation with the people of Johnson County. If you schedule a field trip, attend a public program, or just come out to Kent Park to explore you might meet me. When I’m not working I enjoy horseback riding, working on my climbing skills, and foraging for wild edibles. I am happiest when adventuring with my husband Tyler, our two daughters, and our two dogs Peanut and Biscuit.

Michelle's Bio

I grew up in Iowa City and developed a deep connection to nature as a young child. When school let out, my afternoons were spent playing in the woods or riding my bike until the sun went down. I was lucky enough to attend several area summer camps, including YMCA Camp Wapsie, where I became a summer camp counselor and eventually became the camp’s first female program director. My time as a camper and counselor at Wapsie gave me an early lesson in the positive impact a relationship with nature can have in a young person’s life and also how early exposure to nature can instill a conservation land ethic.

I earned my BSW from the University of Iowa. After graduating, I lived in northern California and worked with families experiencing homelessness and other trauma, often incorporating outdoor recreation in my work. I returned to the Midwest and earned my MSW from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. While in St. Louis, I became involved in the outdoor and experiential education community while working with the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis County Youth Programs, and the National Audubon Society. After moving back to Iowa City, I worked with the University of Iowa’s Iowa Youth Writing Project where I collaborated with Johnson County Conservation and the Iowa City Community School District to develop an immersive, multidisciplinary program called “Writing on the Environment.” I also worked for Iowa City’s Parks and Recreation Department overseeing communications and special events, including the Iowa City Farmers Market, and spearheading the development of programs such as the Get Outside! festival, the Native Plant Symposium, and Pollinator Park Prowl.

Amongst others, I have received training in the areas of Project WILD, Project WET, and BEETLES facilitation, Certified Interpretive Guide, and Missouri Master Naturalist. I am an advocate for community access to the mental and physical health benefits of connecting to the natural world and I am passionate about increasing access to outdoor recreation for historically marginalized communities and groups who have not previously felt welcome or safe in park spaces. My experience includes non-profit management; facilitating environmental education programs; grant writing and management; leading group hiking, biking, and kayaking tours; event planning and communications. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature with family and friends, gardening with native plants, and riding my bike.

Seth's Bio

I was born and raised in Johnson County, growing up 5 miles north of Kent Park on a beautiful acreage of prairie and wetlands. In my youth I enjoyed playing in the creek and swimming in "Duck Tails" pond next to the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area. I love driving tractors, go karts, mowers, dirt bikes, and anything else I could get stuck.

Prior to the Field Worker II position, my work experience included: Property Stewardship Specialist at Bur Oak Land Trust, City of Coralville Stormwater Technician, Amana Colonies Golf Club grounds crew, Amana Forestry Department, many positions at an inpatient psychiatric facility in Cedar Rapids, and (the most challenging of all) stay at home dad.

I currently reside at Cangleska Wakan with my wife Peggy and our three sons, Max, Bob, and Ted. You can find us outside on summer evenings catching fireflies, snakes, and frogs, racing bikes, and getting dirty! When I get free time I like to organize the annual Clear Creek cleanup, spend time on the water, skiing on a mountain, hunting, fishing, or working in my woodshop.

I have had the great opportunity of working with Mr. Dick Schwab during the transition of Cangleska Wakan to public land. His skill and work ethic is admirable. I am excited to steward this magnificent property for many years to come, and I look forward to introducing the community to this amazing Johnson County Conservation property.

Terry's Bio

I have been serving Johnson County residents as a staff member of the Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB) since 1989. My duties with the JCCB include working with other staff members to provide the maintenance and construction of facilities within JCCB areas. These duties are numerous and diverse from day to day. My duties can include, but are not limited to, harvesting prairie seed, building shelters, pouring concrete, trimming trees, construction/installing signage, and much more. I also supervise other field staff and seasonal employees to complete these tasks efficiently and to the highest of standards. The entire staff of the JCCB takes pride in the high quality work we provide to our county residents.

Away from work I enjoy spending time on my rural Oxford farm with my wife Stephanie. Our home is the same house in which I was born and raised. In our "spare" time we enjoy raising  a few cattle, miniature horses and working around the farm. Stephanie and I are members of the Iowa Miniature Horse Club.

Aside from our small farming operation and miniature horse business, I enjoy hunting deer and going trout fishing.

I enjoy working for the JCCB and hop that you enjoy visiting our fine parks.

Ben's Bio

My name is Ben Woltz. I am a Field Worker II with the Johnson County Conservation Board. I began working with the Board in 2013 as a seasonal employee and now find myself enjoying my work with Johnson County year round.

I grew up in Bremer County where I spent many days hunting and fishing along the Cedar River. My passion for the outdoors led me to a B.A. in Biology and Environmental Science from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. A few years later I returned to school and attained my M.S. in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota.

I take pride in the diversity of my experiences that have led me to where I am today. I have lived in Illinois, Minnesota (twice), Montana, and Washington State but Iowa has always called me back home where I currently live in Swisher, Iowa. I have worked for the National Park Service, Iowa DNR, and ISU county extension as well as multiple stints with the educational, business, and construction trades.

If I’m not at Kent Park, you may see me at one of the parks in southern Johnson County where I have been charged with maintaining the grounds and facilities at Hills Access, River Junction, Walker Park, and Scott Church. However, you will rarely find me at home. I love to travel (I have been to every state west of the Mississippi) and spend most of my free time finding new places to hike, camp, kayak, and fish with my family and friends. But there are also many special places here in Johnson County, so please, take time and enjoy all the opportunities out there.

Ed's Bio

I am the Trails Field Worker for the Johnson County Conservation Board. My duties include maintaining and caring for the trails in Johnson County but I also help take care of other JCCB properties when needed.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where I received a degree in Conservation. I chose the Conservation field because I wanted to work and help protect the beauty of our natural resources. I grew up on a small dairy farm outside Rice Lake, Wisconsin where I spent a lot of my time in the nearby Rusk County Forest where my love for the outdoors was born. I enjoy hunting whitetail deer, fishing for whatever bites, and exploring nature.

I look forward to meeting you and hop to see you out on the trails soon!

Alicia 's Bio

I grew up in Anamosa, Iowa where I would explore the woods and creek behind my house with my brother. My father would take me hiking and we would explore the area and identify flowers and birds. I have always had a passion for the outdoors and love staying active with activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and biking.  I continue with my lifelong interest with plants and animals and have a home full of both.  When I am not working or enjoying the outdoors, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, or building/crafting.

I graduated from Kirkwood with Parks and Natural Resources and I am currently working on a degree in Rangeland Sciences on-line. I was active with natural resources groups in my college and would attend many events and conferences.  This is where I gained most of my certifications related to conservation. I have a diverse work history with Jones County Conservation as a Naturalist Intern, garden center employee with Forevergreen, the US Army Corps of Engineers as a seasonal park ranger, and with the Johnson County Conservation Board.

I am happy to be working in beautiful Johnson County as a Field Worker at Two Horse Farm and put my passion for conservation into my everyday work.  I have witnessed what can happen with consistent hard work and love to see the results.  I had the wonderful opportunity to work with the Melloys and learn so much on the abundant history and what it takes to manage this beautiful property. Johnson County has many wonderful places, come check them out!

Gabe's Bio

Gabe's Bio

Natalie's Bio

My hometown is Williamsburg, Iowa. As far back as I can remember my Dad and I would spend time fishing, hunting pheasants, mushroom hunting or anything outdoors. One of my favorite things about pheasant hunting has been our hunting dogs. We have had a Viszla, Brittany and a German Shorthair Pointer, all of which were great dogs with unique hunting styles. We also spend many days afield fishing walleye and crappie.

My love of the outdoors led me to study Parks and Natural Resources at Kirkwood Community College followed by a pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation Management at Upper Iowa University. 

I’ve enjoyed internships with Colorado Parks and Wildlife working as a sworn Park Ranger and Maintenance Technician for two summers. I also interned with the Butler County Conservation Board as a Naturalist.

I began my full time career here with Johnson County Conservation where I worked as a seasonal on the Natural Resource Management crew. I was hired initially as the Custodian in Kent Park and have since begun a new position with Johnson County Conservation as a Natural Resource Management Technician, I am very excited to grow my career here at Johnson County Conservation. Kent Park and all of its affiliated properties continue to be well-maintained and I am very proud to be associated with all of them.

 

Tim's Bio

Hello, my name is Tim Kurt. I was born and raised in south central Wisconsin in the town of Sun Prairie. As a child, my family vacations took us to northern Wisconsin where I discovered the joys of fishing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. As I grew older, I would go on long hikes through ice age made trail that Wisconsin has an abundance of. I eventually met my wife Sarah and moved to western Iowa. There I had the opportunity to explore Iowa's gem, the Loess Hills. I also got my start in this field of work by working for the Nebraska and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. Sarah's career as a podiatrist brought us to Iowa City. I was hired as a seasonal for multiple years before I accepted this full time position as a Natural Resource Management Technician. I hope to spend some good years in Johnson County improving the natural areas of this county.

Sabrina's Bio

I grew up in northwest Indiana's suburbs of Chicago where I studied geology at Indiana University Northwest. I started gaining field experience while assisting with water quality research in the Lake Michigan watershed. Two research projects kept me outdoors - water quality and deer trail tracking - and this is when my love for field work was born.

Next, I made my way to Iowa where I found my first opportunity working in the field as a natural resource seasonal technician with Johnson County Conservation. After that concluded, I found my next opportunity as a Soil Health and Water Project Coordinator for Poweshiek County. As a project coordinator I learned all about how conservation plays a role in agriculture and that I really don't like the smell of freshly applied chicken poop. So, I made my return to Johnson County Conservation as a seasonal for one more season until I was hired as a full-time Natural Resource Technician. I'm excited to be here and looking forward to contributing to county conservation!