BiographyDavid graduated with a B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Delaware. He is married to Alice King, retired principal of Avon Elementary School in Avon, IL. They have two children: Jamie King of Bloomington, IL and Stephan King of Chapel Hill, NC. When he isn't at the office, you will most likely find David officiating softball at the high school and collegiate level. He also rarely misses a morning workout at the pool. For more information about his life's work and legacy at Prairie Hills, see his resume below.
2011 – Present Executive Director of Prairie Hills Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. During his time with PHRCD David has completed 678 projects valued at over 57 million dollars. Additionally, he created and founded the following organizations:
1986 – 2011 Resource Conservation and Development Coordinator for PHRCD and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Serving: eleven counties in West Central IL Responsibilities: Grant writing and administration, project planning and implementation, and coordination of rural development initiatives. David retired after 36 years of federal service in July of 2011. 1977 -1986 District Conservationist for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Serving: Tazewell County VA and Santa Rosa, Baker, & Union Counties FL Responsibilities: Implementing USDA farm conservation programs; survey, plan, and design of various conservation practices for farm operations and rural communities. |
Executive Director RolesThe Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the management of diverse and complex programs ranging from rural development, economic development/re-development, and natural resources. Prairie Hills and its subsidiary, Prairie Land Conservancy, are accredited land trusts. The ED assists Prairie Hills and its divisions (Prairie Land Conservancy, Small Business Loan, Brownfields, and the Macomb Community Garden) to carry out the goals and objectives address in the Corporation's Strategic Plan.
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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BiographyKirsten began her conservation career maintaining hiking trails in the Klamath National Forest in partnership with the Student Conservation Association. Since then, she has gained experience building mountain bike trails on Department of Natural Resources land in Washington State, has done wilderness monitoring reports with the Flathead National Forest Service, and maintained trails in Glacier National Park.
Some of her most valuable career experience was with the City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation team as Restoration Coordinator. Her most creative career opportunities were with Meadows Montessori as Horticultural Lead where she was able to lead nature classes with students. Her favorite projects through her career have involved building a boardwalk for a bike trail, leading a city waste mitigation program, and creating a Children’s Herb Labyrinth for students. She enjoys her personal time too, whether harvesting or processing food, getting crafty, or hiking in green spaces. Here, she is excited to coordinate stewardship amongst PLC’s green spaces. Concurrently, she is interested in exploring with PLC’s community what active stewardship and restoration look like. Come join her in the field at a PLC event! |
Stewardship Coordinator RolesThe Stewardship Coordinator (SC) leads the stewardship, maintenance, and restoration of the PLC preserves and private wildlands. By utilizing sustainable management techniques and strong initiative the SC assists in the preservation and enhancement of forests, prairies, wetlands, and other natural areas in west central IL.
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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BiographyVickie graduated from Culver-Stockton College with a B.S. in Biology and Western Illinois University with an M.S. in Biology. She started teaching at the collegiate level in 2008 in Biology and Environmental Science. Currently she is in the final stages of her PhD in Large River Ecosystems. She resides in Carthage, IL, with her children. When not in the office, she can often be found leading local cub scout groups in her area.
Professionally, Vickie has worked with young adults from freshman year through graduate school programs. Her research interests are in wetland water quality and ecosystems, animal behavior, and vertebrate anatomical development. She brings a strong skill set in scientific inquiry and education that will help to document the stewardship and successes of our properties, provide support for additional grants and continue our strong community relationships. |
Program Coordinator RolesThe Program Coordinator (PC) supports multiple programs within PHRCD/PLC in varying capacitates. The PC develops and implements programs that align with the mission and goals of PLC including community education and outreach, fundraising, grant management, and volunteer management.
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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