Alex Wenthe, Owner/Ecologist. I started at Quercus as a technician after graduating from UW-Madison with a degree in Biological Aspects of Conservation. Working with Jim, I gained valuable on-the-job training and found a passion for ecological restoration. After a few years, I made the tough decision to leave Quercus and work for the WDNR State Natural Areas Program. Alongside a team of other passionate biologists, I helped preserve and restore high quality natural areas around the state. A few years later, I was tasked with coordinating a new program within the WDNR, coined the “Landowner Lottery”. In this role, I traveled around Wisconsin and provided ecological restoration and rare species management advice to private landowners (not a bad gig!). Inspired by all the dedicated colleagues and landowners I had met, I returned to UW-Madison to complete a master’s degree in Ecological Restoration with the Department of Botany. In 2018, I returned to Quercus as an Ecologist and felt like I never left (except for trying to find tools in the new shop). Being fortunate to practice ecological restoration in many different settings, public, private, and academic, it is clear to me that Quercus is a unique company. I am proud to be a part of it.
Ecological restoration has transcended into my personal life as well. It has taught me that we all live together on a beautiful planet, full of unbelievable things, and we are more connected to these things than we may ever know. So when I’m not working, I enjoy traveling to new places and experiencing whatever the world has to offer alongside my lovely wife, Tori, and two sons, Ollie and Max.
Jim Elleson, Founder. When I started Quercus Land Stewardship Services in 2003, I wanted to contribute in a concrete way to improving the health of the land. I also thought it would be great to be able to provide some local employment opportunities. I didn’t really think about where I’d be two decades later. If I had, I wouldn’t have imagined that my little company would have over two dozen capable, professional staff, that we’d have helped hundreds of landowners take care of thousands of acres, and that I’d be happily retired, still serving as a senior advisor while pursuing my other projects.
I love seeing the impact that Quercus has had on customers’ properties, I’m proud of the dedicated, professional crew who make it happen, and I’m thankful to have an able successor steering the ship. Since taking over ownership in 2020, Alex has done a great job continuing to grow the company while establishing a solid foundation to support its employees and customers well into the future.
Brittany Pierpont, Vice President. I received my Bachelor’s in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Conservation and Resource Management from Carroll University. I have been with Quercus since 2012 and have advanced training in Wildland Fire management. I enjoy restoring Wisconsin’s native ecosystems and seeing the transformation each site goes through as well as communicating with landowners to discuss their goals and the potential their land has. One of my favorite things is discovering hidden gems like uncommon plants, birds, and incredible rock outcroppings. When I am not working, you can find me on the landscape enjoying the Driftless area dreaming about the potential of restoration everywhere I go. My favorite activity is trail riding and horse camping with my trusty steed, Smokey.
Jake Michaels, Field Ecologist. I joined the Quercus crew in 2013. I graduated from Carroll University where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Working with Quercus has afforded me some invaluable experiences and advanced training in Wildland Fire management. I’m grateful to be employed in a field that allows me to direct my passion for Nature into a productive purpose. When I’m not working I spend time outside enjoying the fruits of our daily labor at a slower pace. I also enjoy a variety of water and snow sports, and I’m especially fond of wind-driven activities.
Bill Ishmael, Prescribed Burn Specialist (seasonal). I joined Quercus in 2016 following my retirement from the WI-DNR where I worked for 30 years as a Wildlife Biologist, primarily in SW Wisconsin. I received a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology (1979) and Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology (1984) from UW-Madison and am a Certified Wildlife Biologist with The Wildlife Society. I have extensive experience in wildlife population ecology, wildlife damage abatement, public lands management, invasive species control, and habitat restoration. I enjoy working in the outdoors with people who share the common goal of restoring and enhancing native vegetation communities that support a diversity of wildlife. When not working with Quercus, you can find me fishing or kayaking (or both) on the waters of southern Wisconsin.
Brent Johnson, Senior Project Manager. I began working with Quercus in the summer of 2018. I hold B.S and M.S degrees in Conservation Biology, which I earned at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Upstate New York. I love living and working in the Great Lakes region and am excited to be contributing to the restoration and enhancement of many Wisconsin landscapes. I am also particularly interested in the conservation of rare and endangered species and have experience in wildlife population management. In my free time, I can usually be found exploring various natural and cultural attractions in the Madison area, fishing, reading, or playing board games.
Kevin Mason, Senior Project Manager. I joined the Quercus crew in the summer of 2018. My childhood summers often involved trips to national parks and I gained an affinity for the outdoors early in life. I graduated from Lawrence University with a degree in Environmental Studies. I spend much of my time outdoors, hiking and backpacking as much as possible. When I’m not outside I enjoy playing music and sharing good food with good people. It’s a pleasure to spend my days working with this team.
Jaidyn Hranicka, Project Manager. I began working at Quercus in early 2019. I graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville in December of 2018 with a degree in Reclamation, Environment and Conservation with an emphasis in biology. Wisconsin is such a unique state and it’s a privilege to get to work at some diverse sites while contributing to the restoration of Wisconsin’s landscapes. I’m grateful to be able to accomplish this working at Quercus. In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, hiking, fly fishing, music, traveling, and learning about plants.
Kailey Goethe, Crew Leader, Executive Assistant. I joined the Quercus crew early summer of 2019. I hold a Bachelors degree from UW-Madison in Biological Aspects of Conservation and a Professional Science Masters degree in Conservation Biology through UW-Stout. Facilitating a healthy human-nature connection is something I strive to do. My love for nature has been with me for as long as I can remember, and as I’ve grown, my passion and yearning for environmental stewardship grew right along with me. Helping restore sites in Wisconsin to help uphold healthy wildlife and ecosystems is amazing work. I became Quercus’s first time mom in December 2022! Being able to keep this career while navigating parenthood is such a privilege. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, live music, kayaking, yoga, traveling, and any creative activity I can get my hands on.
Christian Pearson, Shop Manager, Senior Crew Leader. I joined with Quercus in the summer of 2019 after pulling up my roots in Iowa and transplanting to Wisconsin. I studied Geology at Iowa State University before serving two terms with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. I am grateful to continue to fight the good fight and work for our natural landscapes with Quercus. In my free time I enjoy hunting, tracking, canoeing, fishing, art and bushcraft.
Shala Brehm, Crew Leader (part time). I started working with Quercus in the spring of 2020 after 2 years of seasonal wildlife technician work in Utah, Oregon, and Texas and 2 years with the Wisconsin DNR wildlife department. I have a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from UW-Madison. I joined Quercus to immerse myself in restoration and begin work on the land I grew up on in Beaver Dam, WI. Though I said I would never return, there is something that ties me to that land. I’d like to think if my grandpa had known, the woods would be in a different condition than it is today. Education is important to conservation and an area I see myself getting more involved in. I am proud to work for a company that encourages education of its customers and staff. I also enjoy working where I can let my hair get out of control, it means I’m working hard.
Karlee Ketelboeter, Senior Crew Leader. I joined Quercus in early 2021. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville in December of 2019 with a degree in Reclamation, Environment and Conservation. After a seasonal position out in Montana doing wildland restoration work, I made my way back home to Wisconsin. I feel very lucky to be able to work outside in the beautiful natural places this state has to offer! When I’m not working I’m usually spending time with friends and family, hunting, hiking, or enjoying various other outdoor activities.
Kaley Lee, Office/HR Manager, Restoration Specialist. I started at Quercus in February 2021. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in Biology with an emphasis in Zoology and a minor in Geography. Befores Quercus I worked in the plasmapheresis therapeutic and diagnostic industry within a plasma center for 7 years, where I held multiple management positions. While working within a plasma center, I found that I had a knack for business management, so I went back to school to earn my Master’s degree in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2017. After earning my degree and some inner growth, I decided to chase my deeper passion for conservation/restoration within our beautiful state of Wisconsin, where I found my place within the Quercus family! In my free time I enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, weightlifting, running, oil and acrylic painting, reading, traveling, and a cold beer on a hot summer day! My favorite quote is “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” – James Dean.
Abby Olson, Crew Leader. I started working with Quercus in December 2021. I graduated from UW-Stevens Point in Spring 2019 with a degree in Natural Resource Management minoring in Conservation Biology and Water Resources. I have been working in ecosystem restoration since graduation and I enjoy seeing how every project progresses to a more diverse and healthy ecosystem. I am happy to have a career that allows me to be a part of every aspect of restoration from beginning to end. I’m grateful I get to make a difference by working in beautiful natural areas. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, camping, snowmobiling, traveling, reading, and music.
Emma Czarnecki, Project Manager. I received my bachelor’s in Environmental Sciences and a minor in Sustainability from UW-Madison. I joined the Quercus crew in early 2022. Originally from Milwaukee, I’m passionate about urban ecology and making nature accessible to all. I love being in this career because the environment is ever growing and I’m constantly learning new things. When I’m not in nature searching for bumble bees, I enjoy cooking and eating delicious foods, traveling, gardening, and doing DIY projects.
Ty Hougan, Crew Leader. I have been a passionate outdoorsman since as long as I can remember. My journey into the outdoors came from following in the footsteps of my grandpa, toy bow in one hand and trusty red rider in the other, adventuring into the great forested unknown. As I grew, so did my love for the natural world. I knew that somehow, nature would eventually become my career of choice. I followed this passion into the classroom where I obtained my Bachelor degree in Forestry Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I joined Quercus in November 2022 after some time in the urban sector of forestry. It has been a real pleasure expanding upon my college education at Quercus, learning the ins-and-outs of native habitat restoration. Outside of Quercus, I enjoy spending my time hunting, fishing, hiking, with my pets, or just being outside!
Kristina Weld, Project Manager. I graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2014 with a degree in Biology. I dabbled in dairy science for a few years before finding my way to Quercus. I relish the time outside and the variety of tasks throughout the year. When I’m not improving the world one plant at a time, I enjoy gardening, training, dogs, and coaching volleyball.
Cole Baumann, Crew Leader. Started at Quercus in June 2023.
Allicyn Nelson, Restoration Specialist. I began working with Quercus in June 2023. I have a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from the University of North Dakota and worked as a seasonal wildlife research technician for a couple of years after graduating. A position with the DNR brought me to Wisconsin in 2021 and I have fallen in love with the state’s diverse landscapes and multitude of natural areas since. I’m happy to now have a job that allows me to make a direct impact on those landscapes which benefits a wide array of wildlife species including some I used to research. When not at work, I enjoy hiking, hunting, yoga, xc skiing, snowboarding and kayaking.
Aaron Washick, Restoration Specialist. Started at Quercus in July 2023.
Taylor Prill, Restoration Specialist. I joined Quercus in August of 2023. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in Geography: Environmental Science Concentration. I am currently working on my Master in Natural Resources: Restoration Ecology & Habitat Management through the University of Idaho. Before Quercus, I completed two AmeriCorps terms with the Wisconsin Conservation Corps, sparking my passion for ecological restoration. I’m grateful to now hold a position at Quercus that fosters this passion, allowing me to make a difference across Wisconsin’s diverse ecosystems and advance in my career while working with an amazing group of people. I’m constantly learning new things and every day is exceedingly rewarding. Outside of work I enjoy cooking, spending time with my cat Cheeto, hammocking, birding, kayaking, and exploring new hiking trails.
Matt McCoy, Restoration Specialist. Started at Quercus in October 2023.
Norma Thompson, Restoration Specialist. Started at Quercus in October 2023.
Adam Weiler, Restoration Specialist. Started at Quercus in October 2023.
Francis Mullan, Restoration Specialist. Started at Quercus in October 2023.
Eileen Mavencamp, Restoration Specialist. Started at Quercus in December 2023.
Vaclav Wedge, Restoration Specialist. Started at Quercus in December 2023.
