John provides leadership in natural resource-related programming for rural and urban areas of northern Illinois, networking with locally based conservation-related agencies and groups.

Due to the diversity of the northern Illinois geographic area that he serves, including counties from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River and from I-80 to the Wisconsin state line, John's programming emphasis spans the spectrum of urban to rural issues.

Soil conservation, water quality and land use are the primary areas of focus, including more specific programs in stormwater management, farmland preservation, land use planning, soil management, natural area protection, wildlife management and related topics.

He has a bachelor of science degree and a masters degree from the College of Agriculture at the University of Illinois. John also is a graduate of Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL and is a native of Boone County.

John's career with the University of Illinois Extension started in 1976 in Livingston County in Pontiac, IL as an Assistant Extension Adviser, Agriculture. In 1980, he moved to Kendall County in Yorkville as Extension Adviser, Agriculture. He began as Extension Educator, Natural Resources Management in 1992 at the Rockford Center. He also served as an Extension intern in McHenry County during college.

He is a member of Illinois Extension Agricultural Association, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and the Illinois and national chapters of the Soil and Water Conservation Society of America, having served as an officer, board member and/or committee chairman for each of the professional organizations.

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