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Our Staff
Jim Nelson, Owner
Jim has two decades of natural resource experience in the midwest. From Southern Wisconsin to Central Illinois, he served as an ecological restoration and native landscape project manager for Applied Ecological Services, a restoration professional for LaGesse and Associates and a watershed planner before opening Nelson Land Management.
Jim is an IL Certified Burn Manager, holds several wildland fire certifications, and has extensive experience managing invasive species of concern in the central midwest.
John Schappaugh, Foreman
John joined NLM in October of 2020. His previous experience as a seasonal employee of IL Department of Natural Resources at New Salem State Park gave him experience in clearing areas of invasive species and treatment of the natural landscape. He gained knowledge of herbicides and farm equipment while working at the local Farm & Home store in Petersburg, Illinois. When he’s not working, you will find him officiating or participating in paintball tournaments across the US.
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Trevor Wasson, Ecological Restoration Technician
Trevor joined NLM in January 2021. He graduated from Drake University in Des Moines with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Biological Conservation, where he assisted with and performed his own research into habitat restoration and species reintroduction. He previously worked as a Forestry Technician intern with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at Loess Hills State Forest. In his off time, you can find him on a hiking trail or at a bird blind.
Kolten Adderman, Ecological Restoration Technician
Kolten was hired in April 2022. An avid waterfowl hunter, Kolten likes to spend his free time outdoors. He holds an Associates degree in Wildlife Conservation.
Kolten Adderman, Ecological Restoration Technician
Kolten was hired in April 2022. An avid waterfowl hunter, Kolten likes to spend his free time outdoors. He holds an Associates degree in Wildlife Conservation.
Kolten Adderman, Ecological Restoration Technician
Kolten was hired in April 2022. An avid waterfowl hunter, Kolten likes to spend his free time outdoors. He holds an Associates degree in Wildlife Conservation.
Kolten Adderman, Ecological Restoration Technician
Kolten was hired in April 2022. An avid waterfowl hunter, Kolten likes to spend his free time outdoors. He holds an Associates degree in Wildlife Conservation.
Steven Melin,
Ecological Restoration Technician
Steven joined Nelson Land Management in June 2023. He holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Wildlife Management from Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL. His experience as an intern with US Fish & Wildlife Service has served him well in his position here.
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