Amy Lefringhouse | Photo courtesy of University of Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. The University of Illinois ExtensionRecently, welcomed Amy Lefringhouse to serve as a natural resources, environment and energy educator in Adams, Brown and Hancock counties. in Western Illinois. County Director Shelby Crow says this position involves a partnership with John Wood Community College.
Crow stated that Crow is proud to provide expertise and education in specialized fields to improve the health of local residents. Residents will now be able to consult a local professional for questions about their natural resources, to offer workshops on environmental issues, and to help communities learn how to save water and energy.
It doesn’t matter if you are trying to control invasive species on your land, or if you are trying to reduce fertilizers on your farm. The extension team of natural resource specialists connects communities throughout the state with research-based resources. Small changes at the local level can have an enormous impact on the environment.
Lefringhouse is committed to community partnership and will be able to help students at area colleges by teaching courses in natural resources, wildlife, and sustainable and renewable energies. John Wood Community College at the new Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility.
Construction began on the new 24,000-square-foot facility in September. It will be home to the University of Illinois Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center and bring agricultural research, education and development to West Central Illinois. The facility will include offices, classrooms, exposition space, and a veterinary unit that can provide hands-on training for students. The 400-acre site will feature prairie plots and a stocked fish pond.
Crow stated in a press release that the new facility will enhance and increase educational opportunities for ag students as well as community members. We look forward to many years of this remarkable partnership and the potential that this new facility will offer for Illinois Extension programs.
Lefringhouse is passionate to share local natural wonders with communities and inspire people to learn more about the natural world through volunteering with the Illinois Master Naturalist Program.
West-Central Illinois has many natural wonders to discover. University of Illinois Extension can bring environmental education to communities and families right in their backyard, Lefringhouse said.
She hopes to help residents learn new perspectives about their natural resources and how to save money at the home through energy-saving strategies. She also believes that nature can be a way to live a healthier lifestyle. She hopes to expand the Master Naturalist Program, connect landowners and provide resources for sustainable property management, and get college students involved in conservation management.
Lefringhouse stated that he has seen the positive effects of conservation practices on land- and water-resources after managing several natural sites. I look forward learning more about local natural resources and environmental issues.
Lefringhouses most recent career was focused on youth environmental education. Recently, she was the executive director of Gardner Camp, a youth outdoor education facility. She has previously worked with Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesThe Illinois Natural History Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Minnesota.
Lefringhouse, a native of west central Illinois, studied Environmental Science at Illinois College and received a Master of Science in Environmental Planning and Management.University of Illinois, Springfield. She is a memberEnvironmental Education Association of IllinoisAs a member of Illinois 4-H Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Task Force.
Lefringhouse’s office is in Quincy at the Illinois Extension Adams County Office. She can be reached at [email protected] or (217) 223-8380.
University of Illinois Extension specialists connect every county with university research through in person and distance-learning programs and other educational outreach. They help solve problems for businesses, families, and farmers.
