Nature At The Confluence is excited to announce that Julie Uram has been hired to lead the organization as full-time executive director and will begin her role on April 11. Therese Oldenburg, who has been the part-time director since the nature center opened in 2017, will continue assisting the non-profit organization with program development, education, and stewardship. With the hiring of a full-time director, the organization has goals to increase programming offered to schools and the public and expand the hours the center is open.
Julie’s educational background and experience leading 815 Outside have prepared her for this role and she is humbled by the opportunity to help people reconnect with nature in a place she is proud to call home. Julie studied Environmental Sustainability and Sociology at Drake University, where she also completed a Master of Arts in Communication focused in Public Affairs and Advocacy.
Julie was born and raised in Rockford, IL and became passionate about helping her community connect with nature while serving as the 815 Outside AmeriCorps member at Severson Dells Nature Center. She also spent time assisting the Community Science programs in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. Most recently she worked as the Communications and Development Manager at Angelic Organics Learning Center where she coordinated fundraising and marketing efforts.
Julie is honored by the opportunity to work with the community to restore such a critical and special piece of land. She is particularly excited to work with local youth and school groups and to spend time outdoors every day.
Julie’s favorite part about this area, and what keeps her here, is the people. She is dedicated to increasing equity and accessibility in the environmental education field and ensuring that Nature at the Confluence is a welcoming and safe place for all community members.
Julie’s email is julie@natureattheconfluence.com and she can be reached at 815-200-6910
