FIELD NOTES BLOG

Meet Elly

Elly Salazar
September 1, 2024

Severson Dells' New School programs coordinator

Hey everyone! My name is Elly Salazar and I am joining the Severson team as School Programs Coordinator! I am super excited to be here and have the opportunity to share my passion for environmental education. It is my belief that everyone can connect with something in nature and passionate people protect what they love. 


I have a degree from Drake University in environmental science with an emphasis in biological conservation. My professional experience has taken me to some amazing places and I am grateful for everything I have learned! I have spent time educating in Florida at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a sea turtle rescue and sanctuary, as well as Cosley Zoo here in Illinois working with ambassador animals. 


In my time outside of Severson, I always enjoy hiking but I particularly love searching for spring ephemerals or experiencing the beautiful colors of Illinois prairies. I also have three kitties, Onion, Sylphrena, and Bonsai that I love spending time with when I am not at my Nature Nerds book club or at the horse rescue I volunteer at.

I can’t wait to meet everyone and continue educating here at Severson Dells! 

RECENT ARTICLES

By Elly Salazar May 14, 2025
Encouraging children to spend time outside is essential. However, this is not a new concept; in fact, many people are already aware of the benefits of kids spending time outdoors! Examples, including getting vitamin D from sun exposure, exercise, and educational opportunities, have been highlighted in articles that urge parents to take action. But many more reasons can be used to convince further nature skeptics. Spending time outside is great for fostering curiosity and autonomy in children. These are both valuable traits that kids carry with them into adulthood. Going outdoors also builds resiliency and critical survival skills. Who knew that letting kids play outside can help improve their safety! Finally, allocating some of a child’s day to being outside can further connections with the real world, such as deepening understanding of a sense of place, and relationship development with food systems.
By Shannon Osadjan May 1, 2025
Take a look outside. Most of the flowers, trees, and plants you see exist because of a special group of insects and animals that transfer pollen from one plant to another. These insects and animals are referred to as pollinators, and they are essential for plant reproduction. Around three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about one-third of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce! Pollinators do a lot for life on earth, and without them, our earth would look vastly different.
By Ann Wasser May 1, 2025
Impacts on Members, the Community and Severson Dells