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 Linda Sandquist October 9, 2025
October – a month that starts with changing colors, apple orchards, and pumpkin spice and ends with candy and costumes on Halloween. In between we have the opportunity to observe National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Created in 2008 by an act of Congress and observed every year during the third week of October, the week is a reminder that we all need to prepare for the inevitable. If you’re like two-thirds of Americans, you lack a will or estate plan and the protective measures needed to safeguard your assets, future healthcare decisions or management of your finances. While it’s no fun to think about preparing for what might happen, the peace of mind you’ll experience when you are prepared is well worth the effort. Take time during the week of October 21 – 27 to start making your plans. Consider these things: Who do you want to receive your assets? Who do you want to act as your executor? Who should receive your sentimental items? Who will look after your children or pets? Who is going to make your healthcare and financial decisions if you can’t? Next reach out to a trusted professional. Planning doesn’t have to be expensive and there are many on-line resources that can help you. We at Severson Dells Nature Center encourage you to think about how you want to leave a legacy. Are there causes you care about today that will still need your financial assistance tomorrow? Whether you support nature education at Severson Dells or another cause close to your heart, use your will or estate plan to help them when you’re no longer here. If you love what Severson Dells Nature Center does, consider joining our Heritage Society . This group is made up of folks who have included the nature center in their long-term financial plans. By connecting with them now, we make sure their wishes will be fulfilled and honored when the time comes. And the generosity of Heritage Society members serves as an inspiration to others who care about our mission of connecting people to nature and growing the future stewards of our environment. Contact me with questions about supporting Severson Dells today, tomorrow and far into the future. And Happy National Estate Planning Awareness Week!
September 3, 2025
As the summer camp season comes to a close, creek shoes are dried, crayons are put away, and our staff reflect on their summer of directing and supporting Severson Dells camp. This summer, they led and assisted with 9 weeks of summer camp programs that reached 211 campers! Out of the many adventures this season, here are some of their highlights and what they learned along the way.
By Emma Zimmerman August 26, 2025
When I started at Severson Dells nearly two years ago, I never would have believed I’d still be here today. What was supposed to be a short detour turned into one of the meaningful positions I have served. These years have flown by, and as I sit down to write this farewell, I keep circling back to my early days here. It feels important to revisit that beginning, because in so many ways, it shaped everything that followed.