FIELD NOTES BLOG

Linda's Intro Blog

Linda Sandquist
April 11, 2025

Introducing Linda

My name is Linda Sandquist (she, her) and I am so happy to be the new Director of Development here at Severson Dells Nature Center. As a lifelong Rockfordian, my passion is helping make Rockford a thriving place to live.


My first exposure to nature education happened when I was a chaperone for my daughter's 2nd grade winter field trip. I remember being a little nervous about a walk in the woods with a group of 8 year old kids at a place I had never visited. I also remember how great the staff was, how much the kids enjoyed their visit, and how invigorating it was to be out in nature on a winter's day. I'm embarrassed to say that although I had discovered the magic of the outdoors, my family and I never truly took advantage of what Severson Dells had to offer.


Fast forward  23 years and my granddaughters, Joanna and Ruby, were exposed to Severson Dells when their other set of grandparents brought them to Pollinator Palooza. They loved it! Their delight and my blossoming appreciation of nature and the outdoors served as the impetus for me to apply for the development position here. I am blessed to be part of the dedicated team who works to bring nature education and activities to over 10,000 people each year. I'm inspired to steward the donors and supporters of Severson Dells and share the impact their financial support makes. Most importantly, I am dedicated to ensuring that all families have the opportunity to take advantage of the wonders of Severson Dells and I look to the future when we will be able to offer nature education on the east side of Rockford. I look forward to building this magic together with you.

RECENT ARTICLES

How a Walk in the Woods Can Change the World

By Olivia Price • December 8, 2025
The Profound Power of Aesthetic and Sensory Delight in Natural Spaces to Change Our Relationship to the Environment

Lions, Tigers, and... Waterbears? Oh, my!

By Lauren Bonavia • December 4, 2025
Microscopic Nature at Severson Dells

Protecting Illinois Wetlands and Why It Matters

By Ann Wasser • December 2, 2025
If you haven’t yet seen the news, there are some very significant pending policy shifts regarding the protection of wetlands in Illinois and across the United States. These are changes we must understand together, because they affect the limited fragile wetlands that remain in Illinois. The Federal Shift: Narrowing the Scope of the Clean Water Act At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new rule that would dramatically restrict what counts as a federally-protected “wetland” under the Clean Water Act. Here are some of the key elements: The new definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) would confine protections to relatively permanent bodies of water (rivers, lakes, oceans) and those wetlands with a continuous surface connection to such waters. ( Federal Register ) Seasonal, intermittent, or groundwater-flow-connected wetlands would be excluded from federal oversight. ( Restore America's Estuaries ) The change builds on a 2023 Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court decision, which held that only wetlands with a continuous surface connection to navigable waters are covered. ( Natural Resources Defense Council ) Environmental groups warn that the change could strip federal protections from tens of millions of acres of wetlands nationwide , including many in the Midwest and Great Lakes region. ( WWNO )