FIELD NOTES BLOG

Introducing Rowan

Rowan Mermel
October 11, 2024

Hello! My name is Rowan Mermel, and I am joining the Severson Dells team as a community science AmeriCorps member!


 I graduated this May from Beloit College with a Biology degree and a capstone in ecotoxicology. This is my second AmeriCorps term after working with the Natural Land Institute in the summer of 2023 as a Natural Resource AmeriCorps member. I also have experience working as an environmental educator and camp counselor at Farmers Rising in Caledonia.


 I am passionate about community science because it gives us unique insights into our ecosystems, gets people out into nature, and empowers people to protect their environment. I am excited to work on Community Science projects with Severson Dells and partner organizations, and I hope to see you all collecting data!


Growing up in the Rockford area, Severson Dells has always been an important place to me. I fondly recall playing predator-prey games on field trips, hiking with my family, and exploring our watershed at canoe camp. I am honored and excited to have this opportunity to share these experiences and more with others in this community.


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RECENT ARTICLES

By Emma Zimmerman March 3, 2026
As many of you know, Severson Dells acquired the former Elliot Golf Course in the fall of 2024, and we are excited to have begun rewilding efforts! We kicked off this year by seeding the first 50 acres, both with help from the community during our Fore the Prairie event, and a commercial seeder. 1,380 pounds of native prairie seed were spread across the site, including the seed of more than 120 species of native prairie grasses and wildflowers!
By Lauren Bonavia February 26, 2026
Rewilding the Former Elliot Golf Course
By Emma Zimmerman February 24, 2026
For those who may not know me, I previously spent two wonderful years here at Severson Dells working in environmental education and community science, helping our community connect with the land in meaningful ways. I am so excited to announce that I am back at the nature center for the next few months! In this role, I’ll be leading all things Science Communication, so be on the lookout for educational blogs, behind-the-scenes restoration updates, and social media posts that (hopefully) make ecology feel a little less intimidating and a lot more exciting.