Jeff Walk

As director of conservation, Jeff is leading a team of conservationists to confront the interconnected biodiversity and climate crises. His priorities are protecting and enhancing the health of our region’s freshwater resources—the Great Lakes and Mississippi River systems—smart siting of renewable energy generation and continuing TNC’s excellence in land and water stewardship.

A lifelong Illinois resident, Jeff grew up on a family farm, where he developed a strong connection to land and water that led him to his current career. Jeff received his doctorate and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Jeff is a consultant to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and has served on the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board and the Board of Directors for the Illinois Audubon Society; he is also past president of the Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society.