Posted: June 27, 2022

Written by: Hanna Schmitt, Education & Outreach Coordinator

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The Winneshiek County Conservation Board is happy to introduce two new full-time employees to the team.

Evan Neubauer joins the team as the new Waste Reduction and Recycling Educator, replacing Birgitta Meade who recently retired. He will be responsible for creating programming and collaborating with schools and other organizations to promote waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable behaviors.  

Neubauer graduated from Decorah High School and Luther College with a B.A. in Environmental Science. His time at Luther sparked his interest in sustainability.

For several years, he worked as an environmental specialist for West Liberty Foods in the Iowa City area, ensuring that the company remained landfill free. Evan is thrilled to be back in Winneshiek County with his family. Evan says, “Recycling has always been a huge passion of mine. I’m looking forward to programming with community members and encouraging individuals to reduce, reuse, and recycle!”

Hanna Schmitt joins the team as the new Education and Outreach Coordinator, where she will be responsible for planning environmental education programs and outdoor recreation opportunities for local organizations and schools.

Schmitt graduated from South Winneshiek High School and Wartburg College with a B.A. in Biology and Secondary Education with an All Science Endorsement. Her interest in environmental education has grown over the past three summers as she interned with Winneshiek County Conservation.

Hanna is looking forward to giving back to her community in this full-time role. She says, “I am most excited to collaborate with local organizations to promote the enjoyment of our natural spaces and appreciation for the natural world in Winneshiek County.”

Neubauer and Schmitt already have several upcoming programs this summer that you are welcome to attend. Meet them and check out their booths under the grandstand at the Winneshiek County Fair from July 12-16. Visit www.winneshiekwild.com/ and https://www.winneshiekwaste.com/ for more information and to explore program opportunities.