Since graduating from SIU in 2009, an alumnus has migrated back to southern Illinois to be the new director of the Touch of Nature Environmental Center.

JD Tanner, originally from Sparta, started his new position May 27.

Tanner was previously the director of recreation and adjunct professor at San Juan College in Farmington, N.M. from 2010 to 2013. He also worked as an instructor for the Wilderness Education Association of Seattle.

“The environmental education program brought me here, along with family in the area and the fact that I went to SIU,” Tanner said.

Tanner earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation with emphasis in outdoor leadership and therapeutic recreation in 2003 from Southeast Missouri State University. He then went on to complete his master’s degree with an emphasis in outdoor recreation administration from SIU in 2009.

Tanner said he has been getting up to speed with the center and how it operates.

“I hope to see more camps and programs expand through the year, not just in the main summer months,” Tanner said.

Tanner has been working with the different staff members at Touch of Nature, as well as other programs on campus to bring in more activities for the center.

Alan Teska, the program director for conferences at Touch of Nature, has been working weekly with Tanner on ideas for the center.

“He has good energy and brings lots of experience,” Teska said. “I’m excited with his new ideas for programs and events.”

Touch of Nature has been working with campus programs for hands-on experience for the students. Architecture 242, which is an introduction class to basic materials and components using light wood frame construction, built an amphitheater for the grounds and are planning a grand opening in the fall.

Tanner said the center is also working with forestry classes for controlled burns and tree identification. There is also a trail building class for students to work with a ranger to teach them trail design and maintenance.

“I want to expand the programs that already exist for students,” he said. “We’re more than just a couple of camp grounds. We offer a lot of opportunities for the campus and the community.”

Teska, along with Tanner, help plan events for the center. Some of these events include weddings, camps and business retreats. Teska is also an SIU alumnus and has been with the Touch of Nature center for 15 years.

Erik Oberg, program coordinator for Underway Adventure Programs, is another staff member that works closely with Tanner. The Underway Adventure Programs offers summer camps for kids, learning-through-doing programs, obstacle course activities and survival skill training.

Oberg and Tanner said they hope to get outdoor expeditions planned and adventure trips for students.

“He seems really level headed and ready to work,” Oberg said. “He comes with great credentials and experience.”

Tanner holds several professional certifications and has worked as a writer and photographer for falcon guides Falcon Guides in Guilford, Conn. Falcon Publishing was started in Helena, Mont., in 1979 and covers a wide range of outdoor activities.

Since graduating from SIU in 2009, an alumnus has migrated back to southern Illinois to be the new director of the Touch of Nature Environmental Center.

JD Tanner, originally from Sparta, started his new position May 27.

Tanner was previously the director of recreation and adjunct professor at San Juan College in Farmington, N.M. from 2010 to 2013. He also worked as an instructor for the Wilderness Education Association of Seattle.

“The environmental education program brought me here, along with family in the area and the fact that I went to SIU,” Tanner said.

Tanner earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation with emphasis in outdoor leadership and therapeutic recreation in 2003 from Southeast Missouri State University. He then went on to complete his master’s degree with an emphasis in outdoor recreation administration from SIU in 2009.

Tanner said he has been getting up to speed with the center and how it operates.

“I hope to see more camps and programs expand through the year, not just in the main summer months,” Tanner said.

Tanner has been working with the different staff members at Touch of Nature, as well as other programs on campus to bring in more activities for the center.

Alan Teska, the program director for conferences at Touch of Nature, has been working weekly with Tanner on ideas for the center.

“He has good energy and brings lots of experience,” Teska said. “I’m excited with his new ideas for programs and events.”

Touch of Nature has been working with campus programs for hands-on experience for the students. Architecture 242, which is an introduction class to basic materials and components using light wood frame construction, built an amphitheater for the grounds and are planning a grand opening in the fall.

Tanner said the center is also working with forestry classes for controlled burns and tree identification. There is also a trail building class for students to work with a ranger to teach them trail design and maintenance.

“I want to expand the programs that already exist for students,” he said. “We’re more than just a couple of camp grounds. We offer a lot of opportunities for the campus and the community.”

Teska, along with Tanner, help plan events for the center. Some of these events include weddings, camps and business retreats. Teska is also an SIU alumnus and has been with the Touch of Nature center for 15 years.

Erik Oberg, program coordinator for Underway Adventure Programs, is another staff member that works closely with Tanner. The Underway Adventure Programs offers summer camps for kids, learning-through-doing programs, obstacle course activities and survival skill training.

Oberg and Tanner said they hope to get outdoor expeditions planned and adventure trips for students.

“He seems really level headed and ready to work,” Oberg said. “He comes with great credentials and experience.”

Tanner holds several professional certifications and has worked as a writer and photographer for falcon guides Falcon Guides in Guilford, Conn. Falcon Publishing was started in Helena, Mont., in 1979 and covers a wide range of outdoor activities.