Riveredge Nature Center seeks a new leader

Riveredge Nature Center Executive Director of nine years Jessica Jens has moved on from the preserve for another position.

Throughout Jens’ tenure she helped lead projects including the as construction of the Sugarbush House and River Outpost building, founding the Riveredge Outdoor Learning Elementary School and placing a conservation easement on the nature preserve that permanently protects a majority of its property.

Jens’ last day in the position was Jan. 7, after which she began working as the Associate Program Director of Wisconsin 4-H, where she will support county 4-H staff, 4-H project resources and help organize statewide educational events.

Jens has 12 years experience working with Wisconsin 4-H in various positions including a Sauk County 4-H Youth Development Educator, Environmental Education Specialist and Director of Upham Woods Environmental Education Center. Her family and children are also involved in Wisconsin 4-H.

Jens stated in a letter she is thankful to Riveredge visitors, volunteers, staff and board members for their support during her time at the preserve. She said she looks back fondly on memories of watching young sturgeon receive their PIT tags each year, welcoming the first ROLES students to the River Outpost, building yurts without really knowing how, signing the conservation easement trekking through Riveredge land and believing in the future of the preserve.

“Thank you for these years,” she said. “They have been a gift, you have been a gift.”

Riveredge Board of Directors President Elizabeth Larsen said a hiring committee has been formed by the board and a job listing for the executive director position will be posted within the next two weeks. Larsen said internal and external applications will be considered during the search until the right candidate for the role is found.

Larsen said while no one will be able to replace Jens and all she has done for Riveredge, she is confident the board will be able to fill the role with someone who will continue to move the preserve in the right direction.

“There is certainly somebody out there that will fit the needs of Riveredge,” Larsen said. “Everyone is going to bring their own individual path.”

While the search for a new director commences, Kim Pemble, who served on the board for nearly eight years, has stepped in as interim director.

In addition to serving on the board, Pemble has visited the park for hiking and biking since 2003 and has been a long-standing member of the preserve.

Pemble, who has a background in health care information technology, said he is excited to step into the role for a change of pace.

“I am beyond excited,” he said. “I’m humbled and honored to even be considered for this interim role. It’s a dream come true. It’s a great place to have this chance to serve and a great team to work with.”

Having worked with Jens for years, Pemble said he and many others at Riveredge will miss her in the role but that he is excited for her to take a new career opportunity.

“We wish her certainly all the best. It’s a great opportunity she had,” he said.