Sarah Driscoll, Philanthropic Coordinator
I am overjoyed to join the Alliance team as the Philanthropic Coordinator. As an avid hiker, I am grateful to support the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Like many other nature enthusiasts, I spent much of my childhood outside. Every summer, I camped with my family and explored the nine acres of prairie surrounding my home. As an adult, I enjoy outdoor activities, especially camping and fishing with my husband, Bryce, hiking throughout the state, and simply sitting around campfires with my friends.
“I am excited to work with the staff, volunteers, and members to support the Ice Age Trail. This linear park, weaving through the state, is so important for both conservation and outdoor recreation.”
As a child, I developed a strong appreciation for the creatures taking up residence on our family’s land, and my brothers and I had every indoor pet you could imagine. My love for animals led to a career in wildlife rehabilitation and animal husbandry at zoos and aquariums. However, as I cared for everything from bald eagles to sea otters, it became clear our native wildlife and natural habitats were struggling. As a result, I returned to UW-Madison to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Conservation, desiring to help wildlife by protecting and conserving their habitat.
I completed my master’s degree in August of 2020. Within the same week, I also wrapped up a summer education program I coordinated at the Henry Vilas Zoo and got married to my now-husband. Although I worked for the zoo in Operations, including guest services, event and rental coordination, and memberships and donations, I felt my life slow to a halt. My weekends, typically filled with contacting wedding vendors, writing conservation-related essays, and leading a group of kiddos around the zoo, were now free.
I don’t idle well. I prefer to fill my free time with outdoor activities, so I turned my time and attention to segment hiking the Ice Age Trail, thus, beginning my thousand-mile journey. My weekends filled with miles and miles of Ice Age Trail and conversations with strangers turned hiking buddies. I could write endless words about what the Trail means to me and how it has taught me so much during the last year and 600 miles I’ve completed.
Now, I find myself sitting at the Alliance headquarters writing a staff introduction. To say this feels surreal is an absolute understatement. I am excited to work with the staff, volunteers, and members to support the Ice Age Trail. This linear park, weaving through the state, is so important for both conservation and outdoor recreation. As I continue my quest to become a Thousand-Miler and dive headfirst into my role at the Alliance, I look forward to building a great relationship with the Trail’s supportive community.
We look forward to working with Sarah to conserve, create, maintain, and promote the Ice Age Trail!
