LEADERSHIP

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Decoding the Driftless film: 189+ million viewers worldwide, along with a Midwest Regional Emmy and over 50 film festival awards.

Facebook: 3,200+ followers

Newsletter: 2,000+ subscribers

Instagram: 592 followers

SD Magazine: 20,000+ readers

Produced the Regional Emmy award-winning science and adventure documentary, Decoding the Driftless, which has gained global recognition at film festivals and events, and is showcased on PBS stations across the country. Our one-hour film offers a visually stunning perspective on how the Driftless Region of SW Wisconsin, SW Minnesota, NE Iowa, and NW Illinois remained free of glaciation, unlike surrounding areas. Decoding the Driftless delves into the formation of limestone caves, sinkholes, goat prairies, algific talus slopes, endangered wildlife and flora, archaeological artifacts, Native American history, and the significant role of the Mississippi River and its tributaries in shaping the land.

We are committed to community engagement by providing free access to Decoding the Driftless on USB drives to schools in the Driftless Region, along with free downloads of our standards-aligned lesson plans.

We have presented countless screenings to community members and schools in the Driftless Region and beyond, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental conservation.

In 2023, we began the production of our newest film with the late Co-Producer, George Howe, and Untamed Science, focusing on developing content and planning for future production.

To further support sustainable driftless initiatives, we developed our quarterly online magazine, Sustainable Driftless Mag, which covers the latest news, essays, profiles of those working towards sustainability, and events.

2025 Board Members:

Tim Jacobson, President - La Crescent, MN

Julia Henley - Vice President - Blue River, WI

Kent Johnson - Treasurer - La Crosse, WI

Nancy Breed - Secretary - Galena, IL

Brian Murphy - La Crosse, WI

Jan Wee - West Salem, WI

We know that only if you can first love a place will you work to support it, protect it, and enhance it. We want to encourage that love, that magic if you will, of the region, and promote community engagement while branding and sharing the sustainable Driftless Region to those near and far.

We typically meet by Zoom once a month, but during event times, we may meet more often.

Each Board Member is a passionate and skilled individual providing insights and leadership in areas such as vision, mission, filmmaking, technology, education, grant-writing, fundraising, environmental conservation, Driftless Region wildlife and watershed topics, or economic development.

Contact us if you are interested in serving on our Board or in some other capacity.

We can envision a Driftless Region committed to excellent management of our wild and shared resources, with sustainable farming practices that lead the way in environmental conservation. Our communities are dedicated to smart growth, honoring the past and culture, while fostering community engagement to create a healthy future.  

We see the possibilities of economic growth resulting in vibrant, healthy spaces for both people and nature, and a skilled, educated population embracing the opportunities of the future right here at home.  

Check out our Films, Education Outreach, Awards Program, and Photobook Project under the PROJECTS menu!

Living sustainably is essential to protecting our planet and ensuring a healthy future for all. Sustainable Driftless promotes sustainable living through education and advocacy for sustainable practices, while also fostering community engagement and uplifting other organizations and businesses dedicated to environmental conservation. Your donation is tax deductible! You can contribute online through the secure PayPal form below.