FIELD NOTES BLOG

Introducing Shannon

Shannon Osadjan
October 22, 2024

Hello! My name is Shannon (she/her/hers) and this is my first year serving as an AmeriCorps Environmental Educator here at Severson Dells! I am from Poplar Grove, IL and have spent most of my childhood exploring familiar Stateline attractions.



In Summer 2023, I graduated from Iowa State University with my bachelors degree in Geology and a minor in Environmental Studies. I’ve spent the past year exploring the United States and trying to see as much as I can (37/50 states, and counting). I’m looking forward to applying my education and travel experiences towards teaching the community. 



Since a young age, I have always had a great passion for nature and the great outdoors. Some of my earliest memories as a child are being at Rock Cut State Park, either fishing or floating on a kayak in the middle of the lake. I love going on road trips and I am always down for an adventure!



In my free time you can find me watching movies, hiking with my dog, at concerts, or nerding out on rocks. 



I’m grateful to be a new AmeriCorps member at Severson Dells and I can’t wait to see what I accomplish in my time here!


RECENT ARTICLES

A Beginner’s Guide to Foraging in Northern Illinois

By Emma Zimmerman • April 16, 2025
Disclaimer: Severson Dells Nature Center is not a medical provider and is not giving medical advice in the following article. Please consult a licensed medical professional for any questions regarding your personal health.

Linda's Intro Blog

By Linda Sandquist • April 11, 2025
Introducing Linda

Spring Wildflower Spotting

By Sydney Sherbitsky • April 10, 2025
There are so many signs of spring around us this time of year. The world feels like it is waking up again when you feel the sun on your face, spot birds flying north, and perhaps see the prettiest sign: wildflowers. Between our prairie, forest, and aquatic habitats at Severson Dells and beyond, there will be countless wildflower blooms to discover within a few weeks. To point out these fantastic flowers by name, you will need to know some identifying features. To help you on this quest, you can start by familiarizing yourself with some of the fundamental components of flowers in the diagram below. Once you are a flower anatomical expert, you can read about some of our local wildflowers and how each one is uniquely beautiful!