Matt Evans is responsible for overseeing and managing all conservation and restoration projects across CFC’s preserves, building our volunteer and stewardship programs, supervising restoration staff, determining the restoration budget and grant opportunities, and representing CFC in key partnerships within the greater Barrington community and beyond.
With his original interests growing from hands-on volunteer restoration work, Matt has a very realistic goal for restoration work. He describes the management of invasive species and efforts to restore natural quality to the land “as a great opportunity for communities to work together on meaningful projects that transform natural areas from declining spaces to thriving resources providing ecosystem services (“gifts”) and natural beauty to all of us”.
Matt holds a MS in Plant Biology and Conservation from Northwestern University and a BA in Environmental Studies from Loyola University. His work experience includes advancing roles in Ecology with Chicago Botanic Garden, The Morton Arboretum, Openlands, and Chicago Wilderness. Matt volunteers with Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves, Chicago Wilderness, and the forest preserves of both Cook and Lake Counties. His roles have included Managing Ecologist, GIS technician, Environmental Educator, Information Specialist, and he holds certifications as prescribed burn manager, chain saw operator, and more.