My wife, Adona, and I with Nancy in Vermont on Nancy’s property.
While history books are filled with the names of influential women conservationists, this Women’s History Month, my thoughts are centered much closer to home. I am reflecting on one incredible woman who left a profound mark on me personally, as well as on the natural landscapes and communities we strive to protect.
Nancy (Hamill) Winter, who passed away in late February at the age of 83, first entered my life in the late 1990s. At the time, she was a student in a class I was teaching at The Morton Arboretum. What began as a classroom discussion about conservation easements soon blossomed into a transformative partnership. That initial conversation led The Conservation Foundation to work with Nancy’s father, Corwith “Corky” Hamill, to permanently protect the family property in Wayne. It was clear from the start: conservation wasn’t just a hobby for Nancy; it was a deep-seated family value.
Nancy and I in Vermont on Nancy’s property.
Following Corky’s passing, Nancy and her siblings, Betsy and Jonathon — through the Hamill Family Foundation — remained steadfast pillars of The Conservation Foundation. Together, they helped us preserve hundreds of acres of pristine natural land, with a particular focus on the lower Fox River in LaSalle County. I hold such fond memories of touring these sites with Nancy and Betsy. Their eyes would light up as they shared stories of their childhood spent playing in the river and exploring the local wild places they loved so dearly.
Nancy’s impact on the conservation community was immense and far-reaching. I had the distinct honor of serving alongside her on the Prairie State Conservation Coalition board, witnessing her dedication firsthand. Beyond her advocacy, Nancy was a distinguished equestrian, a world traveler, and a lifelong student of other cultures. Yet, no matter how far she roamed, her heart remained rooted in local conservation. Her generosity extended to The Nature Conservancy, Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, and the Equine Land Conservation Resource, ensuring her legacy would be felt across the soil she walked and rode upon.
A passage from Nancy’s obituary perfectly mirrors my own experience with her:
“Nancy was always and to the end exactly what she believed the world needed more of: a compassionate ally who made herself present, asked hard questions, shared generously, and trusted that the land and the people who loved it would carry the work forward.”
Nancy was a rare and special soul, and her contributions will stand for generations to come. I am profoundly grateful for her presence and influence in my life. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and to all those who, like us, will miss her dearly.