The 'bog lady' retires: Longtime naturalist says goodbye to Volo Bog after 39 years

You can’t see the source but suddenly the sound of applause drifts through the still air from somewhere along the Tamarack View Trail at Volo Bog State Natural Area in Ingleside.

Minutes later, a larger-than-expected group for a cold weekday afternoon emerges from the woods. Like thousands before them, the hikers came to learn about one of the most exceptional ecosystems in Illinois.

And something else. After nearly 39 years of dedication to all things bog-related — and then some — it was Stacy Iwanicki’s last as tour guide for the “Walk with a Naturalist” program.

The natural resources coordinator for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and self-described “eco geek,” is retiring at the end of the month from her first full-time adult job, which began as a true case of love at first sight.

“Since I was a little kid, I wanted to share my love of nature with whoever would listen,” she said. “I guess it was in my blood. I just wanted everybody to love what I love.”

Iwanicki said she has grown up and grown older at a place where nature takes center stage. Experiencing nature, she says, draws out the best in people and is needed more than ever in a world with multiple distractions at our fingertips.

“It helps us feel a part of something larger than ourselves and brings us together on equal ground around a shared interest and passion,” she adds.

Known for unflagging and contagious enthusiasm, Iwanicki has taught and influenced countless students and visitors.

Over the years, the “bog lady,” as Iwanicki is known by many, has created, developed and participated in an untold number of tours, programs, experiences and events to raise awareness for what she regards as a special place.

“She was a big part in inspiring my passion for nature and the environment,” said Peter Dziaba, who made a point of joining Iwanicki’s last walk with a naturalist event.

Dziaba, who first visited the bog in grade school, said Iwanicki’s enthusiastic love of nature sparks young and old visitors. He now leads guided hikes at Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

A Michigan native, Iwanicki graduated college with a degree in zoology but wasn't sure what she wanted to do. After her family relocated to Lake County, she stumbled on the Ryerson Conservation Area and became the Lake County Forest Preserve District’s first intern, working in environmental education.

After the internship ended in mid-1987, Iwanicki’s next unscheduled stop was Volo Bog State Natural Area, a distinctive ecosystem with floating trees, mosses, carnivorous plants and other botanical wonders.

The gates were closed but she ignored a “personnel only” sign and went for a bird walk.

“I fell in love with this place,” she recalls.

Iwanicki returned to find a note on her car’s windshield citing the violation. Asking forgiveness, she scored an interview, was hired that June and has been there since.

At the time, IDNR wanted to make Volo Bog a crown jewel for education and poured more than $1 million into its visitor center, said Greg Behm, site superintendent and Iwanicki’s boss from 1987 to 2005.

“She developed the whole educational program,” Behm said. “There was some but she expanded on it — really expanded on it.”

In recent years, Iwanicki’s reach has extended beyond Volo Bog State Natural Area to Moraine Hills State Park and McHenry Dam.

The opportunity has allowed her to grow programs for the community, she said. From leading field trips to organizing events or coordinating volunteers, the work didn’t get old.

“I was never bored or wondering what to do next,” she says.

For a career of contributions, Iwanicki is among nine new inductees to the Illinois Conservation Foundation’s Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

“There’s simply no one key role or activity that can describe how she has impacted others as an educator, mentor and advocate in inspiring countless individual and communities, young and old alike, to learn and care about the outdoors,” Jacob Shurpit, her current boss, wrote in nominating her for the recognition.

Shurpit has worked with Iwanicki at Volo Bog for 11 years and became her supervisor in 2019. That’s when he had the opportunity to “really understand the monumental impacts” Iwanicki has had as a natural resource coordinator.

Hers are big shoes to fill.

“You’ve got to have a lot of energy to perform that job,” said Behm. “It takes a special person to do that.”

An open house retirement party for Iwanicki at Volo Bog State Natural Area is planned from noon to 3 p.m. March 1.