She grew up in Minneapolis Kansas amid a childhood filled with outdoor experiences; hiking the prairie, swimming in ponds, and canoeing on the Solomon River. After high school she graduated from Marymount College with a degree in Theater and English. She has spent over 25 years in advancement work at both Kansas Wesleyan University, Bethany College and now the Friends of the River Foundation.
Jane has enjoyed living in Salina with her husband Brad for over 45 years. Since childhood her love of nature has never wavered, and she is an avid gardener. One of Jane’s greatest joys in her life was to introduce her children to nature, and now she enjoys doing the same for her grandchildren.
Anne is a Salina native, born and raised. She grew up with a deep appreciation of nature and creative pursuits. After earning her Biology degree from Emporia State University, she spent 7 years as a park naturalist/environmental educator with Lakewood Discovery Center before becoming a teaching artist with Salina Art Center and then Salina Montessori School. She is an installation and roving artist for the Smoky Hill River Festival, and you may see her there with her sidekick, Bartholomew Bullfrog.
Being the Education Outreach Coordinator at the Friends of the River has allowed her to combine her interests of nature, art, and education into a program that works to build stewardship for our river. In her spare time, Anne spends time with her family and dogs, friends, and church family, and sings, plays ukulele, creates, and sometimes does theater.
A dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer board of directors guides the Friends of the River Foundation’s strategic direction. Members are eligible to serve three consecutive terms.
The Friends of the River advocates, communicates and educates for the good of the Smoky Hill River to benefit the community through which it flows.
“Salina exists for only one reason. The Smoky Hill River. Beginning with a ferry across the river, to a trading post, to water powered mills, to a growing city, the history of Salina is irrevocably tied to the river. Now, with it’s renewal, it will be the jewel in the crown of downtown redevelopment, a source of civic pride, and an economic asset for the entire community.”
Mike Mattson
“I envision a revitalized river where we can gather with friends and family, creating new memories – kayaking, fishing, and simply enjoying the beauty of nature. This project isn’t just about revitalizing a river; it’s about bringing life and joy to Salina, and I’m wholeheartedly behind it!”
Rafael Mendez - V.P. of Customer Culture, Blue Beacon, Inc.
“Living along the river in Downtown Salina has been a wonderful experience for my family. Getting up in the morning, watching the wildlife, and hearing the river flow when it rains makes us feel more connected to our environment. The river revitalization project will allow our community to strengthen and return to nature but also allow the wildlife that lives off of its resources to thrive.”
Elizabeth Ali-Schade - Director of Operations, Theatre Salina
