Steven Byers serves as the Chair of Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge and works closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, and our Land Protection Partners to help build the Refuge. Steve formerly was the Field Representative for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission where he worked with landowners to preserve the finest surviving prairies, woodlands, and wetlands in Northeastern Illinois. Steve’s passions include operating a chainsaw during a work day, leading controlled burns, and biking the region’s bike trails.