Two Forest Preserve District employees have been recognized as Distinguished Frontline Interpreters by the National Association for Interpretation.

Jessica McQuown and Heather Van Zyl received their awards in April at the NAI Heartland Regional Conference in Montana. 

McQuown, the program coordinator at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, earned her award by creating provocative interpretation and ensuring accessibility for all, according to NAI. 

Van Zyl, the former program coordinator at Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township, was selected for the award for her creative programming and exhibit design and her willingness to go above and beyond her regular duties. Van Zyl was recently promoted to facility supervisor at Plum Creek and Monee Reservoir. 

“Though this award has my name on it, it's not just for me,” she said. 

She credited her colleagues who encouraged her, volunteers who give their time and Forest Preserve leadership for their support, as well as the visitors who trust her to deliver meaningful nature experiences.

“Receiving the acknowledgment of an award is both humbling and motivating,” Van Zyl added. “It's a charge to continue to grow our programs and services to creatively meet the needs and interests of every single member of our community.”

The awards are presented to Heartland Region NAI members who have worked for five or more years in the profession and whose current duties are at least 60 percent frontline interpretation. Award recipients must demonstrate a mastery of interpretive techniques, program development and design of creative projects.

The Heartland Region of the National Association for Interpretation consists of interpreters from state parks, county agencies, museums, zoos, park districts, recreation facilities and many other public and private organizations. The region encompasses Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, and in Canada – Manitoba, Nunavut and Saskatchewan.