Field ecologists get down in the dirt to restore and revive natural environments, and for V3’s Erin McKenna, nothing could be better. See how her lifelong passion for the outdoors transformed into a meaningful career where she’s making an impact for generations to come.
Planting the seeds
Erin’s love for ecology blossomed at a young age. Growing up near Brookfield Zoo, she participated in countless after-school and summer programs devoted to environmental education. Those enthusiastic zoo instructors inspired her to study conservation biology at Illinois State University, where her professors engaged her in tactile field studies. Working in forest preserves with her classmates and teachers solidified her goal to make a difference in our natural world.
In 2018, Erin joined V3 as a seasonal field technician, exposing her to the wide variety of projects and experts on our Ecological Restoration team. That experience set the trajectory for her career.
“I started with little experience, but the people made it such a great work environment. That passion, that energy: it’s so unique. After having the chance to work with so many extremely passionate people, I knew I never wanted to leave.”
Cultivating growth
In the past five years, Erin has worked her way up to Field Ecologist III, which allows her to oversee large crews on restoration projects. Her responsibilities vary from monitoring site hydrology levels to delineating planting zones for emerging plant plugs, jumping in wherever she’s needed. Especially in spring and summer, when work is very time sensitive, Erin spends most of her time ensuring her crews have a solid plan for success.
Currently, she’s focusing her talents on a five-year wetland mitigation project at Muirhead Springs, a forest preserve in Kane County. Younger ecologists tend to work across several sites depending on need, but Erin has been part of this project since day one, watching it transform from cornfields back to native species. The experience has been eye opening.
“Seeing the influence we can have over our environment is incredible. In less than a year’s time, we’ve already seen amazing changes: the bird diversity alone has tripled, with five rare species returning. Watching the transformations has impacted me deeply on a personal development level. Working alongside our incredible team to fulfill the needs of our community fuels my passion for ecology. The potential to benefit future generations is so rewarding and meaningful.”
Full bloom
Working at V3 has not only been a match professionally, but personally as well. Her husband Joe is also a Field Ecologist at the firm, allowing them to work as a team both in life and in love. When they’re not working side-by-side saving natural environments, the two share a passion for cinema and enjoy spending time with family.
Looking ahead, Erin is excited to deepen her ecology expertise and explore new techniques and tools for native restoration.
“One of our biggest strengths at V3 is being open to changing practices and developing the next best thing. We’re constantly learning, thinking about new ways to solve challenges. We all like to contribute, and V3 encourages us that there are no bad ideas. The more we boost people up and get them intrigued, the more efficient and productive we become. That idea of exploring the unknown and finding solutions keeps me interested and excited.”
Work with Erin and V3’s Ecological Restoration team
Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your ecology career or kick off a restoration project, we want to talk to you! Connect with our team to learn more.