Vermilion County Conservation District Contacts

Ken Konsis-has been full time with the District since December of 1974. Besides leading the District for the past 24 years, Ken has been very active in other organizations, especially the Walnut Council International, where he served as National President in 1999 and was the coordinator of two national meetings, one hosted by the VCCD and the other was based in Champaign, but had field trips locally. He has served over 20 years as president and also as treasurer of the Illinois Walnut Council. He has also served six terms as president of the Illinois Association of Conservation Districts; past president and current treasurer of the Forest Glen Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society; and current president of the Lake Vermilion Water Quality Coalition.

Ken has been named as an Outstanding Young Man in America (although not young anymore!), Professional Conservationist of the Year Award, the Black Walnut Achievement Award, from Walnut Council International and the Leadership Award from the Vermilion County Agriculture and Natural Resources Council. Hobbies include gardening, photography, traveling, decorating for the holidays, reading, and collecting Green Bay Packer memorabilia.

Ken and his wife, Lorna, still reside in their “starter” home in Westville with their two house cats, two outside cats, and any other cat that happens by.