The Team Behind Your Favorite State Parks​​
Nature does the growing, and the DNR does the mowing—but who ensures Willow River has the extra resources it needs to thrive? ​​
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Meet the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic Board of Directors. We are a team of local leaders, environmental advocates, and outdoor enthusiasts working tirelessly behind the scenes to protect the landscapes you love. As the official nonprofit partner to our local state parks, we are dedicated to funding the "margin of excellence" --the vital trail maintenance, wildlife conservation, and educational programs that tax dollars simply don't cover. From securing vital funding for park improvements to launching community-driven conservation projects and educational programming, these are the people turning your passion into park progress. We believe in transparency, action, and the power of the St. Croix Valley community.
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Our Board doesn't just love Willow River and the Kinni—they protect them. See below to meet the community leaders transforming your donations into trail-side reality and long-term conservation.
Rita Thofern
President
Walt Zuliani
Vice President
Dave Thofern
Treasurer
Bob Richardson
Secretary
Leaders in Environmental Education​​
​The Heartbeat of the Friends' Educational Mission
Our naturalists are the experts behind the educational programs at Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks.As professional environmental educators, they lead the guided nature hikes, wildlife workshops, and school field trips that connect the St. Croix Valley community to our local ecosystems. By bridging the gap between park science and hands-on discovery, our team ensures the next generation is equipped to protect our natural resources.
Our Naturalists are the bridge between the science of our parks and the wonder in a child's eyes. ​
They don't just teach; they inspire.
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Curious about the experts leading your favorite park programs?
Meet our naturalists below and discover the professional expertise they bring to every trail, creek, and campfire.
Lead Naturalist
& Nature Center Coordinator
Ashley "Ash"
For the last 25+ years, Ash has spent many of her days hiking, fishing, kayaking, mushroom foraging and exploring both Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks. Now, her two young children tag along with her and enjoy the beauty and activities that both parks have to offer. Ash organizes and runs educational classes, programs and events for the Friends Group and manages the Nature Center. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She has a passion for providing exceptional environmental education to the public and groups of all ages. Her main focus at the park is encouraging wise-use of natural resources and respect towards wildlife and the environment in order to advance the quality of life for future generations.
Naturalist
Amber
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Amber joins us with a background in Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, and a passion for community education. She was drawn to the Naturalist role by her commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. When she's not facilitating seed collections, waste-free walks, and other fun outdoor educational programs you can find her hiking. One of her favorite adventures was exploring the Porcupine Mountains in Northern Michigan during the vibrant fall color shift.
Her main focuses are fostering pollinator-friendly habitats, promoting evidence-based practices, and protecting natural resources for future generations to enjoy. She is excited to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm to our team!
View our event calendar to see what programs Ash & Amber have to offer!
Systems Strategist
Building the Infrastructure for Scalable Impact
Communications
& Marketing Manager
Hannah Addyman
Hannah joined the Friends in 2026, bringing over six years of expertise in digital strategy and brand management to our mission.
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Driven by a commitment to connection and environmental stewardship, she leads our transition into a professionally staffed nonprofit –a critical evolution in scaling our impact for Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks. She holds a BBA in business management from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, supported by certificates in leadership studies and advanced business communications.​
By integrating professional design with scalable infrastructure and data-driven outreach, Hannah modernizes the Friends' digital presence while optimizing the operational workflows that fuel our Board of Directors. She directs the organization’s holistic digital strategy, ensuring that our systems translate directly into mission impact and meaningful community engagement. By streamlining these vital systems, Hannah empowers the Board to shift their focus from daily operations to high-level advocacy, maximizing the organization’s capacity to fund critical conservation and education projects.
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Beyond designing digital systems, Hannah is often found on the trails. Utilizing her background in commercial photography, she captures the authentic beauty of our parks to create engaging digital content. By blending professional skill with a personal passion for the outdoors, Hannah helps our community see the natural world through a new lens—deepening their connection to the Friends' mission.
