An Unsung Heroine and Events Team Member
Inside every noteworthy organization there are the movers and the shakers, and occasionally a few crazy makers. But mostly there are the behind-the-scenes folks making sure the engines are humming and the wheels aren’t coming off. The Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy is certainly no exception and one such individual and happily notable character in our fold is Jane Ilgen.
Jane has been a member of the Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy and active participant of the Events Committee and the Restoration Team from the start (around 2014). If you have met Jane, you know she’s someone not easily forgotten. Consider this from one of her colleagues, “I met Jane on a PFC trail. I recognized her from church but really didn’t know her. Not one to be shy, Jane exchanged a few pleasantries and then jumped right in and said to me, ‘How would you like to join the Events Committee for the Friends of Pope Farm?’” How’s that for some bold outreach? Well, it worked!
In a similar vein, another shared, “I remember when I first became a member of the Events Committee of the Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy. Jane was welcoming and, frankly, also a bit intimidating. You see, she has an opinion about everything and never shies away from letting you know how she feels. She cuts through the niceties and gets to the point on whatever the topic at hand. I love that about Jane! There’s no BS!”
Fellow Friends Event Committee Members say working with Jane is nothing short of a grand adventure; one that’s been full of hard work, creativity and abundant laughter. Her enthusiasm, loyalty and dedication are legendary and she’s a natural organizer and innovator.
Above left: Sunflower Days Volunteers (Jane, far left) 
Above right: Monarch Tagging Volunteers (Jane, right) 
Above: Jane, second from left, and members of the Restoration Team in the Oak Savanna
By all accounts, Sunflower Days holds special memories for the Events Committee Members. In reminiscing about it, they recalled that Jane worked long hours and took on whatever needed doing. She also volunteered to take many beautiful photos of the sunflowers and the conservancy during those events.
Did we mention Jane’s abilities as an artist and gifted photographer? Never were these gifts and skills more on display than during Sunflower Days. Jane even came up with the idea of using her photos to make notecards. Without skipping a beat, the committee set up shop in the lower level of Jane’s home and their makeshift Hallmark-like assembly line cranked out hundreds of notecards which were eventually sold during the event. In fact, they were such a big hit that Jane literally ran home to make more sets as the stock quickly disappeared! (Scroll down to see some of Jane’s beautiful photos, featured in our “Photos of the Month” section below.)
In planning events at the Conservancy, it’s Jane who made sure the kids’ interests are included as part of the Conservancy’s programming. It’s her love of teaching children that has helped to make Pope Farm events particularly well rounded and fun for families and kids of all ages. And if you’ve seen her interact with children, you know she’s a kid at heart!
Jane has made a big difference at Pope Farm Conservancy and you have likely benefited from her many efforts and talents. Hats off to you, Jane! We salute you and your many contributions. We’re better for knowing you and you are truly an inspiration to us.
From our hearts, we thank you! ❤️
Even in a pandemic, the Events Team knows how to have a good time!
