June 02, 2014
JD Tanner named Touch of Nature director
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumnus JD Tanner is the new director of the university’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center.
Tanner earned his master’s degree in recreation with an emphasis in outdoor recreation administration from SIU in 2009. He earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation with emphasis in outdoor leadership and therapeutic recreation from Southeast Missouri State University in 2003, and is working on his MBA at New Mexico Highlands University. Tanner also holds a number of professional certifications.
Tanner, who started in his new position May 27, was director of recreation for San Juan College in Farmington, N.M. He held the position of assistant director there from 2010 to 2013.
Tanner also served as an adjunct instructor at San Juan College. He has worked for several years as a writer and photographer for Falcon Guides of Guilford, Conn., and as an instructor for the Wilderness Education Association of Seattle, Wash.
Tanner’s previous experience includes working as a “leave no trace traveling trainer” for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics in Boulder, Colo., and as an instructor and outings coordinator at SEMO. Tanner has published and lectured extensively on topics including outdoor education, sustainability, experiential education, and spending time outdoors without adversely affecting the environment.
Touch of Nature Environmental Center, located about eight miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road, is a nationally recognized leader in providing environmental education, therapeutic recreation and outdoor adventure programs.