Meet Our Newest Herd Members!
There’s new energy all around LC Nature Park this season—from the arrival of a new pregnant elk from Valmere Farms and the birth of several cinnamon-colored bison calves, to the addition of two amazing staff members who are already helping bring our mission to life.
We’re excited to officially welcome Jennifer Yack, our new Special Events Coordinator, and Annika Rae, now serving as Program Coordinator. Get to know them below—and then come visit the park to spot some of our newest four-legged herd members out on the prairie!
Annika Rae
I recently graduated from Huntington University with a degree in Biology Education. As I progressed through my degree, it became clear that traditional teaching in a classroom would not be where I would end up after graduating. So, my professors worked with me to find an untraditional path I could take within science education. I have always enjoyed being outdoors and teaching people about the world around them that they see every day. I have volunteered at the Fort Wayne Zoo and worked at Science Central, which helped grow my love of STEAM and facilitating a place to learn.
I first got connected with LC in my senior year of college, and since then, I have taken on many different roles at the park. I was first an education intern, then that next summer, I became a Camp Trillium Counselor, and finally, I was a volunteer for a short time before I took the position of Program Coordinator.
I am excited to be a part of the team!
Jennifer Yack
I'm excited to introduce myself as the new Special Events Coordinator at the LC Nature Park.
I am a Fort Wayne native and a graduate of the University of Saint Francis, I have a passion for planning events and creating memorable experiences.
For the past fifteen years, I've been involved with the Vera Bradley Foundation for breast cancer research, where I currently serve as the hospitality chair on the VB Classic steering committee. I also volunteer my time at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, SACS, and the Fort Wayne Zoo.
Before joining the LC Nature Park, I worked for 17 years as a NICU Nurse at Lutheran/Dupont. My husband and I have three daughters, ages 14, 11, and 8. Outside of work, I enjoy college football and supporting our children’s swimming and dance activities.
I'm eager to contribute to the LC Nature Park and its mission, and I'm looking forward to this opportunity.