Prairie View

The Writer

Jeanne HandyJeanne Townsend Handy holds an M.A. in Environmental Studies and a B.A. in English. As part of her graduate studies, she completed a two-year internship with the Illinois EPA where she gained an insider’s perspective regarding contamination issues. She subsequently worked as a technical writer and editor of publications produced for the statewide floodplain mapping program of the University of Illinois. As a freelance writer, Jeanne has covered topics such as habitat restoration, threatened species, and Superfund contamination for which she received the Jacqueline Jackson Creative Nonfiction Writing award from the University of Illinois at Springfield. In 2021, she attained certification as an Illinois Master Naturalist.

The Photographer

Tom HandyTom Handy has worked professionally in photography and computer graphics since the late 80's. His images have been published alongside the writing of Jeanne Townsend Handy. He has focused his lens primarily upon environmental subjects, which have ranged from the expansive to the metaphorical and nuanced. He has also worked extensively in environmental portraiture, capturing people and their surroundings. In addition, his graphics and watercolor painting have been featured in numerous brochures, posters, and websites.

The Publications

National Magaizine Covers

Regional Magazine Covers Regional Magazine Cover
Regional Magazine Covers

The Latest

Jens Jensen

A Voice From the Past, A Vision for the Future

For Earth Day, environmental groups host screening of Jens Jensen documentary at Illinois State Museum. April 2023
Published in Illinois Times
View PDF

Common Yellow Throat

On Behalf of Wildlife

Springfield is home to the Illinois Audubon Society. For 125 years, Illinois Audubon has been fighting for species and habitat protection as the state’s oldest conservation group. With new leaders at the helm, the fight continues for the good of wildlife. And society.
Published in Illinois Times
View PDF

Jens Jensen Movie

The Spirit of Jens Jensen

The vision of a man working nearly 100 years ago as landscape architect and conservationist continues to inspire environmental and social efforts.
Published in Illinois Audubon Magazine
View PDF

Prairie Bar Graph

Science is for the birds. And the planet.

Underlying the most wondrous and urgent knowledge of our world are years of scientific research
Read on Illinois Times website

Hummingbird

Unconventional Companions in Unusual Times

Exploring backyard biodiversity and the meaning of community during a time of isolation
Published in Illinois Audubon Magazine
View PDF

Mud Prairie

Mud Prairie Rennaissance

A restored prairie grows into a diverse community benefitting numerous species, including people.
Published in Illinois Audubon Magazine
View PDF

Contact

Send an email to jthandy@comcast.net