Watershed Conservation Corps Staff

Caleb Sanders, Watershed Conservation Corps Director

After graduating with a bachelor’s in philosophy and religion from Drury University, Caleb pursued a graduate degree at the University of Chicago. While living in Chicago, Caleb worked for Friends of the Forest Preserves, managing teams of youth engaged in conservation projects within the inner-city. He has since worked with the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, Student Conservation Association, Audubon California, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Southern Sierra Research Station leading trail and ecological restoration projects programs in several states across the country. Joining the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks in the spring of 2017 to manage the Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative grant, Caleb seeks to continue to enact his passion for restoration through hands-on service to the land.

Adam Barton, Watershed Conservation Corps Project Manager

Adam grew up in north Springfield only minutes away from the Watershed Committee. He experienced the beauty of the Ozarks growing up through numerous hiking, hunting, and fishing expeditions. Adam joined the Watershed Committee in April 2019 as a technician for the Watershed Conservation Corps program to assist with ongoing projects. Adam currently manages the 70-acre native prairie restoration project at Bass Pro Shops world headquarters in Springfield. He is entering his final year of study at Missouri State University where he majors in wildlife management and conservation, while minoring in forestry and geospatial science. Adam loves working at the Watershed Committee because he gets to spend time outside, improve native habitat, and educate others about modern-day conservation practices. In his spare time, you can find Adam with a fiddle in his arms playing tune after tune. He competes in numerous fiddle contests around the state and is honored to carry on the tradition of bluegrass music in the Ozarks. Adam and his wife Brooke are lifelong Springfield residents and love being part of the community.

Hannah Stinnett, Conservation Specialist

Hannah is from Gassville, Arkansas.  She grew up on Bull Shoals Lake and made frequent trips to the Buffalo River.  She discovered her love for the conservation field while serving with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. Hannah graduated from Arkansas Tech with a degree in Recreation and Park Administration. She has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers, Montana Conservation Corps and Roaring River State Park. She spends most of her time enjoying the natural beauty of the Ozarks while backpacking, floating and rock climbing.   Hannah is happiest when outside and her favorite part of the job is creating hiking trails.

Dillan Simmons, Conservation Specialist

Dillan Grew up just east of Springfield in Rogersville, and has always enjoyed spending time in the natural beauty the Ozarks has to offer. In his spare time you might find him hiking, camping, or backpacking Near the Buffalo River. After high school he received training and worked with Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa. During Dillan’s service term with Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa he worked with the Exotic Plant Management team under the National Park Heartland Network out of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Traveling the Midwest to treat invasive plant species in order to restore and protect native habitat. After the end of his Americorps Term Dillan Joined the Watershed Conservation Corps in hopes to continue help combat invasive Plants so that the Native species of the Ozarks can flourish.

Jeremy Graham, Conservation Specialist

Jeremy joined the Watershed Committee in May 2019 as a technician for the Watershed Conservation Corps program. Also a Missouri State graduate, Jeremy has studied wildlife biology and conservation law enforcement. He hopes to use his experience working with the Conservation Corps to improve natural environments and educate others about local efforts. His passion for the outdoors extends into his free time where you can usually find him in a kayak or on a trail. Jeremy says his ideal outdoor experience is kayak fishing the Meramac River near his family home in Fenton.

Trey Thompson, Conservation Specialist

Trey began working with the Watershed Conservation Corps in June 2020 after graduating from Missouri State with a Bachelor’s in wildlife biology in May of the same year. Trey has resided in the Ozarks since 2009 after he moved from Illinois. He has always enjoyed being outdoors and likes to hike and trail run. Trey was first introduced to the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks in the Fall of 2019 when he began volunteering. It was during his time as a volunteer where he became familiar with numerous invasive plant species. Trey plans to continue working in the conservation field in the future. In his free time Trey enjoys reading and listening to music.