Honoring Jay Stacy

When Jay Stacy first arrived at Nachusa Grasslands in 1995, he came looking for birds (grasshopper sparrows and upland sandpipers), but what he found was his calling and a second home. Over 30 years of stewardship, Jay created 10 vibrant and rich prairie plantings covering 80 acres. He mentored dozens of stewards and volunteers, shared his knowledge and humor with countless supporters, and enriched the entire Nachusa community.

Jay was a skilled birder, a master story teller, a gifted ecologist, and a dear friend. His legacy at Nachusa is deep and lasting.

​For everything you gave and all that you created, thank you, Jay. 

A Kudoboard with messages and photos was crafted into a slideshow and book that were presented to Jay at the 2023 Prairie Potluck.

Jay Stacy – Prairie Hero

View Jay's Kudoboard on this website: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/LEU9grT1:

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UPDATED 09/2026