Leah Jakusz, FSPA Ecological Assistant
Hi! My name is Leah Jakusz (pictured above left). I am currently serving as the 2025-26 FSPA ecological assistant through the Wiscorps Individual Placement Program. My work on FSPA Land - St. Joseph Ridge aims to support the FSPA integral ecology ministry by helping restore native ecosystems, maintaining and improving the greenhouse and gardens and engaging the community through educational programs.
A bit about me – I have spent much of my life in the Madison area, attending high school at Edgewood of the Sacred Heart and receiving my Bachelor of Science degree at UW-Madison. Following a passion for environmental justice and sustainability, I majored in conservation biology and environmental sciences, and received certificates in environmental studies and American Indian and Indigenous studies. I have also gained professional experience through various roles at the UW-Madison Arboretum, the Goldman Plant Breeding and Genetics Lab and the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. My current interests involve sustainable agriculture, community development and education, ecological restoration and ecological landscape architecture. When I found the job posting for this Wiscorps placement with FSPA, I thought it would be the perfect next step in my journey!
I am enjoying my new home in La Crosse by spending much of my free time running on bluff trails and exploring the beautiful state parks and natural areas nearby.
Julia Maynard, FSPA Sustainability Education Assistant
Hello, my name is Julia Maynard (pictured above right) and I am the current WisCorps placement for the FSPA sustainability education assistant position. I will spend my time here helping on the FSPA land when needed, as well as organizing ways to improve upon sustainability at St. Rose Convent and in our community.
I grew up near Winona, Minnesota (Ridgeway, Minnesota for those who know the area) and attended college at UW-La Crosse, earning a major in theatre performance and minors in costume design and environmental studies and sustainability. I am so excited to be back in La Crosse after spending my summer serving in a WisCorps placement at The Ridges Sanctuary in Door County, Wisconsin! I found FSPA as I was ending my term there, and was excited to see a position that combined my passion for education, as well as an opportunity to work within my own community.
In my free time, I can be found helping out with local theatre, sewing and exploring the beauty of our Driftless region.