Jane Seitz

Executive Director

 Jane Seitz has been helping the public protect and conserve wildlife since 1989. The small operation she began has grown to occupy a 15 acre wildlife center that cares for hundreds of animals each year.

The Illinois Raptor Center presents environmental education for schools, conservation groups and other organizations. The center also operates a wildlife hospital open to birds of prey, as well as Illinois threatened and endangered species. In recent years, the organization has expanded to include habitat restoration as well.

Jane holds federal permits for wildlife rehabilitation, possession, education, eagles, falconry and endangered species. She also holds USDA Class "C" exhibitor permits for the facility. She has many certificates and accreditations in wildlife rehabilitation to her credit.

Her 30 years of experience in office supervision and computers have turned the wildlife center she founded into a professional operation. Her creativity with music and video presentation has enhanced IRC's "one-of-a-kind" reputation.

Jane is a lifelong resident of the Decatur area. It is her hope that IRC's efforts to preserve wildlife and raise awareness of our natural heritage will enhance the quality of life for all residents of central Illinois.

Jacques Nuzzo

Program Director

 Jacques Nuzzo's childhood curiosity of the natural world led him to a life dedicated to preserving wildlife. Along the way, he has become an expert in the natural history of Illinois birds, mammals and plant life.

He has profound knowledge in the area of birds of prey and songbirds. As an educator, he can relate to any age group and is very personable and entertaining.

He was ecology director and nature guide for the Boy Scouts of America at Rhodes France Scout Reservation in Pana before joining The Illinois Raptor Center. He maintains ties to the Boy Scouts; half a dozen scouts have attained the rank of Eagle Scout by means of projects completed for the IRC. Jacques has returned to camp in recent summers as a climbing instructor and challenge course director.

Jacques holds state and federal permits for rehabilitation, possession, education and falconry.

As IRC's program director, his educational programs reached more than 17,000 people last year.

In his spare time, he is an avid rock climber, and fisherman. He has also founded Nuzzo Raptor Equipment, a company that makes falconry hoods and other equipment for the safe handling of birds of prey.