‘Enthusiasm and confidence’: Four Rivers interpreter wins regional award

Alexis Lyons, an interpretive naturalist at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, has received an Outstanding New Interpreter Award from the Heartland Region of the National Association for Interpretation.

“It is truly a privilege to be working among such passionate and inspiring people in this field of interpretation,” Lyons said in her award acceptance letter.

The 2026 award was an “incredible” honor, added Lyons, who lives in Romeoville. 

“I am so grateful I am in a career filled with such wonderful people who share similar goals,” she said. “The work we do as interpreters is invaluable and I will continue to be inspired by you all.”

Lyons started working for the Forest Preserve District in 2022, and since then she has impressed her colleagues with the creativity and depth she brings to programs, events and exhibits at the visitor center.

“In just over three years, she has become an integral part of everything we do at Four Rivers and has established her own areas of expertise among the staff,” said Jerome Gabriel, facility supervisor at Four Rivers in Channahon.

Her professional knowledge has grown quickly, and she shows potential as a future leader, he added.

Fellow Four Rivers interpreter Jessica McQuown said Lyons’ “resilience, passion and inventiveness” put her “a step above” other young interpreters McQuown has worked with.

“Any seasoned interpreter knows the chaos of our chosen profession, but rarely does a new interpreter walk into that chaos with such grace, enthusiasm and confidence,” McQuown said.

Lyons’ contributions have included the creation of a Backpacking 101 series, acorn and oak displays for a recent exhibit and an interpretive display about how animals prepare for winter.

She also plays an instrumental role in Four River's Little Explorers preschool program, Homeschool Days programs and many other programs.