Kevin Wolz, PhD

A 2009 graduate of Stagg High School, Kevin Wolz is CEO of Canopy Farm Management, dedicated to providing tree planting and management services to farmers and landowners in the Midwest. He also serves as lead scientist for the Savanna Institute, which conducts research, education, and outreach to support the growth of diverse, perennial agroecosystems in the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi watersheds. Wolz demonstrated an early commitment to environmental action, working with the Cook County Forest Preserve to sustain native trees through controlled burns and habitat restoration and launching a blog, "Kwolz's Adventures in Saving the World," a testament to his initiative and unwavering optimism in the face of complex environmental challenges. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he graduated with dual majors in integrative biology and civil & environmental engineering, a holistic and innovative approach to problem-solving. He became deeply interested in sustainable agricultural systems, where environmental restoration could be economically viable, leading to healthier ecosystems and profitable land use. He went on to co-found the Savanna Institute during his master's and PhD studies at the University of Illinois and served as Co-Executive Director. The Institute's impact is far-reaching, encompassing vital demonstration farms, cutting-edge educational programs, and impactful research initiatives dedicated to developing more diverse, perennial agriculture. In 2022, Wolz solidified his commitment to scaling agroforestry solutions by joining Canopy Farm Management as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, he directly facilitates the widespread adoption of agroforestry by providing essential tree planting and management services to farmers and landowners across the Midwest. A national leader in sustainable agriculture, Wolz is nothing short of inspirational.