Our Mission

The mission of Doe Run Education Works is to provide the Midwestern Tri-state communities with an enhanced knowledge and understanding of outdoor environments and to facilitate instruction of conservation practices that will encourage the responsible use of all natural resources.

How We Got Started

In 1993, Drew and Laura Dukett moved to a 30-acre wooded tract of land just northwest of Roodhouse, Illinois. After witnessing the abundance of deer and other wildlife inhabiting the area, they named their property, Dukett’s Doe Run. Later that Fall, Drew and Laura explored Doe Run with Laura’s father, James Esarey (farmer) and his brother, Dwight Esarey (District Conservationist).

The brothers’ knowledge and enthusiasm for nature and conservation, along with Dwight’s passion to teach conservation to others, inspired Drew and Laura to learn more about the trees and wildlife on their property. This visit planted the seed to share this knowledge and appreciation for natural resources with other people in the local area.

After raising their three children (Bethany, Joshua, and Christopher) at Doe Run, Drew and Laura retired, in 2017, from 36 years military service and 25 years teaching science, respectively, to pursue their dream of becoming naturalists.