ACCO: Local Wildlife and Prehistoric Wonders

What if the "magic" of a world-class museum didn't require a trip to Chicago? What if the giants of the Ice Age and the secrets of African conservation were waiting for you right here in Kankakee County?

We recently sat down with Mitchell, the Founder-Director-Educator (FDE) of ACCO, to discuss his journey from the halls of the Field Museum to the local landscapes we call home. What we found wasn't just a passion for animals—it was a mission to transform how our community sees the natural world.

A Global Vision with Local Roots

Mitchell’s expertise is grounded in years of service at prestigious institutions, but the spark for ACCO truly ignited in 2022 during an expedition to Namibia. Witnessing incredible species in their natural habitats inspired him to bring that same level of specialized wildlife outreach back to Kankakee.

However, Mitchell is quick to point out that "wildlife" isn't just something you see on a safari. Inspired by his mentor, Dr. Rosenberger, Mitchell advocates for "Creation Care"—the idea that we must treat our local habitats like a garden that requires our stewardship.

"We are privileged to live in a temperate climate with four seasons and plenty of fresh water sources," Mitchell says. "If we can’t protect those resources, or our wildlife, what can we protect?"

The Giants of Our Past: Mammoths, Sloths, and Sabers

One of the most captivating parts of an ACCO demonstration is learning about the "megafauna" that once roamed our very own backyards. While pop culture often focuses on dinosaurs, Mitchell brings the local history of the Pleistocene Era (about 10,000 years ago) to life.

The Ice Age Giants: Mitchell reveals that Mammoths, Mastodons, and even Giant Ground Sloths once called this region home.

The Missing Predator: While no fossils have been found in Kankakee yet, evidence from neighboring states suggests the infamous Smilodon (the saber-toothed cat) likely prowled Illinois as well.

The Forgotten Five: Mitchell also advocates for the "Forgotten Five"—the Bison, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Elk, and Grey Wolf—species that lived here until their extirpation in the 1870s.

Breaking the "STEM Barrier"

Mitchell’s mission is also deeply personal. Growing up, he didn't have a roadmap for the biological sciences. As the first in his family to navigate these fields beyond an Associate’s degree, he admits he initially struggled to stay focused in school. To him, a career in science felt like a world away.

He credits his family’s support for giving him the room to experiment, and now he wants to be that support system for Kankakee’s youth. By sharing his own journey of perseverance, he shows local kids that you don't have to be "perfect" to be a scientist—you just have to be curious.

ACCO: More Than Just a Museum

Through ACCO, Mitchell is building the resource he wished he had as a kid. He is solving the "STEM gap" by bringing the museum directly to the people.

Sensory Engagement: Using a massive personal collection of ethically sourced specimens and replicas, Mitchell provides hands-on learning. This is especially vital for audiences with physical or cognitive disabilities, allowing them to experience nature through touch, sound, and sight.

Direct Mentorship: He doesn’t just teach; he counsels. Mitchell provides real-world guidance on how to navigate STEM fields with confidence, helping students realize these careers are within their reach.

A Vision for the Next 20 Years

Mitchell’s ultimate goal is for nature advocacy to become a cornerstone of Kankakee’s identity. By empowering children today to interact with an ACCO ambassador, he is planting the seeds for a community that, 20 years from now, will lead the way in conservation and sustainable coexistence.

🗓️ Join the Mission!

Experience the power of hands-on STEM for yourself. Mitchell is bringing the museum to you with these upcoming sessions:

International Wildlife Conservation & Anti-Poaching

Date: April 23rd | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Exploration Station (Partnered with Bourbonnais Township Park District)

The Buzz: A deep dive into rhino and elephant conservation in Zimbabwe and the realities of the exotic pet trade.

Summer Library Tour: Dinosaurs & Mesozoic Monsters

Keep an eye on local library schedules this summer for Mitchell’s high-energy demonstrations on the "Ruling Reptiles" of the Mesozoic!

Ready to explore? Visit the ACCO Website to request a session for your school or group, or to provide feedback on how ACCO can better serve our community. Come learn why tending to our "local garden" is the most exciting job we have!