Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award: Richard Schinkel
It’s hard to draw the line between Richard Schinkel’s work life andpersonal life. They appear to blend seamlessly. This naturalist and former teacherhas served for 25 years in an appointed position on the Berrien County Parks andRecreation Commission, the last 10 as chairman.
Although Richard’s accomplishments are too many to mention here, he wasinstrumental in many community-minded projects, including publishing Birds ofMichigan which raised $20,000 in royalties for Sarett and Kalamazoo NatureCenters, plus bringing two Midwest Birding Symposiums to LMC which raised$20,000 for Sarett, Fernwood, and Love Creek Nature Centers and the LMCEnvironmental Center. He helped institute the Southwest Michigan Team Birdathonthat produced more than a half-million dollars to local non-profits over the last23 years. He served as the project manager in implementing the Coastal ZoneManagement Grant. He also started the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise with apartner, and Green Wellies Garden Shoppe.
He has served on the Sarett Nature Center Board, Berrien County FarmlandPreservations Committee, Galien Watershed Committee, Paw Paw WatershedCommittee, Michigan Audubon Field Representative, Medic One Board, and theBerrien County Historical Commission.
Richard Schinkel received theClarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012.
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