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It’s hard to draw the line between Richard Schinkel’s work life andÌýpersonal life. They appear to blend seamlessly. This naturalist and former teacherÌýhas served for 25 years in an appointed position on the Berrien County Parks andÌýRecreation Commission, the last 10 as chairman.

Although Richard’s accomplishments are too many to mention here, he wasÌýinstrumental in many community-minded projects, including publishing Birds ofÌýMichigan which raised $20,000 in royalties for Sarett and Kalamazoo NatureÌýCenters, plus bringing two Midwest Birding Symposiums to LMC which raisedÌý$20,000 for Sarett, Fernwood, and Love Creek Nature Centers and the LMCÌýEnvironmental Center. He helped institute the Southwest Michigan Team BirdathonÌýthat produced more than a half-million dollars to local non-profits over the lastÌý23 years. He served as the project manager in implementing the Coastal ZoneÌýManagement Grant. He also started the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise with aÌýpartner, and Green Wellies Garden Shoppe.Ìý

He has served on the Sarett Nature Center Board, Berrien County FarmlandÌýPreservations Committee, Galien Watershed Committee, Paw Paw WatershedÌýCommittee, Michigan Audubon Field Representative, Medic One Board, and theÌýBerrien County Historical Commission.

Richard Schinkel received theÌýClarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012.