Shelby Township: Shelby Township Welcomes New Coordinator At Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center

Press release from Shelby Township:

09/22/2021 9:05 AM

With more than 1,200 acres of public parks, access to the Clinton River and an award-winning tree canopy within its borders, connecting with nature in Shelby Township is a full-time job. Now that job belongs to Elizabeth Schultz as the new nature center coordinator at the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center.

Shelby Township welcomed Schultz as the new nature center coordinator on Aug. 24. Schultz oversees the daily operations of the nature center and the River Bends Park trap and archery range, works with the nature center’s volunteers, coordinates programs and events and interacts with residents and patrons at the center.

“Elizabeth Schultz is going to be an amazing addition to our family in Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department,” PRM Director Joe Youngblood said. “She has an amazing background and education to share with our residents. More importantly, though, she has a passion for the outdoors and our local wildlife that is very representative of our community.”

Schultz has a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Michigan State University and a master's degree in Teaching Biology from Miami University of Ohio.

“I’ve been in this field for over eight years now, having led programs at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo and the Howell Nature Center,” Schultz said. “My passion is to connect people, especially children, to nature in an engaging way that deepens their understanding and appreciation of it.”

In addition to eight years of experience in environmental education, Schultz studied community-based conservation and youth programming in Mexico, Paraguay, Kenya and Namibia. She has worked with various wildlife ambassadors, including penguins, birds of prey, snakes, kangaroos, parrots, and her favorite animal, opossums.

“In this role, I hope to grow the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center experience with wildlife programs and give the community a place to learn about animals, science and nature like never before,” Schultz said.

“Whether it’s from storytimes for our itty-bitty patrons or our adult programs, it’s about finding new ways to enrich the community through this great resource.”

Her passion lies in connecting people to nature, deepening their appreciation for and knowledge of the natural world. She hopes to use programs and events to expand that experience to Shelby Township.

“I have a lot of experience designing programs and events for people to come out and visit and get involved in conservation,” Schultz said. “At the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, I am making sure the day-to-day programs go smoothly. I will also bring my experience and expertise in wildlife education to grow our animal ambassador program with new live animals.”

Following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, the nature center is looking to welcome new volunteers to help Schultz enhance the programs and facilities.

“No matter what your passion is, we can connect you with a chance to explore that as a nature center volunteer,” Schultz said. “We have a lot of great opportunities for high school students looking for service hours. We have projects for scouts, and we have things like our gardens and taking care of our animals that everyone can enjoy.”

To volunteer at the nature center call 586-323-2478, email shadbush@shelbytwp.org or visit shelbytwp.org/nature.

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This press release was produced by Shelby Township. The views expressed here are the author’s own.