2023 Recognizing Elizabeth Schultz With the Johanna Roskopp Leadership Award

The Johanna Roskopp Leadership Award was created by the Board in 1995 to honor Johanna Roskopp, a longtime Board member, for her extraordinary contributions to protecting the Clinton River. This award recognizes individuals and organizations for their leadership and commitment to protecting the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair. 

This year, we recognize Elizabeth Schultz, Nature Center Coordinator at the Burgess Shadbush Nature Center. In her role, Elizabeth has become a valued partner, who takes it upon herself to encourage people to connect with the outdoors and enjoy the region’s natural resources. We applaud Elizabeth’s efforts to increase recreational access through an upcoming installation of a universally accessible kayak launch at River Bends Park. As a result of her leadership, CRWC and Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center have created a partnership centered on the removal of the invasive shrub jet-bead, which has taken over native areas within River Bends Park. In conjunction with CRWC, Elizabeth has hosted several jet-bead pulls with more scheduled for 2024. Even now, native plants can be seen re-populating areas as jet bead is removed.  Elizabeth is a joy to work with in promoting the stewardship of the watershed, and we look forward to continuing to partner with her and Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center in the future!

Author(s): Cole Pachucki, Kaleigh Snoddy, Pronoye Kapali