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2009 Board Meeting Schedules

For the LaPorte County Parks and Recreation Board
All Meetings begin at 6 P.M. Central Time
219-325-8315

January 13 th at Red Mill, Smith Hall

February 10 th (no meeting)

March 10 th at Red Mill, Smith Hall

April 14 th at Red Mill, EEC Building

May 12 th at Red Mill, Smith Hall

June 9 th at Creek Ridge Park

July 14 th (no meeting)

August 11 th at Red Mill, Smith Hall

September 8 th at Red Mill, Smith Hall

October 13 th (no meeting)

November 10 th at Red Mill, Smith Hall

December 8 th at Red Mill, Smith Hall

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LaPorte County Parks Chief Naturalist wins award from the National Association of Interpretation

The LaPorte County Parks Chief Naturalist, Niki Schmutte was the recipient of the top Regional award from the National Association of Interpretation (NAI).
The award was given under the category of “Master Interpretive Manager” within NAI Region IV, which consists of the State of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada. The award is one of the highest honors the Association can confer upon an individual. This award recognizes a member for their consistent dedication to the provision of quality of interpretation and environmental education.

Niki Schmutte has been employed with the LaPorte County Parks as the Chief Naturalist since February of 1994. In the past 15 years, Niki has made a huge impact on the lives of her program participants, community members, professional peers, and her staff.
Niki’s role as a Chief Naturalist is multi-faceted. She not only develops original programming for a variety of age groups and audiences, but she also manages the nature center’s day-to-day operations and plays a key role in long-term planning for the parks. During her tenure with the Park, she has made a number of remarkable accomplishments.
LaPorte County Parks Superintendent, Tim Morgan said, “Niki exemplifies the true meaning of an Master Interpreter. She has a track record of being a great storyteller, an invaluable fountain of facts and knowledge, and an icon as a naturalist, interpreter, and environmental educator. She demonstrates outstanding leadership in enhancing the quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors for all ages.”

Niki has demonstrated mastery of interpretive techniques, program development, and design of creative projects. She is an exceptional interpreter and has many talents. Her achievements of new projects, programs and displays along with her ability to teach anyone young and old about nature & environmental education along the way has made her successful. All of this has made LaPorte County Parks what it is today.
The citizens of LaPorte County have benefited greatly from Niki’s leadership and interpretation. Since Niki’s tenure over 101,000 participants have attended her park and school programs and events. The award was presented to Niki Schmutte in Dorset, Ontario Canada on February 25, 2009 at the NAI’s Region IV Conference.

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