Pickhardt honored by Maywood Environmental Park
Paul Pickhardt, Dean of Lakeland’s Schilcutt School and professor of biology, has been named President’s Award winner by Ellwood H. May Environmental Park.
Each year, the association president presents this award to individuals who have made a significant and timely contribution to the progress and purpose of the association and the Ellwood H. May Environmental Park. The President’s Award was established in memory of Ellwood and Mary May.
Pickhardt was awarded the honor by Ellwood H. May Environmental Park Association President Martha Steinbruecker.
In 2011, Pickhardt joined the association advisory board as the representative for then-Lakeland College. Over his years on the board, he has served on various committees and assisted with the planning of events and programs.
In 2018, Pickhardt was elected vice president of the advisory board and in 2021 was elected president of the advisory board. During his two terms as president, he oversaw the hiring of a new park director and the 40th anniversary of Maywood.
“As a liaison between Lakeland University and Maywood, he has strengthened a valuable partnership between the two organizations,” Steinbruecker said. “He has helped connect Maywood with speakers for the annual banquet and help facilitate holding the event at Lakeland. Paul, along with some of his students, have given insightful presentations on the ecology of Belize. In years when the Earth Ride was held, Paul assisted in securing Lakeland as a rest stop for the bike ride.”
Pickhardt and his family have also been avid volunteers at the park since becoming members in 2011. During the pandemic, they worked together to plant the trees that had been ordered for the then-cancelled Earth Day and Arbor Day activities, ensuring that the trees did not go to waste.
“We are grateful to Paul for his many hours of service to Maywood and look forward to his continued involvement at the park,” Steinbruecker said.
