Ecological Advocacy Committee
The Ecological Advocacy Committee is an organization under the South Bend Board of Park Commissioners created with the purpose of advising the Board of Park Commissioners on matters concerning the perpetuation of a healthy ecological system within the parks and public lands of South Bend. This advisory committee is established to assist in the fulfillment of the objectives set out by the South Bend Venues Parks & Arts Department (VPA), which calls for cooperative planning, community engagement, strategic thinking, and natural resource management.
Committee members are expected to take voluntary roles on at least two EAC subcommittees annually to provide expertise in advancing ecological proposals or projects under current development.
Natural Resource Management Plan
Ecological Advocacy Committee Application
Application Process:
Anyone who is interested in serving on the EAC may now apply to do so. Applications will be accepted until October 31. Please send the completed form to Garry Harrington at gharring@southbendin.gov. EAC selections will be made in November.
2025 Committee Members:
Andrew Schnabel (Chairperson)
Charlene Rountree (Vice-Chair/Treasurer)
Andrew Tucker
Kevin Price
Lori Checkly
Brian Will
Ronda Spaulding
Clay Kusbach
John Hamilton
Of Counsel:
Brent Thompson, City Forester
Mary Wojcik, City Horticulturalist
Barbara Dale, City of South Bend Office of Sustainability
Liaisons:
Garry Harrington, Rum Village Nature Center Manager