Evie Kirkwood

Principal at Evie Kirkwood Consulting, LLC

South Bend, Indiana, United States

About

Through my consulting business, I design interpretive signage for parks and natural areas, and assist non-profits with planning and marketing. I am passionate about connecting people and nature. In my role at St. Joseph County Parks I was honored to care for significant natural areas in the community and share my love of the outdoors through interpretive programming/design and hosting the show, "Outdoor Elements," on WNIT-Michiana PBS. My areas of interest include the role that parks play in public health and tourism, as well as stewarding natural and cultural resources. In my consulting activities, I connect people to parks and outdoor recreation through interpretive sign design, writing and training. I also am enthusiastic about organizational management and provide strategic planning services to non-profit nature centers, organizations and museums. I enjoy my work on non-profit boards, too, as a way to give back to the community.

Experience

  • Principal at Evie Kirkwood Consulting, LLC
    Jan 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 7 mos

    People + Nature. Strategic Planning for non-profits, free-lance nature writing, editing, graphic design, interpretive waysides and panels, training.

  • Shirley Heinze Land Trust (11 yrs 7 mos)
    • Member Board Of Directors, Secretary and Program Committee Chair
      Jan 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 7 mos

    • St. Joseph County Advisory Board
      Jan 2015 - Present · 11 yrs 7 mos

  • Host of Outdoor Elements at Michiana PBS / WNIT
    Jan 2002 - Present · 24 yrs 7 mos

  • Board of Directors at Hamilton Communities
    Sep 2011 - Dec 2021 · 10 yrs 4 mos

  • St. Joseph County Parks (20 yrs 5 mos)
    • ( Retired )Director
      Feb 2004 - May 2020 · 16 yrs 4 mos

      It has been my honor to improve the quality of life for residents by conserving and caring for significant natural areas, promoting understanding and stewardship of our unique natural and cultural heritage through programs and services, and enhancing visitor experiences through well-maintained park facilities. St. Joseph County Parks manages over 1300 acres, with over 300,000 visitors per year.

    • Superintendent of Interpretive and Leisure Services
      Jan 2000 - Feb 2004 · 4 yrs 2 mos