Russ Schipper contacted the Explorers to inspire them to learn about birds. He didn’t know that he would later contribute to an effort to help Explorers see beyond their community through a National Park initiative. Schipper, a member of the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo (ASK), led an effort to teach Explorers about the world of birds. He and other bird enthusiasts and experts spent a day at the Nature Center sharing everything from fun bird facts to how to learn one bird song from another.

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Schipper later learned of the organization’s desire to visit National Parks. He helped make that dream come true with a contribution that led the Explorers to their first National Park visit to Mammoth Caves in Kentucky.

Schipper enjoyed a pizza lunch with the Explorers at the Kalamazoo Public Library and shared how he wanted to give back to benefit girls of color who often have little access to funds for travel.