FACES OF THE LAND TRUST #1

Prospect Land Trust (PLT) would like to feature the many faces of PLT, 

and what better place to start other than our own 

President Bill Rinckel and his First Lady Patty.

Bill, a resident of Prospect since 1998 shares his love of outdoors with his wife Patty, a life long resident and retired teacher for Region 16. She worked at Algonquin School for nearly 38 years.

Patty, along with her brothers and sister were brought up to appreciate birds and wildlife, and for her becoming part of the PLT certainly fits into this lifestyle. She has been a Girl Scout from the age of 7 and continues to be a Girl Scout alumna. During her teaching career, Patty always stressed the importance of birds, nature and conservation. She wanted her students to develop the same appreciation she had as a child and their studies always included a yearly field trip to White Memorial in Litchfield, CT

  

Bill is also retired after 36 years in the Business Information Processing field, 21 years with IBM where he worked a certified Executive Program Manager and  a Master Inventor. But like most people discover when you retire you find yourself busier than ever, Bill is no exception. He now followed Patty’s passion and has become a substitute teacher at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors of Seven Angels Theater, a House Manager, and a “Halo” Judge. He is honored to be a member of the Milford United States Power Squadron where he serves as the Lieutenant Commander / Chief Financial Officer as well as a Vessel Safety Inspector. Bill is an Eagle Scout and former Scoutmaster. Bill also holds dear the many hours he and Patty spend sailing on their sailboat called PackMouse, Too.     

“I enjoy hiking the easy-to-moderate Prospect Land Trust (PLT) trails. 

I am thrilled that the PLT has preserved many acres of land for the future generations to enjoy and will continue to do so” ~ Patty 

“It is with the love of nature, the sea, and the environment 

that makes me a strong advocate for conservation” ~ Bill

President of the Prospect Land Trust since 2014

Under Bill’s leadership PLT has been awarded several grants.

2011-2012 IBM Community Grant for $500 was awarded to the Land Trust in recognition of Bill Rinckel, an IBMer and Board member of the Land Trust, for his volunteer work.

2014-2015 Environmental Awareness and Action Grant for $500 was given from the Connecticut Community Foundation to improve land trust properties. A matching grant of $500 was awarded by the E. Irene Boardman Foundation of Prospect for promoting land conservation and preservation, and providing opportunities for increased environmental awareness.