Many times I have posted that I'm surprised by the amount of trash discarded along the trails. I have made a habit of not passing up the debris but rather gathering it for recycle or disposal. I have had other trail users thank me and a few ask about what I'm doing and tell me they will also begin to carry bags while they hike to help pick up.
Last Tuesday night, I attended the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Lime Creek Nature Center. Naturalist, Todd Vonehwegen, had called me this year to be sure I planned to attend. This was because I was to be honored as a "Friend of Lime Creek" award winner. Not only for the trail clean-up but for volunteering at the center, helping with festivals, working on the annual Timber Trot, and also the live Wood Turtle radio-tracking project that I helped with a few years ago!
I'm honored that the board realized the passion that I have for getting out in the woods to move and explore and help others get out to enjoy the outdoors, as well.