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.
That's a really nice award. Well deserved, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tim, that means a lot to me. I know how much you enjoy being out and promoting the outdoors experiences, as well.
DeleteEven if most folks are unaware of what Iowa has to offer, I still envy anyone capable of hitting the Colorado trails on a daily basis...maybe time for me find a more suitable retirement home out West!