Our Stories
2025 NCTA Volunteer Awards: Outreach
This award is presented to volunteers whose efforts to build coalitions, partnerships or other forms of local support have contributed significantly to the ongoing success of the North Country Trail.
Nikk Adams
In 2016, teacher and trail runner Nikk Adams decided to create an event to raise funds for the NCTA Brule-St. Croix Chapter, attract new people to the North Country Trail in Northwest Wisconsin, and unite the local trail running community. The North Country Trail Races began as a single 5K. Over the past eight years, Nikk has added both a half and full marathon, as well as a mystery ultra marathon. Each race attracts 80-100 runners, and Nikk has raised more than $12,000 for Chapter trail maintenance projects, including repairs to the Brule Bog Boardwalk. Multiple runners have since become regular trail maintainers, and Nikk serves on the Chapter board. Nikk’s efforts have significantly improved visibility of the NCT in Wisconsin, and further developed the identity of Solon Springs as an NCTA Trail Town.
L Bryne
For several years, L has been instrumental in organizing Northern Minnesota Track Club members to help weed-whip 10 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail through Duluth. L has since encouraged Duluth Foot Trails Alliance members to join as well, and this larger group now helps with trail renewal projects. In 2024, L also became a certified sawyer and volunteer crew leader with the Superior Hiking Trail Association. Enabling and encouraging trail users to give back to the trail has resulted in a deeper connection and sense of responsibility.
Tina Harkins
Since joining the NCTA Wampum Chapter in 2016, Tina has been a consistently valuable volunteer. She delivers outreach materials to local businesses, ensures brochures and maps are stocked, prepares and distributes press releases, and stays in constant communication with Chapter members. Many of Tina’s articles have made the front page of the local newspaper, and she maintains the Chapter’s social media. This spring, she was interviewed by a local radio station and spoke so professionally about the trail. Not only does she manage all of these outreach tasks, but Tina’s a Trail Adopter, hike leader and sweep, and works full-time as a nurse. She has a wonderful relationship with the landowner of the section she maintains, and is always willing to lend a hand where needed.
Mark Lelle
Mark has supported the trail for many years in many capacities with the NCTA Chief Noonday Chapter. He organizes trail cleanup projects that include community members and college students. He serves with the Calhoun County Trailway Alliance as a member and secretary. He’s doing a wonderful job increasing the awareness of Albion, Michigan as an NCTA Trail Town. Mark is a trail angel and offers his yard as an overnight campsite, and offers great insight regarding new signage and potential reroutes.
Learn more about how the you can honor NCTA volunteers for their service on and for the North Country National Scenic Trail, and consider a nomination at northcountrytrail.org/volunteer-awards.
