Our Stories

2025 NCTA Volunteer Awards: Trail Protector

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Kate Lemon

This award is presented to volunteers working to protect the North Country Trail by gaining permission to build trail, and additionally, gaining easements to protect our trail.

Jan Ulferts Stewart and Jim Stewart

Together, Jan and Jim have designed and built some of the most iconic structures on the NCTA Dakota Prairie Chapter’s segment of the North Country Trail. Included are six trailhead kiosks that feature information for trail users of all kinds. They’ve also built several benches and fence stiles, renovated several privies, repaired puncheon and signage, and painted blazes. Jan is currently President of the Board of Directors, helping to guide the Association through expanding trail protection initiatives. Jim led negotiations to secure an easement for the trail on the Albert K. Ekre Grassland Preserve. They’ve both been instrumental in protecting and enriching the North Country Trail in North Dakota and beyond.

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.

The North Country Trail Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The tax identification number is 38-2423480. View the state disclosure statement at northcountrytrail.org/transparency.