Our Stories

2026 NCTA Volunteer Awards: Trailblazer

Trailblazer Awards are presented to businesses or foundations (or representatives of them) for far-sighted vision and support, demonstrated by significant contributions to the North Country Trail or the NCTA.

Barb Gecas
For generations, Heston’s Lodge has been a haven for NCT hikers and volunteers at the edge of Northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and Barb continues this tradition. She regularly joins spring and fall maintenance crews, and helps ensure hikers have the information and assistance they need – the lodge offers mail-drop services and communicates trail conditions. Barb and her family also support the local search-and-rescue and fire departments, providing critical help when hikers need it most.

Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy
By accepting a family’s generous land donation then fostering a strong partnership with the NCTA and a timber company, UPLC created both a permanently protected landscape, as well as a lasting conservation alliance. Now called the Mulligan Pines Preserve, this 80 acres in Michigan’s central Upper Peninsula is a place where unique wetland ecology, cultural history, and shared stewardship come together along the banks of Mulligan Creek. It is the second UPLC preserve protecting land along the North Country Trail. Their leadership through the acquisition process and stewardship planning were superb, and collaborative spirit has been essential to helping further the mission of the NCTA.

Jeff Van Winkle, von Brieson & Roper Law Firm
Jeff has generously shared his time, leadership, and legal expertise with the Association for many years, serving in numerous national and local leadership roles. Through its strong commitment to integrating pro-bono work into its practice, Jeff’s employer sets a powerful example for others in the legal community, and demonstrates how the profession can advance equity and strengthen the public good. Jeff’s thoughtful legal guidance has given the NCTA staff and board confidence to navigate many complex situations. Beyond his technical knowledge, Jeff’s responsiveness, professionalism, and genuine dedication to the NCTA’s mission have made – and continue to make – a meaningful impact.

Learn more about this volunteer awards program at northcountrytrail.org/awards.