Our Stories

2023 Volunteer Awards: Leadership

Lynn Meister Thomas

Lynn lives an hour’s drive from Marquette (on a good day), the hub of the NCTA Marquette Area Chapter’s activities, yet she serves as President with enthusiasm, persistence, and grace. Her positive attitude keeps board meetings productive and lively, and her impressive communication skills keep our community engaged and informed. Lynn has formed and strengthened many community partnerships, increasing awareness for the Trail in the central Upper Peninsula. She is instrumental for hike organization and frequently leads or sweeps. Lynn is also active with the Chapter’s trail crew committee, and is a Trail Adopter herself.

Deb Nero

Since becoming involved with the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) in the early 2000s as a hiker, Deb has been involved in all aspects of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC), and has overseen a large number of activities key to strengthening the Trail in New York State. After completing her first end-to-end hike of the FLT (she’s now working on her fifth), she began volunteering her time as a FLTC board member. When the former FLTC Executive Director stepped down, she was appointed to the role of Acting Interim Executive Director, and has carried out those duties for two and half years, most notably through the substantial difficulties of the pandemic. She has led a reorganization of the FLTC for efficiency and effectiveness, and has enhanced partnership with the NCTA. Deb organizes and leads numerous hikes, and has been a pivotal influence in nurturing a collaborative relationship with the Seneca Nation.

Glee Mayer + Mark Zimmerman

Glee and Mark have been the primary drivers behind the relatively new NCTA Central Flyway Chapter in North Dakota. The Trail here was without a Chapter for about 40 years until this brother-sister duo stood up as leaders. The western end of the NCNST has improved rapidly thanks to them. They have formed new partnerships with a number of agencies and organizations, and have successfully increased outreach efforts in the area.

Learn more about how the you can honor NCTA volunteers for their service on and for the North Country National Scenic Trail, and submit a nomination at northcountrytrail.org/volunteer-awards.