Our Stories

2022 Trail Builder + Trail Maintainer Awards

  Trail Builder Award recipients are volunteers whose work in trail planning, landowner negotiations, layout and design, and/or construction, have resulted in the development of outstanding new Trail or facilities over a three-year period or more. Jim Howell. Jim accepted the position of Vice President for the NCTA Jordan Valley 45° Chapter (Mich.) in 2019. […]

Judy Conrad: NCNST Long Distance Hiker

  Judy Conrad Pellston, Mich. Michigan Judy has previously received the Central Patch, 1,000-Mile and Mackinac Bridge rockers.  On May 13, 2016, I joined the Softies who were hiking across the UP of Michigan. I joined them in Grand Marais as they were hiking east. I thought it would be really cool if I could […]

2022 Vanguard + Trailblazer Awards

  Vanguard Award recipients are legislators or other public officials whose leadership, actions, and advocacy have substantially benefited the North Country National Scenic Trail over a Chapter/Affiliate/Partner’s area or larger, not just a short segment. Mary Mertz, Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Mary Mertz, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), has arguably accomplished […]