Volunteer Awards

An individual, in recognition of 15+ years of true dedication, exceptional service and outstanding contributions toward the dream of the North Country Trail, or the success and growth of the NCTA, not just local service. Service may be performed in a voluntary or paid capacity. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Tom Gilbert (1997), Derek Blount (1998), Emily Gregor (1999), Wes Boyd (2000), Howard Beye (2001), Rod MacRae (2002), Jim Sprague (2003), Gene Elzinga (2004), Gaylord Yost (2005), Dave Cornell (2006), John Leinen (2007), Bill Menke (2008), Al Larmann (2009), Ed Sidote (2010), Arlen Matson (2011), Irene Szabo (2012), Mary Coffin, Joan Young (2013), Harlan Liljequist (2014), Doug Welker (2015), Ray Vlasak (2016), Bobby Koepplin, Larry Hawkins, Jerry Trout (2017), Paul Haan, Tom Reimers, Marty Swank (2018), David Brewer, Peter Nordgren, Stan and Kay Kujawa (2019), Lorana Jinkerson, Tom Moberg, Ed Solstad (2020), Mike Stafford, Richard Naperala, Mick Hawkins (2021), John Elliott, Carter and Florence Hedeen, Herb and Susie Hulls (2022), Dennis Garrett, Linda and Bruce Johnson, John Derick (2023), Gary Carlson, Deb Koepplin, Tim Mowbray (2024); John Heiam and Lois Goldstein, Larry Pio, Becky and Daryl Heise (2025)

An individual, in recognition of 8 years or more of exceptional volunteer service in furthering the goals of the NCTA, and outstanding contributions toward the dream of the North Country Trail. Not more than one of these awards may be granted each year to an individual who is not a member of the NCTA or an Affiliate. (Up to 5 awards/year)

Pats recipients: Wallace Doan (1988), Barbara A. Smith, John G. Hipps (1989), Ken Gackler, Ginny Wunsch (1990), Derek Blount, Tom Reimers (1991) Art Holland, Vince Smith (1992), Linda Mieke (1993), Rod MacRae, Gene Elzinga (1994), Baird Stewart (1995), Merrill C. Gilfillan, Wes Boyd (1996), Arden Johnson, Jim Sprague, Gaylord Yost (1997), Howard Beye, Pat Allen (1998), Bob Tait, Dave Cornell (1999), Martha Jones, Doug Welker (2000), John Leinen, Joan Young (2001), Werner Veit (2002), Al Larmann, Mary Kunzler Larmann (2003), Irene Szabo, Bill Menke, Arlen Matson (2004), Bill Coffin, Jim Burow, Pat Leinen (2005), Garry Dill, Dick Lightcap, Ron Rice (2006), Alicia Hoffarth, Bob Norlin (2007), Bobby Koepplin, Rick Adamson, Herb and Suzie Hulls (2008), Tim Calloway, Tana Turonie, Mary Coffin (2009), Kathy Eisele, Stan Kujawa, Lynne Nason (2010), Pat and Mary Hayes, Ed Solstad, Marty Swank (2011), Mick Hawkins, Lorana Jinkerson, Ron Sootsman (2012), Mike Stafford, Joe Smith, Dick Naperala (2013), Joyce Appel, Peter Nordgren, Larry Hawkins (2014), Ed Chappel, Deb Koepplin, Lynda Rummel (2015), Jerry Allen, Tom Moberg, Chuck Zosel (2016), Becky Heise, Chuck Vannette, Dave Brewer (2017), Kay Kujawa, Tim Mobray, Larry Pio (2018), Eileen Fairbrother, Dennis Garrett, Ed Bowen (2019), Mark VanHornweder, Joe Hardisky, Phil Anderson (2020), Bruce Johnson, Richard Lutz, Connie Julien (2021), Terry Bernhardt, Betsy Duede, Jaron Nyhof, Mike Schaeffer, Stephen Walker (2022), Dave Adams, Bruce Dziadzio, Jane Norton, Richard Ostheimer, John Pearson (2023), Mel Baughman, Bill Dryborough, John Kohlstedt, Duane Lawton, Carol Wright (2024); John Backes, Jeff Fleming, Pat Monahan, Jo Taylor (2025)

A volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership over a 3-year period or more leading to significant local achievements or highly successful events. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Peter Nordgren (2001), Gail Blakeley (2003), Jerry Trout (2004), Peggy Jones (2005), Greg Wisniewski (2006), John Heiam (2007), Marty Swank (2008), Ray Vlasak (2009), Annette Brzezicki (2010), Lee Fairbanks (2011), Joyce Appel (2012), Tim Hass (2013), Charlene DeWitt (2014), Florence Hedeen (2015), Duane Lawton (2016), Dennis Garrett, Mike Stafford, Sara Cockrell (2017), Loren Bach, Eric Longman, Dave Newman (2018), Andy Mytys, Cal and Jean Lamoreaux, Mary Campbell (2019), Beth Keloneva, Shari Sanderson, Brian Hager (2020), Brad Slagle, Michael Sekely, Carol Wright (2021), Gerry Berg, Eric Campbell, Kevin Schram (2022), Lynn Meister Thomas, Deb Nero, Glee Mayer and Mark Zimmerman (2023), JoAnn Mort, Tom Walker, Becky Zrimsek (2024); Glenn and Barb Cazier, Peg Schmidt Fuller, Mary Moberg (2025)

An NCTA member between the ages of 8 and 25 (or a youth group) who has made significant contributions to the Trail and seems likely to continue, and whose dedication to the Trail and the NCTA sets an example to other youths and shows exceptional promise. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Lynnae Branham, Marisa Hoffarth, and Austin Horning (2020), Jake Deal, Chase Gregory, Connor and Trevan Pfennig (2021), BSA Troop 123, North Dakota (2023), Cheyenne Williams (2024); Alex Harris (2025)

An individual or household demonstrating vision and generosity through significant monetary or in-kind contribution(s) to the North Country Trail or the NCTA. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Werner and Marianne Veit (2004), Byron and Margaret Hutchins (2005), Walter Srogi (2007), Harmon Strong (2008), Peggy McRae (2009), Jim Weiske (2010), Garry Dill (2011), Jack Cohen (2012), Dave and Jan Cornell (2013), William Lynch and Barbara Manger of Lynch & Lux Foundation (2014), Susan Yee (2015), Bethany Thomas (2016), Ron Horn, Lorana Jinkerson (2017), Tom and Mary Moberg, Helen Brooks (2018), Roger and Whitney Bagnall (2019), Cecil Dobbins, Cheryl and Mark Kreindler (2020), Jerry and Nancy Fennell, Larry Bell, Jan Ulferts Stewart and Jim Stewart (2021), Loren Bach and Dave Martus, Jim and Eleanor Mitton (2022), Larry Pio and Suzanne Darling (2023), Pat Allen, Drs. William and Susan Smith (2024); Bigelow Family (2025)

A private landowner whose leadership, accommodation and active collaboration have substantially benefited the North Country Trail. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Randy Lehman (2011), Dennis Garrett (2012), Scott Holman (2013), Tom Lakenen, Doug and Pam Boor (2014), Scott Bowen (2015), Stone Quarry Hill Art Park (2016), Joe Dabes (2017), Ron and Grace Hutchinson (2018), Tara East of Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, and Mines & Meadows ATV/RV Resort (2019), Sasha Ospina, Circle Pines Center (2020), David and Geraldine Wregge, Marlys Groff (2021), Edwards Family, Heath-Kudelka Family (2022), Tony Keiser (2023), Paul and Shirley Berg, William Lynch and Barbara Manger, Russell and Elizabeth Porterfield (2024); Kevin Hough, Jon Holzhauer, Candy McCready, Rogstad Family, Sally Williams (2025)

A legislator or other high-level public official whose leadership, actions and advocacy have substantially benefited the North Country Trail over a Chapter/Affiliate/Partner’s area or larger, not just a short segment. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Sen. Herb Kohl, Rep. David Obey (2000), Sen. Carl Levin, Rep. Ralph Regula (2001), Rep. Vern Ehlers (2002), Steve Peterson (2003), Rep. Phil English (2004), Gaylord Nelson (2005), Robert Hoffman, Ray Vlasak (2006), MN DNR, Rep. Oberstar (2007), Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Hank Ludtke (2009), Steve Bade, Tom Schackman, Mitch Bouchonville (2010), Rep. Tom Petri, Gretchen Cicora (2012), Rep. Richard M. Nolan, Carolyn Upton, Ray Burpo (2014), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Dan Watson (2015), Matthew Gardner (2016), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (2017), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (2018), Dakota Hewlett, Will Mitchell (2019), Dan Vogler (2020), Wisconsin DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation Management, M. Benois Walton (2021), Mary Mertz, Ohio DNR (2022), Andrea Gue, Scott Healy, Linda White (2023), Kathy Decoster, Sydney Scott (2024)

A public employee, unit of government, or member of an organization whose leadership, accommodations and active collaboration have substantially benefited the North Country Trail or the NCTA, not working solely in the capacity of an NCTA member. (Up to 5 awards/year)

Past recipients: Ramona Venegas, Scott Tichy (2004), Dorian Grilley, Mark Carlstrom (2005), Wally Chappel, Ron Kantola (2006), Kent Goeckermann, Harvey Tjader (2007), Peter Frank, Jim Sessions: U.S. Forest Service Allegheny National Forest (2008), Kevin Stankiewicz, John Kwapinski (2009), Barbara Boyle, Karen Larsen (2010), Bob Christensen, Scott Peterson (2011), Melanie Fullman, Andru Jevicks (2012), Butler County (PA) Tourism and Visitor’s Bureau, Dan Bickel (2013), Grand Marais, MI Chamber of Commerce, Cindy Schwehr (2014), Dave Jaunese, Neil Woodworth (2015), Matt Rowbotham, Gary Werner (2016), Craig Krepps, Mary Lee Nielson, Greg Owens (2017), Andy Zepp, Kris West and Zachary Odell of Finger Lakes Land Trust, Jamie Lowe of U.S. Forest Service, MN, Tyler Modin of Fort Ransom State Park, ND (2018), Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Colleen Lynema, Jane Anklam (2019), Denny Caneff, Jack Norland, Richard Lutz (2020), Eric Peterson, Greg Bernu, Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Staff (2021), Tammy Cefalu – USFS Minnesota, Aaron Gaither – USFS North Dakota, Jennifer Flynn – SEEDS EcoCorps (2022), Constance Cox, Josh Clague, Kenneth Kettler, Lenny Krueger, Renee Penny (2023), Jon Harris, Kathy Kline, Katie LeMoine, Mitch Lundeen, Peter Wilson (2024); City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Division, Catherine Getty, Drew Hanson, Richard Hatfield, Joe Jandernoa, Michael Kangas, Joe Morisette, Scott Shipley (2025)

A volunteer working to protect the Trail by gaining permission to build Trail, and additionally, gaining easements to protect our Trail, over a 3-year period or more. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Jim Bronson, Dave Newman (2020); Tom Podlesny (2022); Jan Ulferts Stewart and Jim Stewart (2025)

A business or foundation for far-sighted vision and support, demonstrated by significant contributions to the Trail or the NCTA. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: REI (2000), Haworth, Inc. (2001), Lowell Area Community Foundation (2005), Cemex, Inc. (2006), Superior Publishing Corporation (2007), Scheel Sports (2008), Chuck McCready (2009), Itasca County Trails Task Force, Blandin Foundation (2010), Midwest Mountaineering (2011), W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest (2012), Colcom Foundation (2013), Plum Creek Timber Co. (2014), Consumers Energy (2015), Doosan Bobcat (2016), John Woollam Foundation (2017), Butler County (PA) Tourism and Visitor’s Bureau (2018), Mandy Huskey, Gunflint Lodge; Joe DeMuzio; REI Foundation (2020), Andrew Schlegal (2021), Chad Petersen – KLJ Engineering (2022), Kalkaska Downtown Development Authority, SPAX Engineered Fasteners, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. (2023)

A volunteer, for exemplary work in promoting the Trail or the NCTA through a communications medium (newsletter, web site, brochure, etc.) or personal contacts over a 3-year period or more. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Werner Veit (2001), Angela Addington (2002), Aaron and Sharon Phipps (2004), Ginny Ruppe (2005), Joan Young (2006), Mick Hawkins (2007), Jo Taylor (2008), Lorana Jinkerson (2009), Irene Szabo (2010), Eileen Fairbrother (2011), Mary Rebert (2012), Becky Heise (2013), Susan C. Hauser, Linda Johnson (2014), Roger Hopkins (2015), Beth Keloneva (2016), Marty Swank, Kevin Smith, Marilyn Hoogstraten (2017), Charles Chandler, Bob Cooley (2018), Matthew Edmonds, Robert Haack, Tracy Hager (2019), Tina Harkins, Mary Brinks (2020), Janice Kessler (2021), Marty Anderson, James Falk (2022), Andrew Kovatch, Derek Lamparty (2023), Robyn Gallimore-Jones, Eric Longman (2024); David Irvine, Gail Rogne, Doug Seaney (2025)

A volunteer whose efforts to build coalitions, partnerships or other forms of local support over a 3-year period or more have contributed significantly to the ongoing success of the Trail. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Paula Wilbur (2001), Richard Lutz (2002), Dave Cornell (2003), Al Larmann (2004), Andrea Skurka (2005), Bob McCafferty (2006), Kay Kujawa (2007), Pat Monahan (2008), Tom Garnett (2009), Brian Pavek (2010), John Stehle (2011), Larry Pio (2012), Todd McMahon (2013), Phil Nimps (2014), Mary Rebert (2015), Bruce Johnson (2016), Jane Norton, Jerry Warner, John and Dove Day (2017), Mike Wilkey, Gail Rogne, Eileen Fairbrother (2018), Debra Nero, Tom Dahle, Sam Bonifas (2019), Marianne Duvendack, Carol Wright, Mark Heise (2020), Julie Fromm, Eric Longman, JoEllen Sokoloski (2021), Arlene Steimle, Sr. Lyn Szymkiewicz, Patty Warner (2022), Ruth Dorrough (2023), Lisa Bertolasio, Rennae Gruchalla, Felicia Hokenstad (2024); Nikk Adams, L Byrne, Tina Harkins, Mark Lelle (2025)

A volunteer who regularly leads hikes that are well advertised and promoted to the public (non-NCTA members) as a way of building NCTA membership and support for the Trail. A nominee would typically lead more than one hike per year, and make them interesting by sharing their knowledge with groups or being helpful to new hikers, or organize and lead a whole series of hikes like cross-county or even cross-state events, over a 3-year period or more. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Jennifer Catney, Marge Forslin, Chuck Hayden (2017), Bobbi Jo Gamache, Rennae Gruchalla, John Rarick (2018), Donna Noteware, Jim Gilkey, Zach Johns (2019), Jeff Landon, Mark Roberts (2020), Sara Balbin and Jackie Kruse, Teresa Nelson, Robert Courtois (2021), Nikki Sobell, Yvette Jester, Jay Shutt (2022), Steve Coz, Matt Patterson (2023), Pat Wilson (2024); Autumn Dinnel, Amy Seymour, Robert and Robin Sharkey (2025)

A volunteer, for tireless work and achievements behind the scenes on behalf of the Trail or the NCTA over a 3-year period or more. (Up to 3 awards/year)

Past recipients: Brooks Kindel (2001), Len and JoAnne Baron (2002), Harlan Liljequist (2003), Atley Oswald (2004), Char Chandler (2005), Peter Edmunds (2006), Deb Kreiger (2007), Ed Ronkowski, Becky Heise, Peter Wybron (200*), Stacy Scheel, Harvey Johnson, Florence Hedeen (2009), Barb Pavek, Mike Trieschmann (2010), Marge Forslin, Karen Klos, Don Penly (2011), Laura DeGolier, Mahlon Hurst, Charles Krammin (2012), Larry Blumberg, Diane Winston, Paul Henry (2013), Ken Rugaber, Paul Johnson, Jarret Lobb (2014), Robert Leedle, John Pearson, Jacqui Wensich (2015), Steve Catherman, Mary Moberg, Gary Johnson (2016), JoAnn Pearson, Karen Stenberg, Steve Webster (2017), Rita Oswald, Michael Schlicht, David Wright (2018), JoEllen Sokoloski, Robert Stein, Vickie Swank (2019), Mary Berube and John Schrock, Rick and Sher Eiler (2020), Bob Cooley, Darlene Warren, John Fomusa (2021), Ed Gruchalla, Erik Morris, Mike Ward (2022), Nicole Halgrimson, Michael Loscheider, Ellie Williams (2023), Tim Bauer, Nancy Kreft, Will Nordmark (2024); Steve Hicks, Michelle Lazar, Tom Norton, Larry Scanlon, John Storkamp (2025)

A volunteer 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 3-year period or more. (Up to 5 awards/year)

Past recipients: Al Larmann, Mary Kunzler-Larmann (2001), Ron Rice (2002), Paul Haan (2003), RIchard Naperala (2004), Carter Hedeen (2005), Rick Adamson (2006), Lynda Rummel (2007), Scott Bowman (2008), Charlie Krammin (2009), Daryl Heise (2010), Chris Hoffarth, Bruce Johnson, Keith Klos (2011), Dave Brewer, Dick Kroener, Ed Morse (2012), Tom Moberg, Joe Hardisky (2013), Bobby Koepplin, Dennis Garrett, Ron Navik (2014), Marty Howden, Larry Meyer, Ron Sootsman (2015), Matt Branneman, Jeff Fleming, Gary Narum (2016), Tony Orsini, Bob McNamara, Jim Charvat (2017), Tom Hicks, Pat McNamara, Ed Scurry (2018), Matt Williams, Michael Schlicht, Jim Bradley (2019), Richard Ostheimer, Byron Guy (2020), Duane Lawton, Jamie Guy, Derrick Passe, Jack Miller, Bob and Jane Leedle (2021), James Howell (2022), Steve Kinne, Dave Miller, William Smith, Thursday Morning Cook Forest Crew (2023), Pete Bock, Steve Hatting, Eric Maturi, Brad Stewart, John Texter (2024); Ryan Bowles, Jerry Warner, John Gellatly, Jeff and Sally Steele, George “Madhat” Dahm (2025)

A volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication or achievements over a 3-year period or more in maintaining or restoring preexisting Trail segment(s). (Up to 5 awards/year)

Past recipients: Rolf Swanson (2001), Al Mitton (2002), Tom Learmont (2003), Eric Doyle (2004), Richard Krieger (2005), Keith Klos (2006), Mikie Muhman (2007), Jerry Werner (2008), Ed Chappel (2009), Cliff Stammer (2010), Clyde Anderson, Steve Kinne, John Pearson (2011), Katie Jo Blau, Ed Bowen, Lynda Rummel (2012), Dave Galbreath, Tony Rodriguez, Ronald Lyndquist, Ed Scurry (2013), Rich and Judy Ferguson, Phil Anderson, Warren Irle (2014), Jim Belote, Connie Julien, Dave Potzler (2015), Dave Adams, Dick Kroener, Jerry McCarty (2016), Chris Hoffarth, Reginald and Lucia Krueger, Phil Nimps (2017), Mel Baughman, Daryl Heise, Barb Isom (2018), Jim and Norma Matteson, Scott Sellers, Steve Hicks (2019), Bill Courtois, Cal Kangas, Doug Lawrence and Kathy Rea, Frank Lynn (2020), Chuck Church, Brian and Deb Charleson, Jerry Marek, Lawrence Eisinger, Joe Kravetz (2021), Jim Antonson, Preston Bartlett, Chuck Hoard, Dave Jansen, Dan Proctor (2022), Dan Dueweke, Dan Geiger, John Pitale, Jim Shinners, Glen Waisanen (2023), Peter Bennett, Tammy and Tim Bohan, Jim Charvat, Jim Lindberg, Jim and Marcia Mellen (2024); Danny Austin, Lisa Bertolasio, Stephen Kesler, Tim and Nancy Van Nest, Chris Whitsel (2025)

William Lallman, Pam Tavernier, Mark and Laura Braasch, Clinton Warner, Dick and Laura Wohl, Derek Ogle, Jacob Winkler, Dale Linton, Tanya Bromley, Carl Harting, Bill Stone, Sally Dykhuis, Judy Fox, Tim Calloway, Kyle Crawford, Todd Olson, Tom Striggow, Catherine Andrews, Denise Stanley, Jack Barnhill, Kim Fishburn, Beth Kaszynski, Joe Baker, Monica Shoberg, and James Nocera.

4,000 Hours: William Courtois, Duane Lawton, Eric Longman

2,500 Hours: Robert Courtois, Tim Hass, Glee Mayer, Tom Walker

1,000 Hours: Daniel Geiger, Richard Glasgow, Nicole Halgrimson, Barbara Isom, Byron Knapp, Thomas Norton, Joanna Swanson, Lyn Szymkiewicz, Shawn Weishaar

400 Hours: Joseph Baker, Rick Barta, Timothy Bauer, Denny Caneff, Ken Garness, Joshua Gary, Jan Genaway, Stephanie Hogan, Jonathan Hughlett, Kenneth Knight, John Larch, Annie Matz, Jack Norland, Jim Shinners, Dominic Sosnowski, Bill Stone, Pamella Tavernier, Bruce Ueland, Bill Vitaniemi, Darlene Warren, Nelson Whitling

200 Hours: Erik Baron, Jay Benda, Paul Bush, Karen Campbell, Cynthia Clemens, George Dahm, Dan Driesenga, Sally Dykhuis, Amy Elvey, Karen Frederick, Ginny Garness, Sylvia Grisez, Stephanie Hoff, David Jansen, Marty Klein, Colleen Matula, John McDonald, James Olmsted, Tom Piikkila, Holly Rose, Melissa Santini, Julie Smith, Trudy Snodgrass, Josh Stangle, Jeffrey Steele, Sarah Steele, Jim Stewart, Christopher Whitsel, Zack Wilk, Merri Carol Wozniak

100 Hours: Steve Anderson, Mark Anstaett, Jack Barnhill, Cheryl Batson, Mark Benoit, Lisa Bertolasio, Christopher Besemann, Rick Bothwell, Mark Braasch, Katy Carrier, Pamela Chipman, Kyle Crawford, Jesse Dailey, Chris Davis, Timothy DeJong, James Dunn, Emily Fenster, Jason Gilbert, Rhiannon Harmon, Carol Holland, Evelyn Howell, Matt Hultman, David Irvine, Joyce Irvine, Richard Jenkins, Zach Johns, Beth Kodluboy, Alexandra Korbel, Mark Larson, Ken Leedle, Dale Linton, Katie Logan, Jeffery Meister, Jeff Miller, James Patterson, Mike Pelech, Ozzie Reif, Kirk Rodysill, Todd Rowe, Chris Sherman, Donna Siska, Paul Smith, Cindy Smith, Kris Sutten, Lisa Szela, Erik Thomsen, Nancy Wadopian, Dave Walch, Dale Webb, Robert Weisenberger, Linda White, Robert Wing, Diane Wright, Doug Young, Tom Zavitz