Awards and Honorees

2019 Awards and Moving Forward

 

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These five categories celebrate those volunteers who embody the Trail Conference’s mission and the award categories reflect our organization’s values statements:

 

The Raymond H. Torrey Award for Lifetime Impact

The Trail Conference's most prestigious award honors volunteers who embody our mission and uphold our values. This award is given to those who have made significant and lasting contributions that have impacted the trails, natural lands, people and/or operations of the Trail Conference.

Raymond H. Torrey was a founding member of the Trail Conference. He was an outdoor writer, fierce advocate for open space and parks, and helped plan and create many of the popular trails in Harriman State Park and beyond.

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

2021

Walt Daniels - Board Member (2011 – 2020); Trail Supervisor: A.T. Putnam; Crew Leader: Yorktown Crew; Crew Member: Trail Tramps; Sawyer; Publications Committee Member; Policy Council Member; Governance Committee Member

2020

Estelle Anderson - Local Trail Chair: Central North Jersey; Sawyer Committee Chair; Trail Supervisor: Morristown

Bob Jonas - Local Trail Chair: Central North Jersey; Sawyer; Trail Supervisor: Morristown

 

2017

Daniel Chazin

 

2016

Jakob Franke

 

2011

Jane Daniels

 

2010

Mary Smart

John Gunzler 

JoAnn and Paul Dolan

 

2006

Pete Heckler

 

2004

Neil Zimmerman

 

1998

Bob Binnewies

Bob Anderberg

 

1990

William T. Golden

H. Peter Stern

 

1985

Nash Castro

 

The Elizabeth Levers Award for Engagement and Inclusivity

Honors volunteers who go above and beyond to bring people into the Trail Conference family. It celebrates those who have been strong advocates for ensuring our trails and natural areas are an inclusive environment offering everyone the opportunity to connect with nature. It is given to those who embody our value that the joys of nature belong to everyone.

Elizabeth Levers was the Trail Conference President from 1970 – 1972. She engaged numerous youth, including organizing 30 Eagle Scout projects. She was determined to bring as many people into the fold as possible because, as she stated, "You need an ongoing belief in this kind of thing to keep the trails alive." 

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

2023

Richard Jobsky -  West Hudson Regional Trails Chair (RTC),  Trail Supervisor, Sterling Forest

2022

Lou Baldanza - Trail Supervisor, Neversink River Unique Area

2019

Rose Bonanno - LTC Chair, Westchester; Trail Supervisor, Lewisboro; Trail Crew Member, Trail Tramps

 

 

The Jakob Franke Award for Conservation

Honors volunteers who have advocated for and dedicated significant time and effort to land preservation and trail protection in the face of encroaching development. It is given to those who embody our value that conservation is a shared duty and that we must preserve the integrity of our natural world. 

Jakob Franke was chair of the Conservation Committee and worked tirelessly to preserve and protect land for the future, including helping to protect the Palisades from the proposed outsized construction of LG headquarters. He was a plaintiff in the lawsuit, a speaker at meetings, and went door-to-door to educate the public.

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

 

2021

Clarence Putman - Club Trail Chair and Founding Member: Long Path North Hiking Club; Trail Maintainer: Long Path

Bob Ross - Conservation Committee Member; Membership and Development Committee Member

 

2020

Dick Katzive - Conservation Committee Member, Board Member

 

2019

Glenn Oleksak - LTC Chair, West Hudson; Trail Supervisor, NJ Highlands Trail; Maintainer, Pyramid Mountain and Southern Wyanokies

Win Perry - Maintainer, West Hudson Long Path

 

The William Hoeferlin Award for Exemplary Leadership

Honors volunteers who have contributed long-time exemplary service in a leadership capacity by supporting other volunteers and/or spearheading a major project. It is given to those who embody our value of celebrating volunteers and recognizing that they make the trails and protection of the lands we love possible.

William Hoeferlin dedicated himself to leading his hiking group of 40+ people to engage with the trails. He devoted countless hours to discovering, developing, clearing, and marking trails in the New York metropolitan area and in 1934 he even began making his own trail maps that quickly became the key source for most hikers and volunteers.

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

 

2023

Lee Mott - Trail Supervisor, AT NJ Middle North; Shelter Caretaker; Privy Caretaker; Trail Maintainer

 

2020

David Booth, Marty Costello, Russ Dooman, Erik Garnjost, Jeff Raskin, and Chris Reyling - Long Distance Trails Crew Leaders

Howard Liebmann - Local Trail Chair, Northwest Jersey

Karl Soehnlein - Trail Supervisor, New Jersey Palisades

Art White and Ellen White - Trail Supervisors and Crew Leaders, Ringwood State Park

 

2019

Alan Abramowitz - Trail Supervisor and Maintainer, NJ Waywayanda East

Nick McKenna - Trail Supervisor and Maintainer, NJ Waywayanda State Park West

Keith Scherer - Trail Supervisor and Maintainer, NJ Waywayanda State Park East; Policy Council

Christopher Connolly - RTC Chair, NJ; LTC Chair, North Jersey & Northeast Jersey; Policy Council

Jane Daniels - RTC Chair, East Hudson; Trail Supervisor, Yorktown; Trail Crew Leader, East Hudson; Volunteer Committee; Publications Committee

Richard Jobsky - RTC Chair, West Hudson; Trail Supervisor, Sterling Forest

 

 

The Joan Ehrenfeld Award for Responsible Stewardship

Honors volunteers who have dedicated significant time and effort to the conscientious stewardship of protected natural areas or environmentally-responsible trail construction and education. It is given to those who embody our value that the right path is always a responsible one. 

Dr. Joan Ehrenfeld, a professor of Ecology at Rutgers, was an expert on invasive species, wetlands ecology, and urban ecology. She helped found the Trail Conference’s invasive species efforts and brought an environmental science focus to trail management.

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

2021

Eddie Saiff - Board Chair (2016 – 2020); Board Member (2009 – 2020); Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Member

2019

Cliff Berchtold - Invasive Plant Surveyor; Trail Maintainer, Sterling Forest; Trail Crew Member

 


These seven categories celebrate a variety of volunteers from newbies to veterans and everything in between:

 

The Rising Leader Award

Honors volunteers who have taken on additional responsibilities with great enthusiasm over the last two years and demonstrate leadership qualities. It is given to those who selflessly keep dedicating more time and effort and show no signs of slowing down.

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

           2023

Eric Friedman - Crew Chief, Catskills Lean-To Crew; Shelter Caretaker, Catskills; Trail Maintainer, Long Path Catskills

2022

           Matt Smith - Trail Supervisor and Trail Maintainer: Connecting Trails Phoenicia to Palenville; Catskills Trail Crew Leader

           Ed Spirko - Local Trails Chair: West Hudson Southern

           Bill and Linda Taggart - Trail Supervisors and Trail Maintainers: Swartswood State Park

           Phil Heidelberger - Trail Supervisor and Trail Maintainer: East Hudson- Hudson Highlands North; Trail Maintainer Westchester- Yorktown

2021

Brian Bacher - Trail Supervisor: Storm King State Park; Trail Supervisor: Long Path; Sawyer

Marilyn Blaho - Trail Supervisor: North Central Westchester; Trail Crew Member: Trail Tramps Crew, East Hudson Crew and Bash Bish Crew

Donna Chapman - Local Trail Chair: A.T. Dutchess/Putnam; Trail Maintainer: Appalachian Trail

Michael Pashley - Regional Trail Chair: East Hudson; Co-Crew Leader: Trail Tramps; Assistant Trail Supervisor: A.T. Dutchess/Putnam; Sawyer; A.T. Corridor Monitor: A.T. Dutchess South Lands

Snapper Petta - LTC Chair: Catskills Shelters

Rich Rockwell - Crew Leader: Invasives Strike Force NJ; Invasives Strike Force Surveyor

 

2020

Moe Lemire - Local Trail Chair, Appalachian Trail

Mk Moore - Local Trail Chair, New York Metro Region

Connie Stern - Trail Supervisor, Southern Westchester

 

2019

Lou Baldanza - Trail Supervisor, Neversink River Unique Area

David DeShazer - LTC Chair and Trail Supervisor, Lenape Trail

Roger Dubin - Trail Supervisor and Maintainer, Harriman State Park

 

The Paul Leiken Award for Going the Extra Mile

Honors volunteers who have recently “gone the extra mile” and made a significant, noteworthy contribution in the last 12 to 18 months.

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

          

2023

Archives Committee Volunteers - Barbara Erdsneker, Jane Daniels, Melanie Schuck, Suse Bell, and Tara Kender

Brian Nunes-Vais – Chainsaw Sawyer; Trail Maintainer, Morristown; AT Corridor Monitor, AT NJ

David Margulis – Trail Crew Member, Westchester Trail Tramps; Photographer

Elliot Rothchild – Trail Maintainer, Sterling Forest State Park

John Swanson – Trail Maintainer, Harriman State Park

Jorge Robles – Trail Maintainer, Schunnemunk State Park

Kevin Mitchell – Trail Maintainer, Lusscroft Farms; Chainsaw Sawyer

Laurie and Frank Galdun – Trail Supervisors and Maintainers, Pyramid Mountain

Matthew Stillman – Trail Maintainer, Yorktown

Ryan Windess – Videographer; Trail Maintainer, Pequannock Watershed

Steve Siegard – Trail Superviosor, Long Path North

Tall Timbers Team Leaders - Ken Belfer, Randall Duggan, and Stacy Williams-Kerr

Von Hintermeister – Trail Maintainer, Schunnemunk State Park

2022

           Eric Friedman - Catskills Lean- to Trail Crew Leader; Catskills Shelter Caretaker; Long Path Catskills Trail                  Maintainer- Phoenicia to Palenville

           John Fudala - Trail Supervisor: Central North Jersey (South)- Mountainside Park

            Michael Pashley - RTC Chair- East Hudson, Online Reporting Developer; Trail co-Supervisor- AT                              Dutchess/Putnam- Putnam; Chainsaw Sawyer; Appalachian Trail Corridor Monitor; Trail Crew Chief

            Willard Dye - ISF Crew member; Habitat Helpers volunteer

            David Haas - Membership and Development Committee Member

            Dan Hoberman - Former Legal Counsel; former Board Member; LTC - Central North Jersey (South)

 

2021

Carole Baligh - Habitat Helpers Crew; Invasives Strike Force Surveyor; Appalachian Trail Natural Heritage Monitor

Don Cohen - Trail Maintainer: Neversink Gorge, Minnewaska, Catskills; Trail Crew Member: Hudson Nor’Westers; Sawyer

Alec Malyon - Sawyer; Assistant Regional Trails Council Chair: New Jersey

David Miller - Trail Maintainer: Long Path; Sawyer

Rob Rex - Trail Maintainer: Norvin Green State Forest

Karen Rose - Trail Maintainer: Harriman State Park; Club Trails Chair: ADK-North Jersey Ramapo Chapter

Noel Schulz - Trail Maintainer: Harriman State Park; Swamper

Jim Simpson - Publications Volunteer: Editor for Walkable Westchester

Eileen West - Publications Volunteer: Field Checker for Walkable Westchester

Group Award: Alan Abramowitz, Chris Compel, Chris Connolly, Hank Hafelfinger, John Moran, Keith Scherer, Malcolm Spector, Nick McKenna, Patricia Fuge, Richard Fuge, Wendy Fowler - Loop Blazing Volunteers

West Jersey Trail Crew: Bill Taggart, Billy Cerezo, Chris Durning, Dan Walter, David Copperman, David Day, Don Walter, Greg Bernet, James Mott, Jean Brennan, Justin Robinson, Lee Mott, Linda Taggart, Lori Pluta, Mike Daly, Monica Day, Nicole Zonsius, Rabindra Singh, Sean Sullivan, Shelley Harvey , Tamar  Schrager, TJ Robinson, Tom Karakowski, Tom Robinson - Trail Crew Members

 

2020

Ed Duvinski - Trail Maintainer and Sawyer, Northwest Jersey

Nancy Duvinski - Trail Maintainer and Swamper, Northwest Jersey

Cynthia Galvin - Membership and Development Volunteer

Glenn Gross - Sign Construction Volunteer

Paul Helbock - Trail Maintainer, Hudson Highlands

Eleanor Leen - Trail Maintainer, Northwest Jersey

 

2019

Lori Baumann - Front Desk Support

Janelle Heise - Front Desk Support; Maintainer, NJ Appalachian Trail; A.T. Natural Heritage Monitor 

David Holtzmann - Front Desk Support; Trail Maintainer, Southern Shawangunks

Christine Jackson - Front Desk Support; Invasive Plant Surveyor

Sharon Wolf - Front Desk Support

Bryan Blackburn - Corridor Manager, Monitor, and Trail Maintainer, East Hudson Appalachian Trail

Ed DiSalvo - Trail Maintainer, NJ Highlands Trail and Northern Wyanokies

Brian Lanius - Trail Maintainer, Sterling Forest

Bob McCormick - Trail Maintainer, Black Rock Forest

Mario Medici - Trail Maintainer, Ringwood State Park and Sterling Forest

Chester Morris - Sawyer, NJ

The West Jersey Trail Crew - Pochuck Boardwalk Replacement Project, 2018 Storms Sawyer Response 

 

The Hit the Ground Running Award

Honors volunteers who have “hit the ground running” and made a strong impact within their first two years of service. 

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

2023

Andrew Ferguson – Trail Supervisor, Schunnemunk State Park; Trail Maintainer, Storm King State Park

Arielle Kovics – Trail Maintainer, Long Path Catskills

Barry Reed – Trail Supervisor, Pequannock Watershed

Bruce Thaler – Trail Supervisor and Maintainer, Ramapo Mountain State Forest

Clint Sikes – Trail Maintainer, Black Rock Forest

Frank Kazimir – Trail Maintainer, Sterling Forest; Chainsaw Sawyer; Shelter Caretaker, Catskills

John Letsche – Trail Maintainer, Pequannock Watershed

Mary James – Trail Maintainer, Harriman State Park and Westchester

Mike Saft – Trail Maintainer, NJ AT; Trail Crew Member, West Jersey Trail Crew

Tara Kender – Archives Committee Member

Todd Finger – Trail Supervisor, Harriman State Park

2022

Bong Kim - Chainsaw Sawyer; Train Crew Member; Train Maintainer: East Hudson- Hudson Highlands North; Welch Trail Education Center Volunteer

Rudy Kircher - Trail Supervisor: Ramapo Valley County Reservation; Trail Maintainer: Ramapo Valley County Reservation and Northern Wyanokies

Delia Kulukundis - Trail Supervisor: Slide Mountain to Phoenicia; Trail Maintainer: Slide Mountain to Phoenicia

Nicole Wright & Lily Mehl - Trail Maintainers: Farny Highlands

Nancy Bachana - Trail Maintainer: Neversink River Unique Area; Historic Hike Leader

Irene Sheldon - ISF Surveyor; ISF Crew; ISF Blockbuster

Peter Stoj - Trail Maintainer: Long Path North- Albany County

Thea Landesberg - ISF Surveyor; SLF Volunteer; ISF Crew; Habitat Helper

Werner Mueller (deceased)- ISF Surveyor; ISF Crew; SLF Volunteer; AISF Crew; Trail Maintainer: SRT to High Point- Rt 211, Storm Koing, SRT Rt 211 to Rt 52

2021

David Andrews - Ashokan Rail Trail Steward

Stephen Howard - Welch Trail Education Center Volunteer

Steven Krause - Welch Trail Education Center Volunteer

Michael Lawless - Invasives Strike Force Surveyor; Trail Maintainer: Black Rock Forest

Robert Remillard - Sawyer; Swamper

 

2020

Richard Garrison - Dedicated Taconic Trail Crew Volunteer

Kasia Karolewska and Leo Semonsky - Trail Supervisors, Central North Jersey

David Lerer - Trail Maintainer, Harriman State Park

Steve Struble - Trail Maintainer, Sterling Forest

 

2019

Mike Bousquet - Corridor Manager, Trail Supervisor, and Maintainer, WH Appalachian Trail 

Tara Spear - Corridor Manager, Trail Supervisor, and Maintainer, WH Appalachian Trail 

Jenny Carel - Ecological Stewardship Program Volunteer

Laurie and Frank Galdun - Trail Supervisors & Maintainers, Pyramind Mountain

Stephen (Yaakov) Geis and CommSAR - Bear Mountain

Philip Heidelberger - Maintainer, Fahnestock; Policy Committee

Sam Lee - East Fahnestock Mountain Bike Trail Network Project

Jim LeMaire - Trail Supervisor and Maintainer, Southern Wyanokes; Policy Committee

Chuck Mattes - Trail Maintainer, Sterling Forest

Kaitlin Messmer - Trail Supervisor, Pequannock Watershed

Patrick Messmer - Trail Supervisor and Maintainer - Pequannock Watershed

David Miller - Trail Maintainer, Southern Shawangunks

Andre Nizzari - Trail Maintainer, Long Path and Devil's Path

Adrienne Popko - Lower Hudson PRISM Volunteer

Cindy Wagner - Trail Maintainer, Southern Shawangunks

Valerie Wargo - Trail Magic and Trail Volunteer

 

The Next Generation Award

Honors volunteers under 25 years of age who have enthusiastically and passionately made contributions serving the Trail Conference's mission. 

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

 

2021

Maxwell Chow - Invasives Strike Force Surveyor; Trail Maintainer: Ringwood State Park; Trail Crew Volunteer

Nathalie Chow - Invasives Strike Force Surveyor; Trail Maintainer: Ringwood State Park; Trail Crew Volunteer

 

2020

Nick Boyle - Trail Program Volunteer

Aidan McClure - Trail Maintainer, Appalachian Trail

Jann Mirchandani and Boy Scout Troop 165 - Eagle Scout Projects at Yorktown Heights

 

2019

Forrest Becker - Dedicated Volunteer for the 2018 Ramapo Crew

Lucas Petruzzo and Nikhil Singh - Mohansic Trailway Project Boardwalk

 

The Dedicated Service Award

Honors long-time, dedicated volunteers who have demonstrated exemplary service to the trails and natural areas that surround them. 

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

         

           2023

Bill Plachy – Trail Maintainer, Sterling Forest

Bob Gurian – Trail Maintainer, Westchester; Trail Crew Member, Ward Acres

Bob McCormick – Trail Maintainer, Black Rock Forest

Brian Lanius – Trail Maintainer, Sterling Forest

Claudia Farb – Trail Supervisor, South Taconics; Trail Crew Member

Dave Webber – Trail Supervisor and Maintainer, Minnewaska State Park and Preserve; Trail Crew Chief, Hudson Nor’Westers; AT Corridor Manager

David Bourque – Trail Maintainer, Long Path North

George Dagis (Deceased) – Publications Committee Member; Publications Projects Manager

Greg Bernet – Trail Supervisor and Maintainer, Southwest Highlands; Trail Maintainer, NJ AT; Chainsaw Sayer; Trail Crew Member

Gunvor Satra – Trail Maintainer, Pyramid Mountain

Hanna Benesch – Advancement and Membership Volunteer

Howard "Pete" France – Trail Supervisor, Dry Brook Ridge North; LTC Chair, Catskills; Trail Maintainer, Catskills; Publications Map Field Checker

Ned Whitney – Committee Member: Investment, Governance, Finance, Board Development; Former Board Member

Roger Dubin – Trail Supervisor and Maintainer, Harriman State Park and Kakiat County Park

Stephen Emanuel – Trail Maintainer, Long Path Catskills; Member, Rip Van Winkle Trail Maintainers

Stewart Dutfield and Joe Brown – Trail Maintainers, Long Path Catskills

Stuart Faust – Trail Crew Member, Westchester Trail Tramps

Terri Fortuna – Committee Member: Finance

 

2022

Andrew Ferguson - Trail Maintainer: Storm King

Ed Benvenga - ISF Survey; Trail Maintainer: Westchester- Yorktown; Trail Crew Member

Cathie Swyka & Steve Goldberg - Trail Maintainers: Sterling Forest

George Prokopiak - Catskills Shelter Caretaker

Paul Bisset - Chainsaw Sawyer; Trail Crew Member

Mary Ayers - Trail Maintainer: Cortlandt- Teatown, West Fahnestock; Trail Crew Member; Appalachian                       Corridor Monitor

James Nolan - Trail Maintainer: Pyramind Mtn

Ed Walsh - Long Path End to Ender Coordinator; former Long Path Harriman Supervisor

Phyllis Iannello & JoAnne Beliveau - ISF Surveyors

Brian Collins - Trail Maintainer: Stokes State Forest; ISF Surveyor

Tom Conway - Finance database volunteer

           2021

Herb Chong - Publications Committee Member

Ron Luna - Former Trail Supervisor: Pyramid Mountain

Martha Rabson - Appalachian Trail Corridor Monitor: Putnam County; Invasives Strike Force Surveyor; Trail Maintainer: Fahnestock State Park; Trail Crew Member

Robert (Bob) Reardon - Former Trail Crew Member and Trail Maintainer: Camp Smith Trail

Tom Schmitt - Trail Maintainer, Sawyer, and Trail Crew Member: Yorktown Trails

Robert (Rob) Segal - Trail Supervisor: Long Path from Route 52 to the Catskills; Trail Maintainer: Rainbow Falls Trail

Alfred (Arnie) Seymour-Jones - Cartography Volunteer

Peter Tilgner - Trail Maintainer: Tenafly Nature Center

Susara Van Niekerk - Trail Maintainer: Stokes State Forest, Schunemunk Mountain, Sterling Forest; Club Trails Chair: Interstate Hiking Club

 

2020

Kendall Barnes - Trail Maintainer, Catskills

Glenn Collins - Trail Maintainer, Appalachian Trail

Sarah Collins - Trail Maintainer, Appalachian Trail

John Graham - Trail Maintainer, Westchester

James Gregoire - Investment Committee Chair, Audit and Finance Committee, Board Treasurer, Trail Supervisor

Herb Hochberg - Trail Maintainer, Appalachian Trail

Calvin Johnson - Trail Supervisor, Catskills

John Jurasek - Publications Committee Chair, Trail Maintainer

Jane Levenson - Trail Maintainer, Hudson Highlands

Darielle Rayner -  Trail Maintainer, Westchester

George L Scott - Club Chairman, Trail Maintainer, Crew Leader

Doreen Yates and the Fair Lawn High School Bridges III Class - Cartography Volunteers

 

2019

Jill Arbuckle - NJ Appalachian Trail

Paul Kienker - Trail Maintainer, Long Path South

Richard Lynch - Crew Member, West Hudson

Tim Messerich and the RPH Cabin Volunteers - Maintainers, East Hudson Appalachian Trail

Jerry Ruocco - Corridor Monitor, West Hudson Appalachian Trail

Elaine Silverstein - Invasive Plant Surveyor; A.T. Natural Heritage Monitor

Bruce Thaler -  Invasive Plant Surveyor; A.T. Natural Heritage Monitor; Trail Maintainer, Ramapo Mountain

 

The Ken Lloyd Award for Outstanding Member Club

Honors member clubs who have provided remarkable service to trails and natural lands in partnership with the Trail Conference. 

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

           2023

Chinese Mountain Club of New York

2022

          Kim Levinsky, Sassquad Trail Running

2020

Laura Huisking and Ryan Windess, Hike The World 

 

The Major William A. Welch Award for Outstanding Partner

Honors partners who have been strong advocates for and provided significant assistance to Trail Conference volunteers. 

Major William A. Welch was instrumental in creating Harriman State Park and the Appalachian Trail. He served as the park’s first general manager and was a co-founder of the Trail Conference.

To nominate someone for this award, click here.

           2023

Catskills 3500 Club

Rob Lehmann - Horizon Paper

2022

          Diane Alden

2021

Rebecca Fitzgerald - Superintendent, High Point State Park & New Jersey Veterans’ Memorial; Stokes State Forest

Nora Porter - Graphic Designer

Steve Marino - Maintenance Supervisor, Wawayanda State Park

Christopher White - Maintenance Supervisor, High Point State Park

 

2020

Jessica Kruegel - New Jersey State Park Service Supervisor

 

2019

Terrence Nolan - Senior Vice President, Open Space Institute

 

 


 

2018 Awards and Prior

 

The Raymond H. Torrey Award

The Conference's most prestigious award, given for significant and lasting contributions that protect trails and the land upon which they rest. 

2017

Daniel Chazin

2016

Jakob Franke

2011

Jane Daniels

2010

Mary Smart

John Gunzler 

JoAnn and Paul Dolan 

2006

Pete Heckler

2004

Neil Zimmerman

1998

Bob Binnewies

Bob Anderberg

1990

William T. Golden

H. Peter Stern

1985

Nash Castro

 

The William Hoeferlin Award

Recognizes Trail Conference volunteers who have demonstrated exemplary service to trail maintenance, management, and/or trail land protection. It is usually given after more than seven years of service.

2018

Thom Patton

Geoff Connor

Mary Dodds

Rick Loggia

Bob Messerschmidt

2016

Andrew Seirup

Robert Fuller

Fred Stern

2015

Gail Neffinger

Jim Gebhard

2014

Salley Decker

Andy Garrison

Chet Morris

2013

Mark Liss

Frank Keech

Ron Luna

Doug Senterman

2012

Christopher Ezzo 

Brian Sniatkowski 

Dave Webber

Stephen Zubarik 

2011

Gene Giordano

Gerard Hoekstra, Jr.

2010

Glenn Oleksak

2009

John Mack

Jim Haggett 

Pete Senterman 

2008

Estelle Anderson

Mary Hilley

Ollie Simpson 

2007

John Moran

2006

Jakob Franke

Gay Mayer

Bill Myles

2005

Robert Ward

Don Morgan

Jack Driller

2004

Roland Breault

Gary Haugland

Pete Heckler

2003

Bob Busha

Tom Dunn

Jim Ross

2002

John Magerlein

Claudia Ganz 

Hal Cohen

2001

Monica Resor

David Day

2000

Carl Kulo

Russell Patera

Trudy Schneider

John Kolp

Ben Frankel

1999

Susan Gerhardt

Fred Liberman

George Cartamil

Robert Reardon

Harry Smith

1998

Mike Rea

Chris Cesar

1997

Joan James

Ike & Marilyn Siskind

Morris Judson

1996

Stella Green

Steve Klein

Bob Moss

1995

Joseph Hrouda

Jane Geisler

George Muller 

Dave Sutter

1994

Michael Warren

Steve Butfilowski

1993

John Blenninger

Bob Jonas

Thompson Prentzel

1992

Walter Daniels

Ronald Rosen

Howard Dash

Jane Levenson

1991

Alice Maram

Bob Marshall

Dick Redfield

Albert Rosen

Elizabeth Levers

1990

Frank Bouton

Edward Walsh

Sandy Parr

1989

Paul Leikin

Dick Warner

George Perten

1988

Kenneth Lloyd

Doug Maffei

 

The Paul Leikin Extra Mile Award

Recognizes those volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to projects such as a book, map or advocacy.

2018

Todd Jennings

Irene Voce

Tom Hobbick

Jennifer Ghahari

John Pappas

Katie Kingsbury

Anne and Gerry Barry

Steve Aaron

2016

Technology Committee

Jeremy Apgar and Amber Ray

William Roehrig

John Magerlein

David Klatt 

Russell Dooman

Walter Daniels

Doug Cleek

Mary Dooman

2015

Arnie Seymour-Jones

Alice Luddington-Cantor

Suse Bell

2014

Gely & Jakob Franke

Eugene Reyes

Chris Reyling and the Long Distance Trails Crew

John Moran

Cliff Berchtold

Pete Tilgner

Steve Weissman

2012

Arthur Gardineer

Frank Dogil

Bob Haas

Steve Klauck

2011

Lee Mott

Craig Nunn

Doug Cleek

Bill Roehrig

Annette Feldman

2010

Catherine Kelleher

2009

Bob Messerschmidt

2008

Andy Garrison

Tim Messerich

George Petty

2007

Jim Canfield

Caroline Canfield

John Magerlein

Karen Magerlein

Dan Hoberman

Sue Eilers

Walt Daniels

2006

Al Poelzl

Herb Chong

Ruth Rosenthal

2005

Steve Banyacski

Steve Zubarik

2004

Ed Goldstein

Terry Murphy

John Mack

Don Pachner

 

The Ken Lloyd Award

Recognizes Trail Conference member clubs who have demonstrated exemplary service to trail maintenance, management, and/or trail land protection.

2015

Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization (MEVO)

2014

RPH Cabin Volunteers

2013

Herb Hochberg

2012

Robert Fuller - AMC NY-North Jersey

Mark Traver - Long Path North Hiking Club

Wappinger Greenway Trail Committee

2011

Clarence Putman - Long Path North Hiking Club

John Graham - AMC NY-North Jersey Chapter

2010

Laurie Rankin - Catskill 3500 Club

2009

Jill Arbuckle - AMC NY-North Jersey (presented 2010)

2008

Suzanne Wilder - Musconetcong Mountain Conservancy

2007

Chris Olney - Catskills Mountain Club

2006

Patty Lee Parmalee - Save the Ridge

2004

Pete Tilgner - Ramapo ADK

Suzan Gordon - Ramapo ADK

2003

Ilse Dunham - Interstate Hiking Club

 

The Major William A. Welch Trail Partner Award

Presented to those outside the Trail Conference (for example, state, federal, or local agency partner officials) who have given long and/or significant assistance to the Trail Conference.

2018

Department of Parks and Recreation, Yorktown NY

Essex County, NJ

2016

Joshua Osowski - Northern Regional Office Superintendent with NJ DEP

Evan Thompson - Park Manager, Fahnestock & Hudson Highlands State Park

2014

Todd Cochran - Bergen County Department of Parks Superintendent

Erik Humphrey - Park Manager and Park Staff, Minnewaska State Park Preserve

2011

Willie Janeway - Director Region 3, NYS DEC

2010

Rebecca Fitzgerald - Ringwood State Park Superintendent

Eric Pain - Ringwood State Park Superintendent

2009

Mary-Pat Pfeil - NJ Park Ranger

2007

David Epstein, Executive Director - Morris Land Conservancy

2006

Jack Shuart - NJ DEP

2005

Adena Long - SI Greenbelt

2004

Congresswoman Sue Kelly, NY 19th District

2003

Brian Goodman - OPRHP Taconic

2002

Wes Powers - NJ DEP

2001

Karen Lutz - Appalachian Trail Conservancy

1999

Bob Gunch

Harriet Cornell

1998

Brother Hoengst - Hil-mar Lodge

Arlene Miller - Rockland Co. Planning

Lou Cherepy - NJ DEP Regional Superintendent

Interstate Hiking Club 

1997

Raymond Mesaris - Palisades Interstate Park Commission

William Rudge - NY DEC region 3

1996

John Keator - NJ DEP High Point

Barry Sullivan - NPS DWGRNA

1995

John Kennedy - OPRHP Taconic

John R. Sencabaugh - NY DEC Region 4

W. Garry Ives - NY DEC Albany

Franciscan Friars of Atonement 

Long Path North Hiking Club

Jean-Ann McGrane - NY DEC Region 3

Bill Bauman - OPRHP Taconic

Robert L. Bendict - NY DEC Albany

1994

Jonathan Rosenberg - NWCDC

Kenneth Krieser - Palisades Interstate Park Commission

1993

Rick Dearstyne - NY DEC Region 4

Eric Holman - National Park Service

Kenneth Lutters - OPRHP Taconic

Patricia Rudge - NY DEC Region 3

1992

Ivan Vamos - OPRHP Albany

Steven Golden - National Park Service

1991

Bob Goodman - NJ DEP, Wawayanda

Jeane Ross - Palisades Interstate Park Commission, NJ

Charles Quadri - Palisades InterstatePark Commission, NJ

1990

Karl Beard - National Park Service

Helen Fenske - NJ DEP, Trenton

Nelson Sears - NY DEC Region 3

1989

Fred Gerty - NY DEC Region 3

John Garcia - NJ DEP, Trenton

Jack Karnig - Black Rock Forest

1988

Tim Sullivan - Palisades Interstate Park Commission

William Foley - NJ DEP, Stokes State Forest

 

The Leo Rothschild Conservation Award

Presented to a person or organization that has made a significant contribution to the protection of our trails and/or the natural lands that surround them.

2018

Bob Ross

Noah Zakim

2014

Friends of the Shawangunks

2013

Seth McKee

2012

Basha Kill Area Association

2007

John Myers

1999

John Gebhard

Bob Augello 

1997

Open Space Institute

Ella Filippone - Passaic River Coalition

1996

Neil Woodworth - ADK

1995

Scenic Hudson

 

The Don Derr Award

Recognizes the outstanding contributions and exemplary service by off-trail volunteers. Usually given after five or more years of service or at the conclusion of a major project.

2018

Ed Burdzy

2014

George Petty

George Becker

 

The Honorary Life Membership Award

Conveys life member status and the right to vote at Voting Member meetings. Usually given after long (greater than 20) years of extraordinary service to the Trail Conference.

2015

John Blenninger (deceased)

2014

Ron Rosen

Pete and Jo-Ann Senterman

2013

Jack Shuart

Joan James

Robert Jonas

Estelle Anderson

2009

Walt Daniels

2006

Bob Marshall (deceased)

2002

Neil Zimmerman

1996

Stella Green

Richard N. Warner (deceased)

1992

Albert Field (deceased)

1991

Paul Leikin (deceased)

Kenneth W. Lloyd (deceased)

Lore Oppenheimer (deceased)

1989

Donald B. Derr (deceased)

George M. Zoebelein (deceased)

1987

Meyer Kukle (deceased)

1986

Walter Kaufman

1971

Elizabeth Levers (deceased)

1969

Nat Lester -  (deceased)

 

The Next Generation Award

Given to those under age 21 who make significant contributions of time and energy to trail building or protection.

2018

TJ Robinson

2015

Zachary Kunow

2014

Matt Whittle

Erika Schneider-Smith

Emma Chilton

2010

Eric Fuchs-Stengel

Becky Fiedler

2009

Boy Scout Troop #258, Mahwah

2008

Tom Magerlein

2007

Hike'N Serve Venturing Crew #100

2006

Aaron Benjamin

Dan Hausner

2005

BSA Ringwood Boy Scout Troop 96

1998

Natalie Rea

1995

Saint Benedict's Backpacking Project

1992

Hutterian Brethren Schools

1990

Jeffery Senterman

1989

Christopher Walsh

Edward Leo Walsh

Alvin Rosen

1988

Ellen Daniels

 

The Distinguished Service Award

Recognizes exceptional service, usually three or more years. Nominations can only be submitted by Committee Chairs.

2018

Glenda Haas

Jim Piombino

Pete Tilgner

2016

Pasquale “Pat” Marcotullio - Buildings and Grounds Committee

Steve Reiss - West Jersey Trail Crew Member

Bill and Linda Taggart - Maintainers, Swartswood State Park

2015

Irene Auleta - Stakeholder Action Team

Susan Barbuto - Stakeholder Action Team

Hanna Benesch - Membership and Development 

Wendell George - Catskills Roving Trail Maintenance Crew Leader

David Haas - Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce

Lee Mott - West Jersey Trail Crew Member

James Mott - West Jersey Trail Crew Member

Howard and Susan Reed - Trail Maintainers, Stokes State Forest

Will Soter - Local Trails Chair, Catskills

Martin Stratton - Trail Supervisor, Catskills

Jill Weber - Rockaway Park Administrator

2014

Howard "Pete" France - Northern Catskills Trails Chair

Rich Weiler - Trail maintainer, Harriman State Park

Bob Paine - Trail maintainer, Harriman State Park

Marci Layton - Trail volunteer, Harriman State Park

Mark Nordyke - Invasives Strike Force

Peter Schwartz - Web Committee

2013          

George Form - Long Path Trail Committee

2012

Kenneth Malkin - Web Committee Mar. 22

Craig Nunn - Pubs Committee Dec. 6

2011

Phil McLewin - Web Committee, Oct. 15

Sandy Parr - North Jersey Trail Crew Chief, presented at Trails Council, Oct. 6

Jim Robbins - Presented Jan. 24

Richard Zinn - Presented Feb. 20

2010

Artie Hidalgo - Jolly Rovers, presented at Trails Council, Dec. 2

Bob Brunner - Jolly Rovers, presented at Trails Council, Dec. 2

William Stoltzfus - North Jersey Trails Committee, Oct. 7

 

The Corporate Partner Award

Given to businesses or their employees for outstanding service to the hiking community.

2018

Mountain Tops

2014

Morgan Outdoors

2007

Andy S. Norin, esq / Drinker, Biddle, Reath LLP

2006

Campmor, Inc.

1999

Central Hudson Gas & Electric

1997

Bob Enderlee, Arrow Graphics

1995

Jersey Central Power & Light

1994

Campmor, Inc.

1988

Mill Printing