Volunteers Honored at Lassen Volcanic National Park
More than 100 volunteers, retirees, employees, and sponsors participated in the park’s Volunteer Appreciation Day held at Manzanita Lake on July 31. “We have many wonderful volunteers who contribute their time and talents to assist visitors to enjoy the park and to preserve the spectacular resources of Lassen," stated Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz. From October through July 137 volunteers of all ages donated nearly 9,500 hours. Volunteers continue to donate their time during the busy summer season.
Special hikes, walks, talks, and kayak tours were provided in the morning. A barbecue lunch followed and volunteers received certificates and commemorative tote bags. Campground Hosts Kendall Ermann, Tom Ermann and Lynne Hadel, and Ski Patrollers Daniel Diehl and Joe Wolner received awards for their donation of 1,000 hours. Tom Ermann was recognized for his great work as Manzanita Lake Campground Host during a shortage of park campground hosts. Rob Horn was recognized for his many varied contributions to the park’s snowshoe program, information desk coverage, peak protection program, and work with Mt. Harkness fire lookout volunteers. Roy and Merrie Freed were selected as the 2008 Volunteers of the Year. The Freeds have shared park information with visitors delayed in traffic for up to 30 minutes during road repairs the last two summers.
The barbecue was provided through the fundraising efforts of the Lassen Association. “We truly appreciate their generous contributions that support the park to have this special volunteer recognition event," added Koontz.
Volunteers assist with camp hosting, visitor contact station staffing, visitor and education activities, natural resource field surveys, non-native plant removal, cultural resources research, clerical and library work, computer projects, photography, search and rescues, ski patrolling, and trail, campground and grounds maintenance. For more information about becoming a park volunteer, please call the Volunteer Program Coordinator at (530) 595-4444 (TDD at 595-3480) or e-mail e-mail us.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
