BOULDER CITY, Nevada - Lake Mead’s leaders and community members gathered Nov. 2 to extend thanks and praise to over 2,200 registered volunteers within the park.
The park recognized its volunteer community members as vital contributors at a ceremony in the Water Safety Center near Boulder Beach.
“Our volunteers make our community better," said Deputy Superintendent Beth Ransel in remarks delivered at the ceremony. “Our volunteers don’t do it for recognition. They do it because our millions of annual visitors deserve only the best. "
Organized by Lake Mead’s Volunteer Program Manager Nancy Bernard and the staff at the National Park Service, the event drew a large crowd of both volunteers and the beneficiaries of their services.
From October 2018 to October 2019, Lake Mead’s 2,200+ volunteers recorded over 62,000 hours of service, representing areas of the park. Volunteer opportunities range from the visitor center to vegetation, boating, law enforcement assistance, camp ground maintenance, resources and more.
According to Independent Sector‘s national standard value, Lake Mead saved approximately $1.6 million within the past year due to its volunteer base.
Asked why he volunteered, Forest Hoffmann said, “There are two kinds of people in the world, givers and takers. The pleasure in life comes from the givers."
“I really enjoy giving back to our volunteers, they give so much to our park. I want them to have the best possible experience," said Miranda Klimas. Klimas is Lake Mead’s Community Volunteer Ambassador and was also recognized for her services at the ceremony.
“This upcoming year, the National Park Service celebrates 50 years of official park volunteering. It’s going to be a big year for volunteers in our community," said Bernard.
To learn how you can give back and be part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, please contact Bernard at (702) 293-8714 or email lake_volunteer_coordinator@nps.gov.
Tags: volunteer
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
