"Gathering of Friends" annual event

On Saturday, March 9, 2013, the Friends' community came together to honor outstanding volunteers and reflect on the accomplishments of the past year at the "Gathering of Friends" annual event.

Friends' Executive Director David Cohen presents Phil Hamilton with the Highest Number of Hours Award

Volunteers are the backbone of the Friends and the number of hours volunteers dedicate to the park and the organization is truly inspiring. Consider, for example, Phil Hamilton (shown above): he received his award for Highest Number of Hours after putting in a whopping 19,356! 

Bob Snyder receives the Individual Volunteer of the Year Award from Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Kreisman and David Cohen

Bob Snyder serves on the Friends' Board and Volunteer Committee; acts as a Nature Guide and Nature Center host; and supports auctions and raffles by donating handcrafted wood objects and art.

Dave & Dixie Johnston are presented with Trail Hosts Volunteer of the Year Award

Committed, long-serving volunteers Dave and Dixie Johnston are well known for being dedicated, detail-oriented, and positive. 

Sarah Bidwell receives Interpretive Volunteer of the Year Award from Park Manager John Mullen

Sarah Bidwell leads engaging guided hikes and assists with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's interpretive programs at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. 



David Cohen presents Nature Center Host Volunteer of the Year Award to Shannon Zimmer

Shannon Zimmer, Nature Center Host Extraordinaire, is always helpful with a smile on her face. Shannon provides great customer service to Nature Center visitors and is a pleasure to work with.

 

Education Coordinator Linda Koser presents Education Volunteer of the Year Award to Jan Johanns

Jan Johanns works lots of hours, has lots of wonderful ideas that support and energize the Friends' Education Program, and is always ready to help .

Nature Day Camp Director Casey Newman presents Assistant Counselor of the Year Award to Doug Sam

Doug Sam is an enthusiastic young volunteer who puts in a lot of time with the Friends' nature day camp program and is always ready to lend a hand without waiting to be asked. His good humor is always appreciated.

Terry Gibson received the Stewardship Volunteer of the Year Award

Terry Gibson co-created the training program for Educational Stewardship Guides. Terry implemented the training, led guided hikes, and volunteered many hours doing hands-on stewardship work.

David Cohen and Sarah Kreisman present Rising Star Award to Diane Quivey

Diane Quivey volunteered with the owl monitoring project, maintains the trail she adopted, helps with special events, and solicited a Century Link grant for working 40 hours.

David Cohen presents Partner Award to Happy Cup Coffee

Happy Cup Coffee, a great partner to the Friends, helps keep volunteers' energy level up at park events.

David Cohen presents Partner Award to National Charity League of Lake Oswego

National Charity League of Lake Oswego regularly provides volunteers that participate in park ivy pulls and special events.

David Cohen presents Partner Award to Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College supported the Friends by donating facilities' use and bringing volunteers to help out with stewardship activities in the park.

We thank all the great volunteers that helped the Friends' environmental education and stewardship programs thrive. In 2012, 1,465 people gave over 8,000 to the park and to the organization. Their focus, dedication, and contagious love for the natural world is the bedrock that supports the Friends' mission "to connect people to Tryon Creek, share our passion for the wonders of nature and inspire environmental stewardship in all." Thanks, volunteers!