WASHINGTON, D.C. —Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett today recognized the 2007 Take Pride in America National Award recipients at an awards ceremony Thursday, July 19 in Washington, D.C. The individuals and groups from across the country were recognized for their outstanding contributions to local, state and federal public lands. This year, there were 18 National Award winners representing 12 states and the District of Columbia.
Representing Virginia were Carolle and Glenn Aldinger of Chincoteague who won in the Individual Volunteer Program. The Aldingers have truly made a difference in their community by dedicating endless hours to the protection and enhancement of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Throughout their service, the couple cleaned and maintained a 4-mile bike trail, designed a public outreach program, and developed activities for children to enjoy. The Aldingers also helped design and build the Refuge’s Christmas float, served as Goodwill Ambassadors during events, and instituted a monthly trash pick-up at Wallop’s Island National Wildlife Refuge (filling thousands of trash bags). Glenn and Carolle, as Volunteer Liaisons for the Chincoteague Refuge Volunteers, transformed the volunteer community of Chincoteague Virginia into a very special unit, working hard to maintain veteran volunteer support, as well as attract new helpers to the sanctuary. Glenn and Carolle’s hard work and leadership has ensured that Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge will remain one of the nation’s most popular and pristine areas for years to come.
“These are extraordinary individuals and organizations who have tapped into the power of volunteerism to enhance our public lands and improve the experiences of visitors to those lands,” Deputy Secretary Scarlett said.
Take Pride in America®, an initiative of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is a nationwide partnership program which inspires Americans to volunteer in caring for their public lands. Their goal is to instill an active sense of ownership and responsibility in every citizen for natural, cultural and historic resources, and to support and recognize the efforts of those who volunteer for public lands. Through a web-based search engine, Take Pride offers a database of short-term and long-term volunteer projects on public lands, as well as assistance for project planning. Additionally, Take Pride rewards exceptional volunteer service by individuals and groups with awards and appreciation certificates. It’s Your Land, Lend a Hand! For more information, visit www.TakePride.gov.
2007 Take Pride in America National Award Winners by Category.
Individual
- Carolle and Glenn Aldinger; Chincoteague, VA
- Marlene M. Lugg; Winnetka, CA
- James C. Thompson; Ardmore, OK
Non-Profit Organization
- The Friends of Hunting Island State Park, Inc. Loggerhead Sea Turtle Conservation Project; Saint Helena Island, SC
Public/Private Partnership
- California Golden Trout Restoration Program; Golden Trout Wilderness, CA
Federal Event/Program
- Antietam National Battlefield Volunteers; Sharpsburg, MD
School Program
- Wetlands Education Team; West Geauga Middle School, Chesterland, OH
Corporation
- The Power Washers of North America; Quakertown, PA
State Event / Program
- Lake Wales Ridge Rangers; Lake Placid, FL
Local Government Event
- City of Clifton Clean Communities Program; Clifton, NJ
Youth / Youth Group
- Riley’s Lockhouse Docents; Hagerstown, MD
Faith-Based Group
- Arapahoe and Aurora Colorado Stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Federal Land Manager
- Kevin D. Brandt, Superintendent, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, National Park Service; Hagerstown, MD
- Tara Whitsel, Park Ranger, Raystown Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Hesston, PA
- Steve Brimm, Project Leader, D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Spearfish, SD
- Thomas M. Pogacnik, Wild Horse and Burro Program Manager, California State Office, Bureau of Land Management; Sacramento, CA
- Jack Simes, External Coordination Manager, Lower Colorado Region, Yuma Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation: Yuma, AZ
Outstanding Take Pride Supporter
- Student Conservation Association