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.
2024
John Magerlein - Trail Supervisor: Fahnestock State Park; Chainsaw Sawyer; Policy Council Member; Policy Council Chair; Audit Committee Member; Governance Committee Member; Strategy Committee Member; Management Committee Member; Former Board Member; Former Board Vice Chair
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.
2024
Andy Garrison - Regional Trails Chair: Long Path; Conservation Commitee Chair; Chainsaw Sawyer; Trail Maintainer: Long Path Catskills; Former Local Trail Chair: Long Path North; Former Local Trail Chair: Long Path South; Former Trail Supervisor: Southern Shawangunks; Former Board Member
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.
2024
Ed and Nancy Duvinski - Trail Supervisors: High Point State Park; Ed - Chainsaw Sawyer; Nancy - Trail Maintainer: High Point State Park
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.
2024
Rene Ruel - Trail Supervisor: Harriman State Park NE; Trail Maintainer: Harriman State Park SW; Club Chair - AMC-NY
Karl Weiss - Trail Supervisor: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation; Chainsaw Sawyer; Trail Maintainer: NJ Appalachian Trail and Southern Wyanokies
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.
2024
Doug DeStefano and Michael Meyer - Trail Maintainers: Mountainside Park
Russell Hanford - Trail Maintainer: Long Path North
Cal Johnson - Trail Supervisor: South Excarpment, North Escarpment and Black Dome Range
Tim McKenna - Advocacy
Irene Sheldon - Invasives Strike Force Surveyor
Steve Struble - Trail Maintainer: Sterling Forest and Wawayanda West
Kenny Whalen - Trail Maintainer: Yorktown
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.
2024
Tim Day - Trail Maintainer: High Point State Park
Lauren and Henri de la Vega - Trail Maintainers: Hudson Highlands and Appalachian Trail Dutchess/Putnam; Henri - Trail Supervisor: Appalachian Trail Dutchess South
Joy Francis - Trail Supervisor: Ringwood State Park
Michael Kelly - Trail Maintainer: Clarence Fahnestock State Park and California Hill State Forest
Maria McLaughlin - Trail Maintainer: Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
Joe Motisi - Habitat Helpers Crew Chief
Maryann and Brian Nunes-Vais - Trail Maintainers: Morristown National Historic Park; Brian - Chainsaw Sawyer and NJ Appalachian Trail Corridor Manager
Kenneth Clark - Trail Maintainer: Morristown National Historic Park
C. Mark Overton - Welch Trail Education Center Volunteer
Deborah Padilla - Trail Supervisor: Harriman State Park NW
Matthew Pendolino and Arlene White - Trail Maintainers: Swartswood State Park
David Perez - Trail Supervisor: Northern Wyanokies
Barry Poet - Trail Maintainer: Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve; Trail Crew Member
Dawn Rivera - Local Trails Chair: Wyanokies-Ramapo West
Paul Schulke - Trail Maintainer: Southwest Highlands
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.
2024
Matthew Fecica - Publications Field Checker
Annalise Jarski - Former Ecological Stewardship Intern; Invasives Strike Force Volunteer
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.
2024
Cherie Clapper - Club Director: Long Path North Hiking Club; Former Membership Chairperson: Long Path North Hiking Club; Former Treasurer: Long Path North Hiking Club
Terry Ducey - Trail Crew Member; Trail Maintainer: Westchester; Chainsaw Sawyer
Bob Flavin - Trail Crew Member
Erik Garnjost - Former Trail Crew Chief; Former Chainsaw Sawyer; Former Trail Maintainer: Long Path
Tom Golodik - Trail Maintainer: Closter Nature Center
Jim Haggett - Former Local Trail Chair: Dutchess Putnam Appalachian Trail; Appalachian Trail Corridor Monitor; Trail Maintainer: Dutchess-Putnam Appalachian Trail; Chainsaw Sawyer
Laura Kelly - Former Trail Crew Chief; Former Trail Supervisor; Former Policy Council Member
Mark Kern - Trail Supervisor: Worthington State Forest; Chainsaw Sawyer
Glenn Oleksak - Local Trail Chair: Highlands Trail West; Trail Supervisor: Highlands Trail West; Chainsaw Sawyer
Jeff Raskin - Trail Crew Chief; Trail Maintainer: Harriman State Park and Appalachian Trail
Glenn Schweizer - Trail Maintainer: Swartswood State Park and Stokes State Forest
Andrew Seirup - Local Trail Chair: Upper East Hudson; Trail Crew Chief: East Hudson and Bash Bish Builders Crew; Trail Maintainer: Long Path Catskills
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.
2024
Lou Leonardis - Trillion Creative
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