{"id":8378,"date":"2018-07-23T10:22:43","date_gmt":"2018-07-23T15:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pnts.org\/new\/?p=8378"},"modified":"2019-05-18T08:04:19","modified_gmt":"2019-05-18T13:04:19","slug":"eagle-scout-earns-nps-volunteer-award-for-ice-age-trail-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pnts.org\/new\/eagle-scout-earns-nps-volunteer-award-for-ice-age-trail-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Eagle Scout earns NPS volunteer award for Ice Age Trail work"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Partnership for the National Trails System
\n<\/b>Adapted from April 26, 2018 NPS news release<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Nicholas Gilson<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

During National Park Week, National Park Service (NPS) Deputy Director Dan Smith announced the six recipients of the national 2017 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. George Hartzog was the director of the National Park Service from 1964 to 1972 and created the Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program during his tenure. After his retirement, the Hartzogs created an endowment to honor the efforts of exceptional volunteers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The youth award for outstanding volunteer service went to Nicholas Gilson of Wisconsin for his work on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. For his Eagle Scout project, Gilson raised donations for the materials needed to rebuild 120 feet of fencing, six interpretive sign posts, two benches, and two directional trail signs for a 1,050 foot-high overlook. He also recruited dozens of volunteers who devoted about 500 hours of time to craft, transport, and install these features atop Bald Bluff. He was nominated by Daniel Watson, IAT Acting Superintendent and Volunteer Coordinator. <\/span><\/p>\n

Gilson\u2019s accomplishments resulted in \u201ccommunity support and additional volunteerism; strengthened relationships with State agency partners; improved visitor experience for trail users; protected rare and fragile prairie habitat; and added value to the IAT\u2019s VIP program,\u201d Watson wrote in his nomination letter<\/a>. \u201cNick\u2019s dedication and professionalism throughout the course of this project is one of the reasons I will continue to look for partnering opportunities with local youths.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unless otherwise indicated, all material in Pathways Across America is public domain. All views expressed herein are perspectives of individuals working on behalf of the National Trails System and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the Federal agencies.<\/em><\/p>\n