The Land Trust presented two Central Oregonians with Volunteers of the Year Awards at its annual Open House on October 22. Eva Eagle and Ginny Elliott were honored for their dedication to conserving land in Central Oregon.

Eva Eagle has been a Land Trust volunteer since 2005. For nearly 10 years Eva has collected and analyzed the sightings submitted by volunteer birders at Land Trust protected lands. While Eva has donated hours for other Land Trust efforts, the bulk of her time has been dedicated to the bird survey program—1355 hours since 2005! The survey data has been critical in monitoring wildlife, tracking the effects of large restoration projects, and helping guide management of Land Trust Preserves.

“We sincerely value Eva’s long-term dedication to the bird survey program! She has helped guide its development over the years and is always sharing intriguing and useful information with us about the bird communities at our preserves,” said Amanda Egertson the Land Trust’s stewardship director. Eva was presented with one of two 2014 Volunteer of the Year awards.

Ginny Elliott has been a Land Trust volunteer and member since 2012. A former educator and self proclaimed weed devotee, Ginny volunteered to be the shepherd for countless Land Trust hikes. Then, she joined the Land Trust’s Weed Warriors, heading out to Land Trust Preserves rain or shine to pull invasive weeds. To top it off, she joined work parties and helped with other Land Trust events.

“We are thrilled to have such a jill-of-all-trades volunteer for the Land Trust! Ginny’s dedication to the Land Trust has been top notch. We especially appreciate her weed-pulling zeal and the natural history she contributes to her hikes,” said Sarah Mowry the Land Trust’s outreach manager. Ginny was presented with one of two 2014 Volunteer of the Year awards.

Volunteers donated more than 4,400 hours to the Deschutes Land Trust during the past year. In the process, they’ve improved wildlife habitat, sunk roots in the community and made a commitment to helping others experience the best of Central Oregon. The Land Trust is truly indebted to the community of volunteers who support land conservation in Central Oregon. Congratulations to Eva and Ginny for their outstanding contributions!

Learn more about how you can volunteer for the Land Trust.