The Land Trust presented our Outstanding Volunteer Awards and Cottonwood Circle Awards at our October volunteer gathering. Learn more about these amazing people!
The Land Trust hosted a volunteer event in October to thank and recognize our amazing pool of volunteers. We are so lucky to have more than 220 volunteers who are dedicated to conserving and caring for land and sharing our work with other Central Oregonians.
Land Trust volunteers lend a hand in so many different ways indoors and out! From bird surveyors, to event volunteers, hike leaders, hike shepherds, office volunteers, photographers, trail ambassadors, trail stewards, work party volunteers, and more, these awesome folks have donated donated 2,829 hours this year (so far!). Wow! Huge thanks to you all!!
Special Recognition
Bill Mitchell leads a bird walk at Spring Creek and weaves in weeds! Photo: Charlie Chaffee.
This year we wanted to send a special shout out to one of our volunteers who has been with us for 20 years! Bill Mitchell first started volunteering for the Land Trust in 2003. Since then, he has logged a stunning 2,133 hours lending a hand with so many Land Trust projects. From weed warriors to weed whacking, bird surveys to parking guru, trail tender to stove master, there are few projects Bill has NOT helped with at the Land Trust. This year marks Bill’s last year leading bird walks and while we know his volunteering days are not over, we wanted to recognize him for his time and dedication. Bill started leading tours for the Land Trust in 2009 and excelled at sharing the wonders of birds and their habitat with tour attendees. But he didn’t stop there! Dedicated to conservation and helping return health to our natural areas, Bill also diligently wove in details on restoration projects, non-native weeds, wildlife, and ways we can all make a difference. Thank you Bill for being by our side for so many years and for sharing your passion with so many folks in our community!
Cottonwood Circle
The Deschutes Land Trust is pleased to announce six new inductees into the Cottonwood Circle. The Cottonwood Circle is an elite group of individuals who have volunteered for 10 or more years with the Land Trust. The Cottonwood Circle is named for the majestic black cottonwoods that line Whychus Creek at several Land Trust Preserves.
Today, cottonwoods are rare in their distribution across Central Oregon. It is this rarity, like the volunteers who stick with us for 10 or more years, that inspires us to honor and revere these special trees and special people that are integral to a healthy landscape, a healthy land trust, and a healthy future. This year's Cottonwood Circle inductees are Marilyn Bertran, Debbie Coss, Mike Cutting, Danielle Lordi, Dick Malone, and Glenn Willard.
We are so pleased to welcome you all to the Cottonwood Circle! Thank you for choosing the Land Trust and for dedicating so much of yourself over the years!
