Congratulations Ron Jenson for being awarded 2014 Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer of the Year at the Volunteer Picnic last Thursday. (Ron Jenson in photo with refuge staff Kelly Blackledge and Janice Bengston) He donated nearly 800 hours this past year; many of them toward the Discovery Center project. He has worked with staff, contractors and the Friends board making this dream a reality. Ron’s dedication to the refuge is immense. Thank you so much Ron!
Here is Nancy Brennan’s (2013 Volunteer of the Year) speech as she presented the award:
This volunteer has been part of the team for 8 years. He started as a water quality monitor and later became our first volunteer to attend tractor training. He soon became our expert trail mower. He has organized breakfasts, lunches and dinners for various events, led education programs, built picnic tables, and is on the Friends board as well. But it was the voice of a child who captured his attention by saying “I’ve never been in the woods before.” From that point on he realized the importance of connecting children with nature. He has since led the charge to build an education center. During the past year, he has dedicated much of his time to this project, frequently turning in monthly time sheets of 90 hours! Through the ups and downs, he has maintained his sense of humor and dedication. These days he wears a hard hat at the refuge working with staff and contractors. Yet at the same time, he has managed to promote the Discovery Center out in the community while gaining support. He has led and encouraged the Friends as they have taken this journey together. Thanks to Tamarac’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year, Ron Jenson, the Discovery Center dream is now a reality.
These volunteers received the Assistant Directors Award for 500 hours:
Cathie Ferguson
Judy Bell
Justine Boots
These volunteers received the Director’s Award for 1000 hours:
Don Blanding
Connie Carlson
Fran Mattson
Ron Jenson reached the 4000 hour mark.
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