Deschutes Land Trust honors stalwart volunteers

Joan Amero and Carol Moorehead were honored as Volunteers of the Year. This award is given annually to Deschutes Land Trust volunteers who have provided outstanding service in the last year.

Joan Amero began volunteering for the Land Trust in 2016. A new transplant to Central Oregon, Joan decided to get to know the area by devoting countless hours to giving back. Toward that end, Joan joined the Weed Warriors to battle invasive weeds and volunteered for Land Trust events, but it was volunteering to take photos that grabbed her interest and took hold. With camera in hand, Joan has attended dozens of Land Trust hikes and other events taking photos of people and place. In all, Joan volunteered nearly 200 hours last year.

Joan was presented with one of two 2017 Volunteer of the Year awards.

Carol Moorehead has been a Land Trust member since 2000 and a volunteer since 2012. A retired dean at COCC, Carol has a passion for the natural world that led her to become a Land Trust Walk + Hike leader. A botanist at heart, Carol leads wildflower walks, and also enjoys longer hikes that explore the far reaches of Land Trust-protected lands. Regardless of the topic, her hikes consistently delight and inform participants. Carol has also dedicated her time to help with Land Trust events, work parties and creating baseline plant inventories. It is for these reasons - and many more - the Land Trust chose Carol as one of the 2017 Volunteers of the Year.

The Land Trust also presented a special Lifetime Achievement Award to Paul Edgerton to recognize the enormous amount of time and energy he has donated to the Land Trust over the years.

Paul Edgerton has been a Land Trust member and volunteer since 2003. A retired biologist and research ecologist, he possesses a staggering wealth of information about all things "nature."

Over the years, Paul has dedicated his time as a hike leader, helping with Land Trust events and special projects, and as a consultant for stewardship of our preserves. To walk with Paul through the woods is to participate in an adventure, a journey full of wonderful stories and musings, and to feel like you're really opening your eyes, your heart, and your mind to everything around you.

"These three outstanding volunteers really exemplify the depth and breadth of the Land Trust volunteer family. We are so fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers who donate their time year after year for the projects they love. It is these exceptional people who make it possible for the Land Trust to conserve and protect the best of Central Oregon," said Sarah Mowry, the Land Trust's outreach director.

Volunteers donated more than 5,300 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 Joan, Carol, and Paul for their outstanding contributions!" Mowry stated.

The Deschutes Land Trust conserves land for wildlife, scenic views, and local communities. As Central Oregon's only nationally accredited and locally based land trust, the Deschutes Land Trust has protected more than 8,900 acres since 1995.

For more information on Deschutes Land Trust call 541-330-0017 or visit www.deschuteslandtrust.org.