Trust 2021 Volunteer of the Year Awards
2021 National Mall Volunteer Awards
Hosted by Trust for the National Mall and National Park Service
The Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service present 2021 Volunteer Partner of the Year Award to the National Association of Landscape Professionals. L to R: Eduard Krakhmalnikov, Director of Public Engagement, Trust for the National Mall, Emmanuel Ekekwe, Volunteers-in-Parks Manager, National Mall and Memorial Parks, Robin Nixon, Chief of Partnerships, National Mall and Memorial Parks
The Trust for the National Mall in partnership with the National Park Service was honored to recognize the extraordinary service of National Mall volunteers in 2021 at the annual volunteer recognition on December 3rd.
The Volunteer Partner of the Year for 2021 was awarded to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and its members for caring for the National Mall through "Renewal & Remembrance." This day-long event, months in making, brought NALP member companies and their teams and trucks to the National Mall in July for a day of service to help restore and protect this important American greenspace.
Using their specialized skills, equipment from John Deere and much dedication and manpower, NALP was able to spread woodchips through an entire grove of the National Mall's iconic cherry trees -- which need care and tending year-round to keep them blooming each spring. NALP's critical efforts help to protect and preserve the unique urban forest that is the National Mall. In this single-day service event, NALP also needle tined the National Mall hockey fields, aerating the soil and allowing for better irrigation and easier maintenance going forward. We are so grateful for their efforts in creating a greener and more sustainable turf on America's Front Yard. The Trust and NPS look forward to building our partnership with NALP in 2022 and beyond.
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The Volunteer Group of the Year was awarded to the 89th Maintenance Group of Joint Base Andrews. The dedicated team has served multiple service projects on the National Mall this year, helping preserve the park's natural and cultural resources. From hand cleaning the World War II Memorial's relief wall and Wall of Freedom, to assisting with the care of the beloved cherry trees, the 89th Maintenance Group has helped make the National Mall a better place now and into the future. The group has been a reliable support, on whom the volunteer program could call when something needed to be done.
Michael Zucker, center, receives the 2021 New Volunteer of the Year Award.
Michael Zucker, an Eisenhower Memorial volunteer docent, was recognized as the New Volunteer of the Year. President and General Eisenhower is Michael's personal hero, and Michael has dedicated countless hours of research to Eisenhower's life and legacy, culminating in a website dedicated to his research and a biographical novel on Eisenhower. Michael has mentored new volunteers in the program and has used his research skills as a part of the volunteer curation team, helping to create the first ever recorded tour of the Memorial.
Dave Hunke, center, receives 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Volunteer of the Year award was given to two volunteers who performed exceptional service: Dave Hunke and Al Gallant.
Dave has been a volunteer at the World War II Memorial for 6 years sand at the Eisenhower Memorial since it opened. In addition to mentoring new volunteers, Dave co-led the Eisenhower volunteer curation team, through which he guided a group of volunteers in researching, planning, and producing the first ever volunteer-led tour of the Memorial. Dave's professionalism, eagerness, and genuine interest in creating memorable experiences for all who visit the Memorial is admirable.
Al has been a volunteer docent at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for nearly a decade, during which time he has helped train and orient countless new volunteers. In 2021 alone, Al has served over 500 hours, helping visitors at "The Wall," doing research, and assisting with special projects and events to serve veterans and visitors at the memorial. Al's own military experience helps him better connect with veterans coming to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and he is always friendly, understanding, and sympathetic.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
As the official nonprofit partner of NPS, the Trust for the National Mall is committed to building a sense of stewardship for this iconic park.
As part of the commitment, we are piloting a volunteer program at specific sites on the National Mall. This is an excellent opportunity for those fascinated by history, and those who love meeting new people and enjoy spending time outdoors. This is also a great chance to gain valuable experience working at a national park.
HELP US GROW
Volunteer service saves the National Park Service close to $2 million annually in operating costs. For the volunteer program to expand and remain strong, the Trust needs financial support to continue its commitment to improving, managing, and growing the program.
