The 5th annual Wilderness Wingding hosted by Friends of Nevada Wilderness at the Grand Sierra Resort on Friday, Dec. 16 was certainly an event to remember. Over 275 people came out to partake in delightful nibbles donated by local businesses like Capriotti’s and The Hub Coffee Co. An awards ceremony highlighted volunteers, organizations, and corporations that played a key role during the 2011 field season.
“We couldn’t have done any of this without our volunteers and supporters,” said Pat Bruce, Stewardship Program Director. “And we want to make sure to thank them.”
In 2011, volunteers worked on over 135 wilderness projects and monitoring efforts, giving 10,528 volunteer hours and donating a total of $225,000 of in-kind labor to Nevada’s wild lands.
Volunteers received bags with an assortment of goodies, including fleece gloves from the Reno Bighorns basketball team, BPA-free mugs from GSI Outdoors, and for the adults – certificates for free pints at Buckbean Brewing Company.
Up for raffle and silent auction were dozens of items – from facials at You MicroSpa to outdoor gear and gift cards from Patagonia and Sierra Trading Post. One of the most coveted items was the PhatCycle Melinda bike from Black Rock Bicycles.
Black Rock Bicycles also received a special recognition award for their continued support of Friends of Nevada Wilderness and Nevada’s public lands.
The special awardees each received an appreciation certificate from Senator Harry Reid presented by Susan Lisagor from hisReno office. “What I really love about Friends of Nevada Wilderness is they do this wonderful work with such grace and humor, you’re always having a wonderful time!” she said.
SPECIAL AWARDEES 2011 Volunteer of the Year – Scott Hall
Agency Partnership of the Year – US Fish and Wildlife Service (Desert and Sheldon Wildlife Refuges)
Agency Person of the Year – Carol Reott Hotchkiss – US Forest Service
Corporate Partner of the Year – REI
Ruler of the Spooler Award – Bill James
Group Partner of the Year – Nevada Outdoor School
Special Recognition – Black Rock Bicycles; The Law Office of Demetras and O’Neill
Carol Reott Hotchkiss © Marcial Reiley
Blue Helmet Awardees – volunteers who attended at least three trips over the 2011 season: David Book, Elyse Briski, Don Brown, Danielle Cotte, Larry Dwyer, Matthew “Metric” Ebert, John Fiske, John and Hermi Hiatt, Dorothy Hudig, Gordon Jackson, Paul Jackson, Dylan Kuhn, Martin Mace, Barry and Kathy Morgan, Susan Murphy, Anthony Rivera, Dick Ross, Darcy Shepard, Jim Switalla, Chuck Thomas, Mike Thorson, Joe Trujillo.
