Deschutes Land Trust honors Volunteers of the Year
The Deschutes Land Trust presented three Central Oregonians with Volunteers of the Year Awards at its annual Open House on Thursday. Stella Dean, Kris Kristovich and Daniele McKay were honored for their dedication to conserving land in Central Oregon.
Stella Dean has been a member of the Land Trust since 2014 and has volunteered for just about every project the Land Trust has offered. From office and stewardship work, to events, bird surveys, and shepherding hikes, Stella donated 105 hours to the Land Trust last year and continues to lend a hand whenever help is needed. Stella was presented with one of three 2016 Volunteer of the Year awards.
Kris Kristovich often works double time when he is volunteering for the Land Trust. He uses his keen bird identification skills to complete bird surveys and his photographer’s eye to capture wildlife and the magical scenes that unfold at Land Trust Preserves. Kris has been a member of the Land Trust since 1999, and has donated more than 140 hours to the Land Trust this year. Kris was presented with one of three 2016 Volunteer of the Year awards.
Daniele McKay has been volunteering for the Land Trust since 2012. Daniele is one of the Land Trust’s extraordinary hike leaders who makes the dense world of geology seem light! Her hikes are always full because participants know they will come away with a better understanding of the ground beneath their feet. Daniele is always willing to jump in when needed and has led more than 25 hikes for the Land Trust. In 2015, she shared her love of geology with a packed house at the Tower Theater as a presenter for our Nature Nights series. Daniele was presented with one of three 2016 Volunteer of the Year awards.
“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 4,500 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 Stella, Kris, and Daniele for their outstanding contributions!
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 8,750 acres since 1995. For more information on Deschutes Land Trust, contact us at (541) 330-0017 or visit www.deschuteslandtrust.org .
