Mal Fordham was presented with the Volunteer of the Year award by the American Hiking Society. The award was presented on Saturday June 3, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Fordham started REI Volunteer Trails Days in 2005 to spark interest in the community to help in the maintenance of over ten miles of trails in Greenbelt Park, NCP East. His six volunteer days in 2005 helped the park resurface trails, clear trails and reroute parts of the trails. These volunteers’ days created a partnership that has developed into five volunteer days in 2006. Mr. Fordham's actions also have brought a $10,000 REI grant to the National Park Foundation for replacing bridges in Greenbelt Park. Mr. Fordham will have a lifetime impact on the resource as well as the visitor at Greenbelt Park.
Greenbelt Park celebrated National Trails Day (an annual celebration aimed at raising awareness of and appreciation for trails) on Saturday June 3, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
National Trails Day is coordinated nationally by the American Hiking Society, a national non- profit group.
The American Hiking Society is the only national nonprofit organization devoted to cultivating a nation of hikers dedicated to establishing, protecting, and maintaining America's foot trails. With nearly 10,000 members and over 120 member trail clubs, American Hiking represents over a half million outdoors people and serves as the voice of the American hiker. Founded in 1976, American Hiking builds partnerships among outdoor organizations, the outdoor business community, and public land managers. Its programs strengthen grassroots organizations and enable trail advocates to plan, fund, and develop trails.
