NPS Salutes Three Outer Banks Group Volunteers

Steve Jones, Joe Hardman, and Jerry Raveling with their Lifetime Volunteer Awards.

NPS

Date: July 20, 2009
Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111

The National Park Service Outer Banks Group earlier honored three of its outstanding volunteers.  Steve Jones, Joe Hardman, and Jerry Raveling have each contributed over 5,000 hours to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, thus earning the Outer Banks Group Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.

Last year 99 volunteers from Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial donated 18,383 hours.  Dare and Hyde county residents comprise a majority of the volunteer corps, which is supplemented by non-local volunteers, and interns.

“This tremendous number of donated hours equals almost 8 full-time paid staff members,” stated Superintendent Mike Murray.  “The support provided by our volunteers truly keeps us going.”

Volunteers support a myriad of visitor services and special projects.  Volunteers working at the visitor centers, lighthouses, Beach Watch program, and out on the beach with resource management are the most visible to the public.  Volunteers also work with the Ocracoke ponies, in park offices, and provide support for maintenance projects.

The Outer Banks Group is always looking for more volunteers.  If you would like to work in one of our visitor centers, with resource management, or if you have a special skill or talent, please contact Mary Doll, volunteer coordinator at 252-473-2111 x164.