Sally Maertens, Colorado
 

Sally Maertens spearheaded the effort to organize a region-wide “No Child Left Inside” Weekend in the Pikes Peak Region. This involved bringing Richard Louv, world renowned author of "Last Child in the Woods," to speak at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs. The speaking event was preceded by an exhibition, also organized by Sally, of over 25 local groups involved with outdoor education. Sally was instrumental in getting more than 22 partner organizations to co-host the speaking event and provide both funding and logistical support. The speaking event took place on a Friday night to kick off a weekend-long, region-wide effort to provide opportunities for youth and families to recreate and learn about the natural heritage of the region. Although many of the partners and local events were involved, the concept for the entire weekend was Sally’s and she was truly the dynamic leader that made it happen.

“No Child Left Inside Weekend” provided enhanced opportunities for families, the general public, and partners to connect to the National Park Service Mission and Values. The weekend will no doubt result in a bigger, more informed constituency that will engage in stewardship activities. Developing and maintaining partnerships are part of our strategic plan and NPS mission. This effort opened up new partnerships and strengthened others with 22 host partners and 25 partners participating in the exhibition. One of the large events during "No Child Left Inside Weekend” was a special Junior Ranger Day at Florissant Fossil Beds. The Monument had over 800 visitors in one day which is a record. There were close to 150 junior rangers inducted that day which is also a record. The Junior Ranger program achieves the park mission by providing families with an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the park and to engage in stewardship.

“No Child Left Inside Weekend” came about because Sally arranged for Richard Louv to come and speak. Sally volunteered all day at the Junior Ranger Day event as well. She planned and provided a reception for NPS attendees on that day, in addition to conducting interpretive duties. Perhaps the most valuable piece of evidence pointing towards how Sally is helping meet the park and NPS missions comes from Chandler Johnson, the previously mentioned Junior Ranger. A short excerpt from her speech speaks volumes about the impact Sally and all of our volunteers have on meeting the mission of the NPS. “I would like to thank the rangers and volunteers at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument for inviting me to this special event and for starting me off on my journey through our country’s national parks with the question, ‘Would you like to do a Junior Ranger Program?’ … In the past six years, I have visited over 250 national parks in 48 states, including national parks in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National Park Rangers and Volunteers at those Parks have taught me a greater appreciation of our country’s historical, cultural, and environmental importance. Standing in the Oregon Trail Ruts, snorkeling in the clear water of the Dry Tortugas, taking a ranger led tour through the Cliff Dwellings… and earning my first Jr. Ranger Badge at Florissant Fossil Beds are experiences I will never forget….”