Grand Canyon volunteer receives President's Volunteer Award

Grand Canyon, AZ - Sjors Horstman, long-time volunteer at Grand Canyon National Park, was recently awarded the President's Volunteer Award for 2004 for his valuable service as a "Lifetime Volunteer" providing visitor services at Grand Canyon National Park.

Sjors receiving Presidents Volunteer Award The President's Volunteer Service Award was created to recognize Americans who have made a sustained commitment to volunteer service. The award is given to individuals, families and groups that have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and civic participation over the course of a 12-month period.

Sjors was presented the award at an All Employees Meeting for Grand Canyon staff on Tuesday, May 11, at the Shrine of the Ages, located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

"Sjors has been volunteering his services at Grand Canyon National Park since 1986," stated Park Superintendent, Joe Alston. "He has logged more than 30,000 hours of volunteer time in the remote and isolated area of Phantom Ranch, located more than seven miles below the rim near the Colorado River," added Alston. "Sjors' efforts have been invaluable to the National Park Service. Many of our visitors have personally benefited from his efforts, care and dedication. I was honored to be able to present him with this prestigious award."

For more than 15 years Sjors has maintained and significantly improved the Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch, nurturing saplings that eventually provided critical shade to hikers seeking a cool haven in the summer heat. Sjors helps manage the National Park Service campground, and has provided advice to thousands of hikers over the years answering questions about hiking preparedness, trails and trial condition, and has assisted many nervous backpackers hiking out of the Canyon.

"Sjors is an avid storyteller," said Norah Martinez, Canyon District Ranger, "by sharing his love and knowledge of the area he educates and instills an appreciation and respect for the Canyon to park visitors. Sjors has also become a valuable member of the Canyon District Emergency Medical Services and Search and Rescue team at Phantom Ranch, assisting park rangers on countless search and rescue missions. We have grown to depend on Sjors, his knowledge and can do attitude. He is a pleasure to work with."

Sjors Horstman started his volunteer career with the National Park Service on San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands, two of eight islands that make up Channel Islands National Park near Los Angeles, California.

"This is a great opportunity for the National Park Service to recognize the many efforts of Sjors Horstman." We look forward to working with Sjors for many years to come," concluded Alston.