Directors Partnership Award 2014

The Director's Partnership Award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments and/or lifetime achievements carried out by national park partners nationwide, everyday.

Through the incredible dedication of our partners, we come together, nationally and internationally, to commemorate and reflect upon our shared history; nurture and attain fulfillment of our current endeavors; and create a myriad of pathways for future achievement and possibility.

Please join us in celebrating the innovative and inspiring achievements of the 2014 Director's Partnership Award recipients.

Receiving the Director's Partnership Award is, left to right, Jerry Edelbrock, Vice President of Yosemite Conservancy; Mike Tollefson, President of the Conservancy; Director Jarvis; and the Conservancy Board Chairman Phil Pillsbury. 

NRobbins

Yosemite Conservancy, and Mike Tollefson, Jerry Edelbrock, and Phil Pillsbury of the Yosemite Conservancy

Yosemite Conservancy has had a wide ranging impact on Yosemite National Park. Their contributions to habitat restoration, historic preservation, youth engagement, visitor services, and wildlife management have restored ecological and hydrological processes within meadows, forests, and wetlands; enabled reintroduction of the Bighorn Sheep; engaged youth in leadership, educational, and employment opportunities; and restored and enhanced facilities at campgrounds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. On June 30, 2014, Yosemite Conservancy celebrated these, and many more, accomplishments at their sesquicentennial anniversary celebration.

Former Prisoners of War and partners dedicate the traveling exhibit during a ribbon cutting event. 

NPS/C. Barr

Friends of Andersonville, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Jim Covington of Friends of Andersonville, and Ed DeMent of American Ex-Prisoners of War

Former Prisoners of War from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam partnered with Andersonville National Historic Site to develop an interactive traveling exhibit that shares the Prisoner of War experience. They donated artifacts, shared their personal stories through interviews, and raised $221,000 to complete the traveling exhibit and companion curriculum. The Victory From Within, The American Prisoner of War Experience exhibit will travel to universities, museums, and other institutions nation-wide, ensuring the Prisoner of War legacy is preserved and their powerful stories of courage and sacrifice are shared.

Interns collect core samples in Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the 158 parks and offices GeoScientists-in-the-Parks, are placed. 

NPS

The Geological Society of America, and Dr. John Hess, Gary Lewis, and Matthew Dawson of The Geological Society of America

The Geological Society of America has, since 1996, through the GeoScientists-in-the-Parks and Mosaics in Science Internship programs, partnered with the National Park Service to place over 800 student interns, diversity interns, and guest scientists into positions within 158 parks and offices, where they complete critical research, Geographical Information Systems mapping, geoscience inventorying and monitoring, and develop and deliver science-based public programs which highlight geological features and history.

Through their work in preservation, education, and rehabilitation; visitors can enjoy the beauty of each mission and envision the lives of the people who once lived and worked there. 

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Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

For 30 years, Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions National Historical Park has provided volunteer and financial support to restore and preserve the historic legacy and architectural integrity of the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission San José, Mission Concepción , and Mission Espada. From 1983 to 2014, they have raised over four million dollars for a wide variety of projects which include, conservation of the decorative wall art at Mission Concepción and Mission San José; restoration of the Mission San José Grist Mill, rehabilitation and installation of a flood control system at the Mission San Juan Capistrano aquifer; and construction of a visitor contact station and interpretive exhibits at Mission Concepción. Their accomplishments enable visitors to experience the beauty, the unique history, and the rich stories surrounding each mission.

The San Antonio river improvement project will connect so many to their river, and to the historic and natural sites and activities along its shoreline.

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San Antonio River Authority, Bexar County, City of San Antonio, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The San Antonio River Authority, Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, and the US Army Corps of Engineers partnered with San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to complete a large-scale river restoration project that resulted in the ecological restoration of the San Antonio River. Major accomplishments include improved flood control; restoration of river-bank ecosystems; an increase in visitor access points and recreational opportunities; and enhanced sight seeing opportunities, as the Mission Reach portion of the project flows past the four missions within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Conservation Crew members keep miles of trails safe for use throughout Mount Rainer National Park. 

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The Student Conservation Association Community Crews, Seattle Office

Fostering a lifetime commitment to conservation and stewardship is what the Student Conservation Association Seattle Community Crews program has achieved for the 100 high school students who have participated in the program each year, since 1984. The program provides students with a continuum of experiences, including field trips and camping expeditions; after-school and weekend work projects within their neighborhood; and employment opportunities within parks, including Mount Rainier National Park, for two to six weeks. Their accomplishments in urban and park landscapes are critically important and their positive impact on youth is profound and lasting.

Gettysburg Foundation members reconstruct "worm fencing" along the battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park.

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The Gettysburg Foundation, and Robert Kinsley and Joanne Hanley of The Gettysburg Foundation

For 25 years, The Gettysburg Foundation has partnered with Gettysburg National Military Park and the Eisenhower National Historic Site to provide funding and programmatic support to rehabilitate the battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park, including rebuilding fences and replanting orchards; acquiring and conserving historic artifacts; developing educational materials, programs, and exhibits; and building the Gettysburg Museum of the Civil War, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certified museum featuring exhibits and multi-media presentations. The result of their work touches the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of visitors who annually participate in engaging and educational experiences.

Volunteers reenact the War of 1812 during the 200 Anniversary of the War of 1812 events. 

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Lieutenant Shelly Lukasiewicz, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Region 4-1; Ruth Scarpelli, Village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio; Mary Beckford, Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau; Deb Polich, Artrain; Larry Fletcher, Lake Erie Shores and Islands; Marc Burr, The Perry Group; David Zavagno, Lake Erie Heritage Foundation; Bill Brake, Parks Canada, Newfoundland East Park Unit

Eight partner groups joined forces with Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial to bring the history of the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812 to life during the 200 Anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Bicentennial of the Battle of Lake Erie. In 2011, an international history and art education program interpreting the War of 1812 was developed and has been utilized by over 300 students. From April to October of 2013, over 50,000 people participated in commemorative events, including a tall ship festival, a reenactment of the War of 1812, a lecture series, concerts, a fireworks display, demonstrations, and so much more. The dedication and success of our partners in raising and donating funds and services, and in contributing their time and expertise, culminated in a memorable and educational experience for thousands of people.

Read about the 2013 Director's Partnership Award recipients.