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Contact: Molly Schroer, 270-758-2192
MAMMOTH CAVE, KY – Two sets of Mammoth Cave National Park volunteers have been recognized by the National Park Service (NPS) Southeast Regional Office with Excellence in Volunteerism Awards. The Team Impact Award was given to Pam Saberton and Linda Bundy and the Innovation Award was given to the Mammoth Cave National Park Fossil Expedition Team.
Team Impact Award: Pam Saberton and Linda Bundy
Pam Saberton and Linda Bundy are recognized for their exceptional volunteer efforts at Mammoth Cave with NPS Southeast Region’s Team Impact Award. Each with over 35 years of volunteer service, the duo has played a vital role in advancing the preservation and organization of the park’s cultural heritage.
“Pam and Linda’s extraordinary teamwork and dedication serve as an inspiring reminder of the vital role volunteers play in preserving our national treasures,” said Liz Thomas, Volunteer Coordinator. “Their contributions underscore an unwavering commitment to Mammoth Cave National Park and its historical, cultural, and natural legacy.”
Linda Bundy has made significant strides in curatorial work by processing more than 3,000 artifacts and 782 record worksheets collected from a Historic Hotel Excavation project. Her meticulous efforts ensure these historical items are preserved for future generations to view and study. She has cataloged and assessed nearly 250 items from various compliance projects, successfully integrating them into the Museum Collection Management System, and verifying artifacts to contribute to critical inventory reports.
Pam Saberton has also made substantial contributions to the park’s curatorial program by conducting a thorough inventory of over 350 artifacts and completing quality control on more than 4,500 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) historic photographic negatives. Her work preserves the park’s photographic history and enhances public engagement through her research on notable visitors from the 1897 Mammoth Cave Hotel registry. In addition, Pam supports the volunteer program through data entry and critical recordkeeping, ensuring the program operates efficiently and maintains accurate records.
Together, Saberton and Bundy have enhanced park documentation systems, streamlined volunteer participation, and coordinated enrichment activities for fellow volunteers. Their efforts have not only improved information in the park’s museum exhibits but also fostered community involvement, making the cultural history of Mammoth Cave more accessible and engaging.
Innovation Award: Fossil Expedition Team
The Mammoth Cave Fossil Expedition Team has been awarded the Southeast Region’s Innovation Award for their exceptional contributions to paleontological research at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Over the past several years, team co-leaders Rich Boldon, Kelli Tolleson, Rick Olson, and team members Mary Schubert, Brett Painter, Kai Painter, Taylor Harlow, Quentin Jones, Alex Verde, and Miriam Matthias have made significant strides in the discovery and preservation of ancient fossils. These include 75 fish and shark species, at least four shark species new to science, and over 700 fossil specimens of sharks, plant fossils, and invertebrates. Their diligent work has greatly advanced the understanding of ancient marine ecosystems, fossil plants, and Ice Age fossils, while also contributing to the completion of a Paleontological Inventory Report for Mammoth Cave.
The team, comprised of former and current park employees, who worked on their days off, and dedicated long time volunteers, has successfully engaged the public through innovative outreach programs. Their efforts during events like National Fossil Day have included fossil displays, researcher talks, and hands-on public activities, allowing visitors to connect with the park's ancient history and earn Junior Paleontologist Ranger Badges.
“Through their ongoing expeditions, we have not only uncovered a wealth of fossils but have also fostered a sense of community and appreciation for paleontological research,” said Rick Toomey, Cave Resources Specialist. “This award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our volunteers.”
The fossil team continues to inspire curiosity and promote conservation, encouraging new volunteers and future stewards of the program. Their commitment to safety and preservation ensures that Mammoth Cave’s irreplaceable fossil heritage will be protected for generations to come.
Excellence in Volunteerism Awards
The NPS’s Excellence in Volunteerism Awards recognize the exemplary contributions NPS volunteers make to their park and their community. The volunteers awarded at Mammoth Cave have all shown tremendous commitment to their volunteer positions and park programs. All regional recipients will be considered for national awards by the Washington Support Office (WASO) Volunteer Program Office.
Every year approximately 2,000 volunteers provide over 46,000 hours of service to Mammoth Cave National Park. They assist a variety of work including visitor services, special events, litter removal, cave survey work, campsite and trail maintenance, non-native plant removal, and campground host duties. To learn how you can become involved in the park’s volunteer program, check out the latest volunteer opportunities on the Mammoth Cave’s Volunteer website or contact the volunteer office at e-mail us.
Last updated: June 4, 2025