Excellence in Volunteerism Awards

When a VIP [Volunteer-in-Park] agrees to share his talents, skills and interests with the National Park Service, he is paying us one of the highest compliments possible by offering a most valued possession—his time.

—George B. Hartzog, Jr., National Park Service Director (1964–1972)

The Excellence in Volunteerism Awards are the highest award presented to National Park Service volunteers. The contributions of these award recipients embody the spirit of service, engagement, and stewardship present throughout our national parks.

Award Name and Year

The George and Helen Hartzog Awards were renamed to the Excellence in Volunteerism Awards in 2023. Starting in 2025, all National Park Service national awards were adjusted to reflect the year they were awarded instead of when the work was completed. There were not national volunteerism awards titled “2024” to make this adjustment.