Award recognizes volunteers for the Riverways

VAN BUREN: Ozark National Scenic Riverways recognized park volunteers recently at the annual “Volunteers-in-Parks” Appreciation event held at the Burr Oak Pavilion at Alley Spring.

“Volunteers-in-Parks”, or “VIPs,” are critical to the mission of the National Park Service and to Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

VIPs enhance the park’s ability to provide visitor programs, monitor and protect park natural and cultural resources, build and maintain trails and facilities throughout the Riverways, and provide assistance to visitors in the campgrounds and on the rivers.

Each year, hundreds of volunteers join the staff of the Riverways, sharing their time, energy and passion for the Current and Jacks Fork rivers.

In 2018, 599 park volunteers contributed 19,450 hours of service to Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

On Aug. 27, approximately 50 park volunteers enjoyed a cookout provided by park staff members at Alley Spring.

Each volunteer was recognized for their work in the park in 2019, receiving a certificate and special VIP gift.

In addition, the Ozark Trail Association was recognized with one of the NPS’ most prestigious awards for volunteers. The OTA received the NPS Midwest Region 2018 George and Helen Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service for their work on trails in 2018.

In 2018, more than 200 volunteers from the Ozark Trail Association donated 3,812 hours of work to construct approximately eight miles of new trail within the boundary of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This new trail is referred to as the Round Spring Spur, connecting to the Current River Trail and the backbone of the Ozark Trail.

Visitors in this area of the park now have access to over 400 miles of trails thanks to the construction of this new eight-mile section of trail. It has also provided park visitors with the opportunity to participate in newly created hike-float options utilizing the Ozark Trail and sections of the Current River.

The ONSR wants to thanks to the efforts of the OTA, hundreds of volunteers have been introduced to the park and its natural beauty.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at ONSR, please contact Dena Matteson at 573-323-4814 or dena_matteson@nps.gov.