Volunteers honored by Deschutes Land Trust

The Deschutes Land Trust presented Central Oregonians with volunteer awards at its annual open house on October 24. Pat Green and David Miller were honored as Volunteers of the Year. This award is given annually to Land Trust volunteers who have provided outstanding service in the last year.

Pat Green has been a Land Trust volunteer since 2016. A retired forest ecologist, Pat donates her time for a variety of Land Trust projects including office work and co-leading the Weed Warriors in the battle against invasive weeds. Weed Warriors would be lost without her, as she has spent countless hours bent down toward the earth, doing the hard work needed to create healthy habitat for our native plants. From pulling massive mullein to detailed plant identification, Pat has been there, crowbar and gloves in hand, to fight this good fight. Pat was presented with one of two 2019 Volunteer of the Year awards.

David Miller has been a Land Trust volunteer since 2010. During his decade of volunteering with the Land Trust, David has pulled weeds, led walks and hikes, planted native vegetation, and just about everything in between. His ability to share stories about each plant truly brings these silent parts of the Sisters Country landscape alive. Most recently, Miller continues to dive deeply into the plant world by helping to conduct fen research at our Metolius River Preserve. This research is helping the Land Trust better understand and protect the fragile fen for years to come. Miller was presented with one of two 2019 Volunteer of the Year awards.

“These two outstanding volunteers really exemplify the depth and breadth of the Land Trust volunteer family. We are so fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers who donate their time year after year for the projects they love. It is these exceptional people who make it possible for the Land Trust to conserve and protect the best of Central Oregon,” said Sarah Mowry, the Land Trust’s outreach director.

Volunteers donated more than 4,500 hours to the Deschutes Land Trust during the past year. In the process, they’ve improved wildlife habitat, sunk roots in the community, and made a commitment to helping others experience the best of Central Oregon.

For more information on the Deschutes Land Trust, call 541-330-0017 or visit http://www.deschuteslandtrust.org.