NPS honors volunteers at Outer Banks parks

During National Volunteer Week, April 10-16, the National Park Service Outer Banks Group celebrates the volunteers who work at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Wright Brothers National Memorial, and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

This past year these volunteers donated a total of 19,856 hours.

Last year, the 251 Outer Banks Group volunteers donated numerous hours providing information desk services, supporting natural and cultural resource management, assisting with maintenance projects, and hosting at park campgrounds. The total volunteer hours are equivalent to more than nine full-time, year-round employees.

“National Park Service volunteers have and continue to be remarkable assets to our park system and its mission to protect our most prized resources,” stated Superintendent David Hallac. “The work that Outer Banks Group volunteers of all ages perform makes a significant difference to the preservation of our parks for future generations and serves to enhance the experience of our visitors. On behalf of the Outer Banks Group, I want to thank each of you for your time, dedication, and hard work over the years.”

Several local volunteers received special recognition including Barb Adams, 5,000 Lifetime Hours Award (Cape Hatteras National Seashore); Dennis Pohl, 5,000 Lifetime Hours Award (Wright Brothers National Memorial); Audrey Conner, 3,000 Lifetime Hours Award (Cape Hatteras National Seashore); Fred Bamonte, 2,000 Lifetime Hours Award (Cape Hatteras National Seashore); Sue Kelly, 1,000 Lifetime Hours Award (Cape Hatteras National Seashore), and Kara Koziar, 1,000 Lifetime Hours Award (Cape Hatteras National Seashore).

For more information on volunteering for the Outer Banks Group, visit www.volunteer.gov or call 252-475-9042.