COCA Volunteers Win an Award

Congratulations to our Volunteers in the Parks Team on winning the FY 2007 George B. Hartzog, Jr. award for Outstanding Volunteer Group in the National Capitol Region. This is the second time in three years that our VIPs have been nominated for and won the award, and shows the recognition this group has received from both the C & O Canal NHP and the National Capitol Region.

The VIP team is headed by Jim Heins and Skip Magee. As the award letter describes it, 136 team members completed 11 service projects, totalling 627 hours. The work included removal of invasive plants, painting structures and fences, restoring trails, removal of vegetation from historic structures, painting the Canal boat in Georgetown, and installing wayside exhibits and other signage along the towpath and canal. Since 2005 we have installed over 20 waysides and other signs. As if that weren’t enough, our team members managed the Parks’ participation in the annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, working in five different locations. And, with the Friends of Great Falls Tavern, they aided Park staff with physically moving back into the Tavern after a year-long renovation.

The award ceremony was held April 16, 2008 at Wolf Trap Farm Park; Jim Heins accepted the award on behalf of the Volunteers in the Parks Committee. All who participated in any of the projects have cause to be pleased and proud of their time and effort. Again, congratulations to all of the Volunteers.

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