In This Issue
2008 Volunteer Venture
Volunteer Campground Host Coordinates Event
2007 Volunteer Award Winners
Volunteer Venture: Schedule
Volunteer Emails
We want to better manage & support our Volunteer Program and help reduce waste! Help us get the word out: We want all volunteers with email accounts & access to get on our Newsletter list, so we can start printing less copies on paper.
Did You Know?
The Pendley 43-acre apple farm is one of the few homesteads still preserved in Oak Creek Canyon.
Slide Rock State Park attracted 254,584 visitors in 2005 and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Arizona.
Slide Rock has seen the making of many Hollywood movies such as "Broken Arrow" (1950) with James Stewart, "Drum Beat" (1954) with Alan Ladd and Charles Bronson, "Gun Fury" (1953) with Rock Hudson and Donna Reed, and a scene from "Angel and the Badman" (1946) with John Wayne.
Slide Rock has been listed by Life Magazine as one of America's ten most beautiful swimming holes.
2008 Volunteer Venture at Slide Rock State Park
Please join us on Friday, March 28th at Slide Rock State Park for this year's Volunteer Venture. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, and you will have the opportunity to experience this beautiful jewel of a park, that has so much more to offer than just the Slide!Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The completion of the canyon road in 1914 and the paving of the roadway in 1938 were strong influences in encouraging recreational use of the canyon.
The land was first developed by Frank L. Pendley, who arrived in the canyon in 1907 and acquired title to the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. Pendley developed an irrigation system (which is still in use today) and planted an apple orchard in 1912. The state completed a road through the canyon in 1914, and Pendley built rustic tourist cabins in 1933 that in part survive today.
The park is named after the famous Slide Rock, a stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent to the homestead. Visitors may slide down a slick natural water chute or wade and sun along the creek. The swim area is located on National Forest land which is jointly managed by Arizona State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service.
Volunteer Campground Host Coordinates Event
Volunteer campground Host Nancy Winters Koenig is making a difference. She's coordinating the 2nd annual Geo Cache Bash at Cattail Cove State Park. Nancy has been Volunteering for Arizona State Parks for over 3 years now. Nancy was recently interviewed in the Arizona State Parks Update podcast about this event. Listen to interview now. In the interview, Nancy explains the basics of Geocaching and explains why she enjoys volunteering. Way to go Nancy!
Subscribe to the ASP Podacst on iTunes >
Arizona State Parks appreciate outstanding volunteer support at our parks and in our programs. Once a year, we recognize the best of the best at our annual award luncheon. Last year, the following people received recognition:
Volunteer of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding volunteers who have contributed substantial service to the agency over the past year or over several years, and whose character and capabilities are exceptional.
Pat Roth and Courtney Rodgers have been volunteers at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park since 2003. Both volunteers have excelled with their support of Visitor Services and Interpretive Services over the last 5 years, but it is their management of the volunteer program and lead role in the visitor survey process at Tonto that has taken their involvement to the highest level.
Pat and Courtney have gone way beyond any reasonable expectation that would ever be applied to any volunteer. The park staff owe the survival of the volunteer program to them both, as well as to all of the dedicated volunteers who have been determined to keep it going. Their dedication, professional manner, and outstanding contributions have gained them the respect of all, and also this award -- congratulations, Volunteers of the Year.
Volunteers of the Regions
This award recognizes a volunteer who has contributed significant service to a park or several parks in the different regions of our state.
FOR THE NORTHWESTERN REGION:
At Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, volunteer dependability and consistency is their lifeblood. The daily touring schedule creates huge manpower demands, and the volunteers help to meet those demands. One such team of volunteers is Rosemary and Allan Gray.
Rosemary is the longest tour-giving volunteer at the Mansion, having stated back in 1991. During the course of the last 15 years Rosemary has contributed 1,923 hours. Allan joined Rosemary as a volunteer 4 years ago, effectively creating a sort of tag-team approach to the tour. Rosemary gives the guided tour through the East Wing of the Mansion, then leads the group over to the West Wing where Allan takes over. Allan answers questions and generally keeps an eye on the place, allowing Rosemary to take a break and allowing visitors the luxury of an unlimited amount of time to spend in the West Wing.
Both Rosemary and Allan have faced serious personal health issues over the last several years. Sadly, not long after receiving their Volunteer Recognition award, Allan lost his battle with cancer. Just one month before his passing, Allan appeared with Rosemary in a television spot designed to attract more volunteers to the Park. Allans' dedication to the Park never wavered, and Rosemary continues to volunteer in spite of the great void left by her husband. State Parks was fortunate to be able to "honor the living" while Allan was still with us, and we are all diminished by Allan's loss.
FOR THE CENTRAL REGION:
Wanda Ward has been a volunteer at Dead Horse Ranch State Park since 2002. During that time she has logged in over 3,000 hours. She has contributed to the operation of the park in many ways. Wanda excels at her duties in the contact station and trains others in visitor contact skills and office procedures. She is a natural organizer and has helped streamline everything from volunteer training to the revision of the reservation system, which now includes cabins.
Considering the number of positive comments received from park guests, there is no doubt that Wanda loves people and goes out of her way to assist area visitors whenever an opportunity presents itself.
FOR THE SOUTHERN REGION:
Jim and Donna Davidson have been dedicated and faithful volunteers at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area for 5 years. Each year, they participate in many areas of volunteerism, including visitor services, interpretive services, maintenance services and special projects.
Jim and Donna perform their duties as Sonoita Creek volunteers to the utmost standards. They take pride in a job well-done. The staff, volunteers and public regularly praise their efforts and appreciate all the little things that they do * from giving safe, fun and informative boat tours to providing pictures of recently seen birds for visitors. They can always be counted on to do things well and to handle any surprise problems that may arise.
Jim and Donna are an incredible asset to Sonoita Creek. They are positive, encouraging, kind, thoughtful, willing to do anything, and just great to be around. Their attitude can be summed up by Jim's statement, "What can I do today to make your job easier." What more could you want from a volunteer?
Ghost Award:
This award recognizes a volunteer who is most concerned with supporting other volunteers and staff. They are reliably "behind the scenes" and consistently dependable. They are the cheerleaders and moral officers, and by their upbeat, positive attitude, provide invaluable support to others.
Gordon and Marlene Richards have been winter volunteers at Picacho Peak State Park since November of 2001, contributing 3,950 hours. During that time, they have become a vital addition to the staff of the park on a business and personal level.
Gordon works in the field side by side with the Rangers and other volunteer staff. He is one of the hardest working people the park staff have ever worked with.
Both Marlene and Gordon do many of the little things behind the scenes that make the park run more smoothly, things that do not get the recognition they deserve in many cases. Both take great pride in offering the visitors the very best possible experience in the park.
Volunteer Team of the Year
This award recognizes a group of volunteers who, working as a team, have contributed to the accomplishment of detailed, difficult, and multi-faceted projects.
The Cattail Cove Volunteer "Dream Team," Nancy and Dennis Koenig, Jim and Lori Nighswonger, and Dave and Carolyn Surette, exemplify teamwork, professional attitude and awesome problem solving. Without the support of these exceptional volunteers, the park would not have been able to support Winter Fest, Spring Frenzy and the 50th Anniversary GeoCache Bash.
Individually, each of these volunteers perform above and beyond their required duties. Together, they work like a well-oiled machine at maximum efficiency, without any kinks or quirks.
We are happy to recognize the tireless efforts of these outstanding volunteers.
Best Friend Award
This award recognizes a volunteer or group of volunteers who have contributed significantly to the support of a park, natural area, or the agency as a whole either with substantial fundraising efforts or outstanding advocacy support.
Diane Joens, Mayor of Cottonwood, is a familiar face to residents of the Verde Valley. She has been a staunch advocate and friend of the Verde River and the Verde River Greenway for many years.
As co-founder of the Stewards of Public Lands, Diane has been a hands-on volunteer, organizing clean up days and maintenance activities along the Verde River.
As an advocate, Diane published the Verde River Almanac as an assignment for Project CENTRAL. Her advocacy work further extends to membership on the Yavapai county Water Advisory Committee, the Dead Horse Ranch Trails Coalition, active membership in the Verde River Citizens Alliance and the CocoPai RC & D. As a member of the City council of Cottonwood, the people of Arizona have always been able to count on Diane to place the well being of the Verde River at the top of her priority list.
Volunteer Venture Training & Recognition Celebration, Friday, March 28, 2008 Schedule of Events
7:30am - 8:15am: Birding at the Slide: 45 minute guided Birding Hike
8:00am - 9:00am: Breakfast and Registration
9:00am - 11:15am: General Session
What a Difference a Generation Makes: Engaging Four Generations of Staff and Volunteers. Lucia Causey, retired director of the Volunteer Center of Maricopa County, will discuss how generational influences, traits and trends differ, and how they may affect relationships between us, very often in humorous ways. Join us for a lively discussion about Boomers and beyond!
History of the Pendley Homestead - presented by Kathy Pendley-Shaw. Slide Rock State Park visitors pass by historic buildings, farm implements and apple orchards on their walk down to play in the creek unaware of the role these elements played in the history of the Park. Kathy will share this history when she tells her family's story.
11:30am - 1:15pm: Recognition Luncheon
1:15pm - 2:30pm: Break-out Training Sessions (Choose A, B, C, or D, below)
2:30pm - 2:45pm: Closing and Cake!
Break-out Training Sessions - Choose one:
Session A: EMA (Ecological Monitoring & Assessment) Partnerships with Arizona State Parks
The Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMA) at Northern Arizona University utilizes scientists, faculty, students and land-managers working together to advance our understanding of how to sustain healthy ecosystems and minimize human impacts. EMA is working on several research projects at Slide Rock State Park, and with several other of our northern parks. Join us for a discussion about this exciting collaboration. Presented by Patty West and Karan English.
Session B: Volunteers as Interpretive Hosts
No matter how you help our parks, if you interact with our visitors, this session is for you. EVERY contact with a customer is an opportunity to communicate messages about your park or program. Through customer service that "wows" them and taking advantage of informal interpretive opportunities, you can leave a lasting positive feeling about your resource. Presented by Marti Murphy.
Session C: Geocaching Fun
Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Caches have been set up at several of our parks, and this year we are hosting our second Geocaching event at Cattail Cove State Park. Join us with your GPS unit (we will also have some to share) and find out what this is all about! Presented by Michael Vitek.
Session D: Wilderness Safety and Survival
This one-hour presentation will cover who and how people get into trouble in the outdoors and the mental, emotional and physical preparations necessary to develop a survival mentality. This will include a list of essential items to be carried on day hike activities and the rationale to support these items. Presented by Al Cornell
Speakers:
Every year we are joined by some incredible people who share their time to educate and entertain us. The following folks will share their knowledge with you this year:
Marti Murphy has worked for Arizona State Parks for more than 14 years as the Interpretive Education Planner for the southern half of the state. She has a degree from the University of Arizona in Recreation Planning and Education. She is also a certified trainer with the National Association for Interpretation. When she is not working, she enjoys sewing, reading, and playing on eBay!
Karan English is the Director of the EMA Program and Vice President of the EMA Foundation at Northern Arizona University. Before her tenure at NAU, Ms. English held several government elected offices, including the Arizona State Senate and U.S. Congress. She is an advisor for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs related to democracy building in Africa and Eastern Europe. She sits on several boards including the Arizona State Parks Foundation. She has played a key role in the planning of the Applied Research and Development Building, a unique, environmentally responsible facility at NAU.
Patty West joined the EMA Program team as a research coordinator for the Arizona State Parks Partnership and Verde River Iniatives. She works extensively with local food issues, and can often be found foraging for edible wild plants in and around Flagstaff.
Al Cornell is a retired US Army officer and Rotor Wing Aviator with 30 years active service. He possesses a Masters in Aerospace Operations Management and a Masters in Latin American Studies with a Major in Anthropology. One of Al's interests upon retiring to Sedona, AZ in 1994, was the training of personnel of the USFS and volunteer groups, such as the AZ Site Steward Program and Search and Rescue Units, in outdoor safety and survival. Another of Al's avocations is in the area of Applied Anthropology, within which he gives presentations, demonstrations and workshops in prehistoric skills such as "Fire Starting," "Sandals," "Cordage" and "Pigments."
Michael Vitek graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1967 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He spent 7 years as a Naval Aviator. He was also a Flight Instructor and pilot for Fed Ex for 28 years. When Michael and his wife moved to Sedona, he started volunteering with Friends of the Forest on several committees doing work for the Forest Service. This led to joining Verde Search and Rescue and becoming an Arizona Site Steward. He teaches GPS classes for the Forest Service, Search and Rescue and the Site Stewards.
Kathy Pendley-Shaw is the granddaughter of Frank and Jane Pendley. She has a degree from Northern Arizona University in Anthropology with an interest in Historic Preservation. She has worked training docents at Mesa Southwest Museum and was a Montessori Teacher before taking time off to raise her daughter.
Lucia Causey is the retired Director of the Volunteer Center of Maricopa County. She has been a leader in the field of Volunteer Resource Management for over 25 years. Lucia also teaches at the ASU College of Public Programs and the ASU Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management. Of course, she has also been a volunteer in many different organizations throughout her life.