Celebrating the Heart of Colorado’s Outdoors: Highlights from VOC’s 2025 Awards & Appreciation
Celebrating the Accomplishments of VOC's 2025 Volunteers
Each year, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) hosts its annual volunteer appreciation event, Awards & Appreciation, to recognize and show gratitude to the individuals who generously gave their time and energy to VOC's mission each season.
This year, volunteers reconvened at FlyteCo Tower in Central Park for an afternoon of connecting with old friends and new, reminiscing about Bobo the bear, and searching for the hidden gnome figurine. Every organization has a story. Ours begin with the volunteers who show up time and time again to help make magic happen in Colorado’s outdoors. Here’s a look at the highlights from a year powered by people who care deeply about Colorado.
A SEASOn Steeped in Impact
Before diving into awards, we took a moment to recognize what volunteers accomplished this year (it was a lot).
- 115 volunteer projects
- 3,600 volunteer days
- 27,800 volunteer hours
- 32 trainings and 253 trainees
- A staggering $1,080,000 in donated labor value
Each number represents hands in the dirt, tools on the trail, conversations shared over camp meals, and improvements that will last for generations.
VOC hands out 'Of the Year' awards in nine categories. After soliciting nominations for each award from the community, VOC selects one winner per category, though each nominee is equally deserving.
This year’s award recipients represent everything special about VOC volunteers: reliability, joy, skill, heart, and collaboration.
2025 'OF THE YEAR' AWARD WINNERS
OSI Instructor of the Year Recipient: Dan Williams
Awarded for exemplary leadership in instructing and conveying stewardship trainings to new leadership volunteers.
Land Manager of the Year Recipient: Boulder County Parks & Open Space
Awarded to an agency for outstanding collaboration, support, and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship.
Partner Organization of the Year Recipient: Outdoor Lab Foundation
Awarded to a VOC partner organization for outstanding collaboration and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship.
Best Volunteer in a Supporting Role Recipient: Johnnie Stephens
Awarded for stepping up behind the scenes, easing the load for leaders and staff by offering reliable support (like volunteers who support the Operations Center, kitchen helpers, or volunteer ambassadors).
Happy Camper Recipient: Vicki Herde
Awarded for bringing the project experience to life by building community through humor, positivity, fun, and care for others.
Unsung Hero Recipient: Greg Penn
Awarded to a VOC volunteer who provides outstanding support and service in a behind-the-scenes role for the organization.
Roni Sherb New Volunteer of the Year Recipient: Connor Bruce
Awarded for outstanding volunteer efforts and dedication to outdoor stewardship during their first years for involvement with VOC.
Curt Chitwood Volunteer of the Year Recipient: Elizabeth Moroney
Awarded for outstanding volunteer leadership and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship.
Steve Austin Mentor of the Year Recipient: Naomie Winch
Awarded for exemplary leadership in teaching and conveying stewardship practices to new crew leaders.
Beyond Boundaries
Faces of Humanity
Nature's Symphony
Sands of Time
CELEBRATING NEWLY CERTIFIED LEADERS
All newly certified leaders were recognized for their commitment to taking on the added responsibility of each unique role. These volunteers help keep projects running smoothly and volunteers feeling supported from start to finish.
Crew Leaders
Connor Bruce, Vincent Franzen, Chris Gubbels, Max Johnson, Brooke Lucas, and Katrina Pickering
Crew Chefs
Elizabeth Moroney and Craig Lemley
Tool Managers
Eric Masters and Greg Penn
WELCOMING VOC CLUB INDUCTEES
These volunteers hit major milestones of their own this season and earned their place in VOC’s clubs:
McLeod Club (25+ Projects/Trainings)
Catherine Fjelstul, Jason Friedman, Lucas Gambone (last year's Young Volunteer of the Year Award winner!), Chris Getz, Heidi Hartman, Bruce Lucas, Kathie Lucas, Jessica Monczka, Naomie Winch, and Karen Wolff
Pulaski Club (50+ Projects/Trainings)
Jonathan Feifarek, Bob Finch, Linda LaRocque, Elizabeth Moroney, Renee Steeve, and Dan Williams
Austin Club (75+ Projects/Trainings)
Phil Demosthenes, Matt Newport, Bob Powers, and Lisa Thilker
Century Club (100+ Projects/Trainings)
Bob Findlay and Dave Smith
Honoring the Steve Club: A Milestone That Made History
This year brought a moment we won’t forget: one of VOC's longtime volunteers, Steve West, reached his 300th project, joining the legendary Steve Austin — and becoming only the second person ever — to hit this milestone. The two now make up what we lovingly call 'The Steve Club'.
Steve West’s acceptance speech was humble, heartfelt, and exactly what you’d expect from someone who leads with action. He reminded us that stewardship doesn’t require grand gestures, just a commitment to putting in the work, one day at a time. One day, from every person who hikes, fishes, bikes, or explores Colorado’s trails, would transform our state in ways we can barely imagine.
A few longtime friends shared memories and love for Steve, painting a picture of a volunteer who brings commitment, kindness, and quiet leadership everywhere he goes.
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST WINNERS
This year’s photo contest theme, 'The Spirit of VOC', brought out images filled with camaraderie, sweat, scenery, and the small moments in between.
1st Place
Arthur Vigil
2nd Place
Sharon Menard
3rd Place
Sue Daniels
Arthur Vigil
Sharon Menard
A SWEET CELEBRATION, THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Community support really rounded out the event. Huge thanks to:
- HDR Engineering for sponsoring our volunteer appreciation gifts and being consistent supporters of VOC year after year.
- Sweet Sweetz for donating 100 cupcakes that volunteers couldn't get enough of!
- Englewood Camera for sponsoring our Photo Contest prizes and supporting VOC for the past three years.
- Riley Addington of Peak Perspectives Photography for capturing the event.
Events like this happen because people and partners believe in what volunteers do.
HERE'S TO YOU
Whether you were celebrating your first season, your fifteenth, or your 300th project, you’re part of a community that continues to shape Colorado’s future; one trail, one restoration area, one seedling at a time.
Thank you for giving your time, your heart, and your commitment to Colorado’s outdoors. We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together next season.
Steve reminded us that giving just one day can change everything. If you’re ready to make your future ‘one day’ happen, sign up for updates, and we’ll help you find the perfect first project when the season starts.
