The George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service recognize exemplary contributions to the National Park Service. In the words of George Hartzog,
“When a VIP agrees to share his talents, skills and interests with the National Park Service, he is paying us one of the highest compliments possible by offering a most valued possession—his time.”
These prestigious awards require a nomination, and it’s an honor to even be considered. It is our pleasure to announce two award recipients for our region—H2O (Help 2 Others) for the Volunteer Youth Group Award and Mike Schnellinger for the Individual Volunteer Award.
H2O (Help to Others) is a service learning organization in Lakewood that provides programs for middle and high school students. Over the past eight summers, H2O volunteers have assisted park staff in clearing over 2.2 acres of invasive plants near the Lock 39 Trailhead parking lot, creating a safer parking area and clearing access to the Cuyahoga River for a future kayak access point.
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Mike Schnellinger was recognized for his dedication to the renewal and restoration of the Cuyahoga River. He has long been involved in Northeast Ohio’s paddling community, and brought his experience to CVNP to help implement the first ever Cuyahoga Valley Volunteer River Patrol program and help organize a multi-agency commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the final burning of the Cuyahoga River.
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Please help us thank H2O and Mike for their dedication to CVNP!
