This year’s award recognized Ed Spoon of Madison, WI. As Tim Malzhan, Director of Trail Operations, wrote in his nomination of Mr. Spoon:
“Ed, an extraordinary volunteer for the Alliance, currently serves as the Trail Maintenance Coordinator for the Dane County Chapter and is an IATA Crew Leader in Good Standing.
Ed “sees” the big picture; he is an exceptionally good project manager whose communication style is always timely, respectful, and succinct. Ed conveys need-to-know information and works diligently to keep all stakeholders engaged and informed. He varies the focus of his projects, has a strong commitment to local and statewide undertakings, and can always be counted on to see a project through to completion and to lend a hand wherever needed.
Ed does an unparalleled job of working “in-house” with IATA and partner staff and volunteers to develop project plans, confirm facts, field check conditions and facilitate agency/volunteer consensus. In these, and all Trail-related endeavors, be it management, education, construction, communication, maintenance and stewardship, Ed puts the needs of the project, and what is best for the Trail, front and center at all times.”
Photo caption: Ed Spoon, left, a well-deserving recipient of the Trail Steward of the Year award is congratulated by Mike Wollmer, Executive Director.
Photo by C&J Photography, Sheboygan, WI.