Prime Hook refuge volunteers Charles Darling, center left, and Glenn Garner, center right, hold Outstanding Volunteer Awards. Also pictured are Delaware Lt. Governor John Carney and refuge staff. Credit: USFWS/B. Proud

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Volunteers Glenn Garner and Charles Darling were honored for their efforts in natural resource conservation and stewardship at the twenty-third annual Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards at the Sheraton Hotel in Dover, Del., on November 2.  They were chosen from dozens of well-deserving candidates for this prestigious award from the State of Delaware.  Prime Hook staff, friends, and volunteers were in attendance to show their support.  Lt. Governor John Carney, who stood in for Governor Ruth Ann Minner due to a recent illness, presented the awards.

Managing a refuge such as Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge involves good science in the biological program, continual maintenance, and expanding public outreach.  Charles Darling and Glenn Garner play an active role in all three areas.  Just a short time ago, very few local people knew where Prime Hook was located or about it’s diversity of wildlife and habitat.  It has been through the coordinated efforts and involvement of these two volunteers that Prime Hook is now recognized by many for efforts towards natural resource conservation.  Getting the word to people has been a collaborative effort among numerous volunteers, but it has been through their leadership that the Refuge has built local partnerships and has enhanced awareness in the local community.

Charles joined our volunteer group in 1999, served as president on the board of directors of the Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge for four years, and remains an active director.  Glenn joined in 2001, served as vice president, and is now the newly elected president of the Friends group.  Individually and collectively, these two individuals provide a leading example of dedication and unselfish commitment to the refuge’s volunteer program.  Charles and Glenn each donated 814 and 787 hours last year, respectively.  Cumulatively over the years, Charles and Glenn have donated 3,197 and 1,998 hours, respectively. 

At our annual volunteer recognition ceremony held this past January, Charles and Glenn were awarded our prestigious “Blue Goose Award” to honor them for their outstanding achievements towards natural resource conservation at Prime Hook.  Aside from their volunteer accomplishments, these two gentlemen are kind-hearted, a delight and pleasure to work beside, and their enthusiasm and commitment is inspirational and contagious to the staff and other volunteers.

Without their volunteerism, many projects would simply not be accomplished.  Since Glenn has been coordinating our participation in local events, we now reach out to more people about Prime Hook.  Charles designs plans for boat ramps and observation platforms and coordinates teams of volunteers to assemble their structures.  Glenn has also been very instrumental in the implementation of our first structured environmental education program this past May.  Charles was very instrumental in the organization of the first and second annual Vandegrift Memorial Series, which showcases a nationally recognized guest speaker focusing on natural resource conservation.  Glenn also shares his knowledge with new volunteers to get them started in their volunteerism experience.  Charles has worked diligently to expand the Friends Board of Directors to include several committees.