Anne Sittauer, refuge manager, presents the 2006 Volunteer of the Year Award to James Pasch. - FWS photo by Nancy Haugen.

Tom Marcouiller, maintenance worker, and Jeanne Holler, refuge biologist, add gravy to the turkey dinner served to Jim Nystrom, volunteer at the Sherburne Refuge volunteer recognition dinner. - FWS photo by Chris Mursu

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuges recognized 800 volunteers for service given during 2006, at an awards dinner attended by 135 individuals on March 6.

Among the Refuge volunteers there are 195 individuals from local communities who are regular volunteers, and over 540 members of local scout troops, families, school classes, 4-H clubs, and conservation groups. 

The time donated to the Refuge by volunteers during the past year is equivalent to that of four full time employees. 

James Pasch, Princeton, MN, received the 2006 Volunteer of the Year for his contribution of more than 750 hours of volunteer service to the refuge during the past ten years.  Pasch tallied his hours through involvement with a wide variety of volunteer activities which include the eagle watch program, native plant seed collecting, assisting with Winterfest and the Wildlife Festival, and coordinating the Refuge Christmas Bird Count.  Pasch is also an active member of the Friends of Sherburne and held a Board or Directors position for three years. 

Other volunteers receiving distinguished awards include Robert and Edward Trunk from Princeton who were honored for 1,500 hours of volunteer service, Denise Eidem, Becker, and Pam Spar, Big Lake, honored for 500 hours of service. 

The awards program included the showing of the DVD, "The Ride of the Mergansers". Refuge quiz sheets, volunteer key tags and pencils were given to all who attended.  The volunteers and guests were served a home cooked turkey dinner prepared by refuge staff.