Take Pride in America®, is a nationwide partnership program authorized by Congress to promote the appreciation and stewardship of our nation’s public lands. The Take Pride in America program is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior for the benefit of all public lands at all levels of government nationwide.

In addition to promoting public lands stewardship, Take Pride in America recognizes and honors outstanding volunteers through its annual national awards ceremony. Individuals, groups, organizations, programs and federal land managers are honored for their contributions to our public lands and for their efforts in utilizing volunteers in creative and innovative ways.

In support of President Obama and Secretary Salazar’s call to service, Take Pride in America is leading the U.S. Department of Interior’s United We Serve initiative.

2009 National Take Pride in America® Award Winners Honored at Department of the Interior Ceremony

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senior White House and Department of the Interior officials today honored 16 groups and individuals as the top national winners of the Take Pride in America® awards for outstanding accomplishments by volunteers.

“These individuals and groups are outstanding representatives for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who volunteer with the land management agencies at the state, local and national level and who participate in the Take Pride in America program,” said Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Hayes.

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2009 Take Pride in America National Award Winners!

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Secretary of the Interior Salazar Kicks Off President Obama’s “United We Serve” at Shenandoah National ParkSecretary of the Interior Salazar Kicks Off President Obama’s “United We Serve” at Shenandoah National Park

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VA — Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today joined volunteer and youth groups at Shenandoah National Park as part of a national kickoff for President Obama’s new “United We Serve” campaign. The Secretary helped the groups remove nonnative plants that have invaded the natural ecosystem adjacent to Big Meadows Swamp.

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Volunteers Respond to President Obama's Call for Service at Golden Gate National Parks

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) — The U.S. Department of the Interior kicked off its “United We Serve” Initiative and Outdoor Youth Mentoring Program with a Youth Service Day in Golden Gate National Parks on Thursday, June 25. As part of President Obama’s “United We Serve,” a national call for all Americans to do volunteer service in their communities from June 22–September 11, volunteers of all ages turned out to help maintain their park.

Speakers who welcomed the volunteers at Crissy Field (left to right): Interim Superintendent of Golden Gate National Parks, Frank Dean; Deputy Director for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Doug Overman; Presidio Trust Executive Director, Craig Middleton; Interior’s Director of External Affairs, Ray Rivera; Vice President of Marketing for The North Face,  Aaron Carpenter; and Community Engagement Specialist for Toyota, Kathy Mota. volunteers Respond to President Obama's Call for Service at Golden Gate National Parks

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Take Pride in America® - It's Your Land, Lend a Hand

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Last Updated on 07/27/09