Gratitude, Appreciation, Thankfulness Rolled Out to Docents Who Made a Difference for NatureTrack in 2024

Sue Eisaguirre, founder and Executive Director of NatureTrack wanted to document and give a huge thank you to all the docents for their fantastic work and dedication to helping NatureTrack reach so many children and people during the field trips, Freedom Trax outings, and adventures this past year.  Eisaguirre stated proudly, “We have a consistent track record of growing every year, and this is all because of you.”

Dan Conaway Volunteer of the Year Award – Pete Debruynskop 

“Thank you, Pete for all your help with the field trips and the Freedom Trax program. Anytime we were short on help for a field trip or needed extra help with the Trax to either drop off Trax or help set up Trax you are always there to help out,” said Eisaguirre. “It is fun to see you work with the kids encouraging them and helping the students build confidence in themselves by challenging them to try new things to immerse them in the ultimate outdoor experience.”

She finished with a big thanks to him for traveling so many miles to help with the Freedom Trax. His wife Kathryn is also a docent. 

Past winners of this award voted on by the docents include Dennis Nord, Dennis Bebe, Jacqueline Haynes, Elizabeth Quick, Margurite Tibben, Margie Popper, Susie Bartz, Sam Babcock, Steve Herbst, Margurite and Tom Tibben, and Jeanne Dixon.    

Pam Fisher Gratitude for Nature Award – Theresa Reilly

Abby Pickens, Program Director presented saying, “It is wonderful to watch you with the students. You are so encouraging and help them find their sense of wonder with nature and reflect back on the wonderful new experience they had on the trail or at the beach by using their nature journals.” First presentation of this award was in 2023 when Dee Kehoe won.  The award is named for a NT docent who passed away but she made such a difference on the trails, Sue wanted to memorialize her friend recognizing docents who remind her of Pam.  

Most Miles on the Trail – Jeanne Dixon and Rocky Miller 

Pickens exclaimed, “Jeanne! At almost every NatureTrack Field Trip this year, thank you for keeping me company driving to Oso Flaco and Midland School Trails. Our idea sessions were great!”  Putting in as many miles was Rocky Miller – “Thank you for being the ultimate sweep and helping out on the trails.” Both received a new pair of hiking boots compliments of Mountain Air Sports. 

Rookies of the Year – Jennifer and Bob Deacon 

Thank you for being so willing to jump in and help right away. You both are so natural with the students it is as if you have been running outdoor field trips with NatureTrack for all 13 seasons.  Thanks for helping out with the Trax events too.   They received a NT Garden Quail made by our board member, Alfred Hohlzeu. 

Freedom Trax Volunteer of the Year went to Tim Reynolds

Pickens presented this one saying, “Tim, thank you so much for giving up your weekends and nighttime hours to help with the Freedom Trax and for allowing them to live in your garage. You make the Trax events run so smoothly; they wouldn’t be the same without you.” Smiling she added, “People would be waiting much longer to go to the beach or try the Freedom Trax. Thanks for maintaining the Trax in working order!”  

Five and Ten-year pins were handed out as well to volunteers. Ten Year Pins went to: Bob Altavilla, Barbara Young and Jenny Coxon. Five Year Pins to Tom Tibben and Mo McFadden. 

Sue noted, “met our goals with docent volunteer hours on Field Trips with students as well as those who used the Freedom Trax explore nature in Season 13. These Freedom Trax units also gave three students opportunities to be with their classes on the Field Trips to Ocean Park Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach, Douglas Family Preserve and Midland School Trails.”