This year's recipient of the Blue Spruce award is Eldorado Canyon State Park's Mike McHugh, for is exceptional support of volunteerism in the park. In the past two years, Mike has worked with 1,015 volunteers who accumulated 5,682 hours of service. Though work in the canyon can be dangerous and challenging, Mike is adamant that anyone is has a passion for volunteering and trail work, regardless of skill level, can successfully volunteer in Eldorado and have a good time doing so. Mike's main focus for his crews is not only ensuring that the trail work is done correctly, but that all of his volunteers have a safe and enjoyable time.

Mike's upbeat demeanor is contagious and a part of the reason his programs are so successful. Whether a volunteer is coming for one day of service, or returns time and time again, they are sure to walk away with knowledge on stone work, trail building and restoration, and a true sense of accomplishment. Mike's passion for trail building has lead his Trail Crew program is accrue over 7,000 hours since its creation.

Mike, we greatly appreciate your continued dedication to and positive impact on volunteers and the volunteer program at Eldorado Canyon State Park!

Stagecoach State Park's Andrew Dean, is this year's recipient of the Horizon Award for his outstanding support of volunteers. Andy was initially nominated for this award by his camp host's Joseph and Aislynn Soave, who say Andy is a big reason they have returned to Stagecoach to host for the past three years. Andy excels at communication with both staff and volunteers, to both effectively delegate projects and to ensure his volunteers feel appreciated for all of their hard work and dedication to the park.

Over the past year, Andy has worked tirelessly to expand the volunteer program at Stagecoach. The invasive weed control program at Stagecoach reported 350 volunteers hours in 2017, which is a 100% increase from the previous year. He also created more volunteer and hosts positions within the park, which greatly aided the staff at Stagecoach.

Aislynn says she has been a host at numerous state parks across the country, but she has never felt so valued and appreciated as she does at Stagecoach State Park because of Andy and all of the park's staff.

Thank you, Andy, for your commitment to volunteers at Stagecoach, and your passion to continuously expand and improve the volunteer program!