HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK -- More than 25,000 hours of service to the National Park Service were provided by the park volunteers honored June 15 at a gathering in the park's Administration Building, said volunteer coordinator and park ranger Brian Schwieger.
Those who had completed at least 400 hours of service received a name badge with a plate displaying their hours. As the volunteers continue to serve, they are rewarded with a new plate each time they accrue 200 additional hours.
Schwieger noted that in national parks, there are 10 active volunteers for each paid employee.
"This is a testament to how valuable volunteers truly are to the function and mission of the [National Park Service]," he said.
Volunteers assist the park and its visitors in a variety of ways, including serving as campground hosts, serving at the visitor or cultural centers, acting as tour guides and providing trail maintenance.
"As the National Park Service celebrates its 100th birthday and moves into a second century of service, it is fitting that we give thanks for the commitment and contribution given by these women and men," Schwieger said.
Hot Springs National Park was officially designated in 1921 but had been set aside as a federal land reservation in 1832. This was 40 years before Yellowstone landed the title as the nation's first national park in 1872, according to arkansas.com. Hot Springs National Park is one of seven national parks in Arkansas.
High Profile on 06/26/2016