The Buckeye Trail’s greatest resource: our people
Volunteers and partners are the lifeblood of the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA). From building bridges and blazing trails to planning events and advocating for our mission, they put in thousands of hours each year to protect and promote Ohio’s 1,400+ mile trail. Our annual Volunteer Awards honor the people and partners who make our work possible.
Whether you’re nominating someone for their hard work or reading through for inspiration, this is your guide to all the ways we celebrate exceptional trail supporters.
Recognition matters
Every mile of the Buckeye Trail is shaped by people who care. Volunteers give their time, energy, and heart to help make the trail better for everyone. We recognize our volunteers with gratitude for their role in honoring the spirit of service that keeps the Buckeye Trail going strong.
Nominate someone for awards →View the Volunteer Hall of Fame →
Named awards for outstanding contributions
Emma “Grandma” Gatewood Award for Distinguished Service
Honors a volunteer who, like Grandma Gatewood, has overcome challenges to make a major impact for the trail in the past year.
Bob Paton Award for Meritorious Service
Recognizes 15+ years of exceptional service in trail work, leadership, or administration.
Buckeye Trail Blazer Award for Leadership by Example
Celebrates superior service and hands-on leadership.
Bill Miller Award for Conservation
Given to those who preserve or restore the natural environment around the trail.
James Sprague Buckeye Trail Adopter and Builder Award
Recognizes excellence in trail adoption or Buckeye Trail Crew work.
Partner and community awards
Merrill Gilfillan Award for Visionary Agency Partners
Honors agency staff who go above and beyond to support the Buckeye Trail.
Buckeye Trail Business Partnership Award
Recognizes businesses that support the BTA through service, promotion, or financial contributions.
Buckeye Trail Partnership Award
Given to partner organizations that help build, protect, and promote the trail.
Ralph Regula Award for Leadership
Honors elected officials who have made trails a priority.
Other special honors
Certificate of Appreciation
For individuals, cities, agencies, or organizations that go the extra mile to support the trail.
Dr. Roy Fairfield President’s Award
Awarded by the current BTA President to an individual who has made a major contribution in the past year.
Buckeye Trail Association Trustee Emeritus
Given to outgoing board members who have served at least nine years with notable achievements.
North Country Trail awards
The Buckeye Trail shares more than 900 miles with the North Country National Scenic Trail. As a partner of the North Country Trail Association (NCTA):
- The BTA honors volunteers with NCTA Honor Awards for loyalty and commitment.
- BTA volunteers can also be nominated for NCTA Volunteer Awards and recognized at the national NCTA celebration.
- View NCTA awards and nominate someone →
Awards Committee
The BTA Awards Committee oversees the selection process and invites nominations from across the trail community.
Nominate a volunteer or partner
Each year, the Buckeye Trail Volunteer Awards are presented at TrailFest. Awards recognize individual milestones, long-term service, and organizational partnerships.
View the Volunteer Hall of Fame →
Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate them by filling out the spotlight form below or submitting their name for a named award.
Nominate a Volunteer for spotlight →
Nominate someone for awards →How to qualify
To be eligible for many awards, volunteers must be registered in the volunteer system and track their hours in Volgistics. Be sure to log your time and encourage others to do the same. Not only does this help us say thanks, but it also helps tell the story of our collective impact.
