2023 Volunteer of the Year Award

 

 

 
 

Ken Harris and Jason Irla

Ken Harris and Jason Irla are FHBB members as well as members of one of our Park Partner groups, MTBMD, which hosts mountain biking events, weekly group rides and are instrumental in maintaining the park’s trails. Two years in a row Hashawha Environmental Center has been hit with big storms that knocked down dozens of trees. Two years in a row, Ken and Jason have rallied the members of MTBMD, FHBB and the surrounding community to help clear and reopen the trails.

Not only do they work on storm clean up, but they have partnered with the Carroll County Rec and Parks department to help redirect eroding trails, maintain over growth throughout the year, and educate the public about trail etiquette. MTBMD recieved a grant to install a bike maintainence stand in the park. And they advocated for the use of class 1 e-bikes in county parks. Ken has also assisted with BBNC field trips and programs, and Jason has helped with the FHBB social media, including the newsletter. Thank you both for your incredible dedication to the park!