The Friends of the Wissahickon in Montgomery County awarded Sarah West the Volunteer of the Year Award at its annual Volunteer Recognition Night at Valley Green Inn in December. West is a long-time FOW member, former FOW Board Member, and a current Trail Ambassador.

"The growth and popularity of FOW's Trail Ambassador hikes and talks is due in large part to her dedication," says FOW Outreach Manager Sarah Marley. "Sarah West was nominated by her peers for tirelessly contributing her time and expertise to FOW and the park, and for serving as an inspiration and mentor to her fellow volunteers."

Sarah West was presented with a hand-carved hiking stick, created by local artisan Isaac Maefield from locally-sourced wood. Maefield incorporated Wissahickon schist into its design especially for West, who leads geology hikes in the Wissahickon as a Trail Ambassador. She was a secondary and college teacher in the sciences for 40 years, 25 of those years at Germantown Friends School.

FOW volunteers serve on various committees, participate in workdays in the park, or serve as Trail Ambassadors. These hardworking individuals help build structures in the park, repair trails, assist with fundraising, write for the newsletter, patrol the park, lead hikes, and countless other tasks.

To volunteer with FOW, contact Volunteer Coordinator Eric Falk by sending email to: falk@fow.org or call 215-247-0417 x107.

1/6/2014