Supporting our mission through volunteerism

Placer Land Trust annually recognizes exceptional individuals in several categories who support the mission of Placer Land Trust and contribute to the quality of life in Placer County:

  • Placer Conservator Award
  • Land Steward of the Year
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • Youth Volunteer Award

Placer Conservator Award

Placer Land Trust awards the “Placer Conservator Award” to individuals or organizations that enrich the quality of life in Placer County through resource conservation. Placer Land Trust members may nominate an individual or organization for the Placer Conservator Award by emailing board@placerlandtrust.org.

Recipients of this prestigious award include:

  • 2023 — Robert Weygandt
  • 2022 — Paul Aronowitz
  • 2021 event cancelled due to pandemic
  • 2020 — Sallysue Stein
  • 2019 — Jim Branham & Bob Kingman
  • 2018 — Daryl & Sue Oest
  • 2017 — Eric & Paula Peach
  • 2016 — Loren Clark
  • 2015 — Mark Fowler
  • 2014 — Auburn State Recreation Area Canyon Keepers
  • 2013 — Boy Scout Troop 121
  • 2012 — Alex Ferreira
  • 2011 — Christine Turner
  • 2010 — Andy & Shana Laursen
  • 2009 — Joe Medeiros
  • 2008 — California Wildlife Foundation
  • 2007 — Janice Forbes
  • 2006 — Joanne Neft
  • 2005 — Fred Yeager

Land Steward of the Year Award

Our staff and Board of Directors select the “Land Steward of the Year” annually to honor volunteers who assist us with the ongoing maintenance, monitoring, protection, and improvement of Placer Land Trust preserved lands. Collectively, we call this “land stewardship.” Past recipients include:

  • 2023 — Bryan Wright
  • 2022 — Dan Eddleman
  • 2021 — Jeff Morton
  • 2019 — Jan Foster & Ray Valone
  • 2018 — Doug Johnson
  • 2017 — Lisa Wilson & Keith Overton
  • 2016 — Burgeson Family
  • 2015 — Rick Caspers-Ross
  • 2014 — Andy Herum
  • 2013 — Americorps NCCC
  • 2012 — Dennis Cavallo
  • 2011 — Deren Ross
  • 2010 — Megan Forester
  • 2009 — Karl Mertz, Jr.
  • 2008 — Karl Mertz, Jr.
  • 2007 — Gary Wells
  • 2006 — Bill & Georgia Flake

Volunteer of the Year Award

Placer Land Trust awards the “Volunteer of the Year” Award annually to an outstanding individual or organization who volunteered services to Placer Land Trust, enabling us to successfully leverage our funds and resources to implement our land conservation mission. Past recipients include:

  • 2023 — Cathy Scott
  • 2022 — Sarah Roeske
  • 2021 — J.P. Tindell
  • 2019 — Gary & Shannon Wells
  • 2018 — Jeri Juergenson
  • 2017 — Julie Thomas
  • 2016 — Cindy Whitson-White
  • 2015 — Collin Hobbs
  • 2014 — Tricia Caspers-Ross
  • 2013 — Susan Kotelnicki
  • 2012 — Sarah Darney
  • 2011 — Anita Yoder
  • 2010 — Janet Voris
  • 2009 — Patty Ruud
  • 2008 — Lea Bartels
  • 2007 — Sandy O’Bleness & Foothill Associates
  • 2006 — Nancyjo Riekse
  • 2005 — Lorri Peltz-Lewis
  • 2004 — Patty Ruud

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

Placer Land Trust occasionally awards the “Youth Volunteer” Award to an outstanding youth who volunteered services to Placer Land Trust, enabling us to successfully leverage our funds and resources to implement our land conservation mission. Past recipients include:

  • 2022 — Mikaela Balaban and the Placer High School Environmental Club
  • 2020-2021 — Michael Collins
  • 2021 Honorable Mentions — Fiona Gillogly & Emilie Brown
  • 2016 — Julianna Meadows-Yaw
  • 2014 — Olivia Brophy