The Keystone Trails Association will honor the volunteer trail stewards, club leaders, hikers, and advocates whose dedication and love of the outdoors keeps Pennsylvania’s hiking trails protected, maintained, and thriving at a special celebration on December 6 at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg, Dauphin County.

Each year, KTA’s Trail Care volunteers contribute thousands of hours to building, repairing, and caring for footpaths across the Commonwealth-- and this celebration shines a spotlight on the individuals that make that work possible.

The ceremony also honors those who have served KTA in other important ways, plus hikers of all ages from across the state who have achieved notable hiking feats. 

This year’s KTA Hiking Awards and Volunteer Celebration - presented by Pennsylvania American Water - will be held at the inspiring Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, located at 176 Water Company Road in Millersburg, PA, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The evening brings together hikers, partners, and supporters statewide to recognize the people who elevate Pennsylvania’s trails through stewardship, education, leadership, and a profound love of hiking.

“We are thrilled to bring our annual awards celebration to the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art and appreciative to have Pennsylvania American Water as our title sponsor,” said Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “Hiking brings out the best in people. Hikers invest in exploration, conservation, and service. This event highlights extraordinary accomplishments, and we invite everyone to come and share in the celebration. Our emcee, Dr. Nathan Reigner - PA’s Director of Outdoor Recreation - adds extra poignancy to this special night.”

2025 KTA Service Award Honorees

This year’s honorees are--

-- Leave No Trace Award – Mary Patterson: Mary Patterson is honored for her outstanding commitment to outdoor ethics, co-leading KTA’s first Leave No Trace Level One Training and serving as Pennsylvania’s State Representative of the program and a dedicated Leave No Trace Ambassador.

-- KTA Club of the Year – Susquehannock Trail Club: The Susquehannock Trail Club is recognized for completing its decade-long plan of major trail improvements—including a tenth shelter, new bridges, and extensive maintenance—while sustaining a thriving hiking, stewardship, and community engagement program.

-- KTA Citation Award for Lifetime Achievement – Sharon Southhall: Sharon Southall receives the Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of leadership with the Lebanon Valley Hiking Club and long-standing dedication to KTA, Trail Care, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s hiking community.

-- KTA Certificate of Achievement – Delores “Dee” McGrath: Dee McGrath is celebrated for her exceptional service to the Chester County Trail Club as Vice President, communications lead, hike scheduler, trail steward, and a welcoming, reliable presence on countless outings.

-- Thyra Sperry Volunteer of the Year Award – Tony Barr: Tony Barr is honored for his transformative leadership on the Mid State Trail—elevating the Everett Region, leading major KTA hikes and outreach efforts, and exemplifying dedication as a trail manager, educator, and outdoor enthusiast.

Join The Celebration

Visit the KTA Hiking Awards and Volunteer Celebration webpage for information on how you can join the celebration.  Registration closes December 3.

The Keystone Trails Association offers a robust Trail Care program with volunteer opportunities available on PA trails, serves as the statewide voice of the hiking trail community and trail advocate in PA’s capital, and offers a wealth of hiking opportunities throughout the year that both long-time hikers and the next generation of hikers can enjoy together.

The PA Recreation and Park Society is now accepting registration for its annual Conference and Expo to be held March 24-27 at Spooky Nook Sports in Manheim, Lancaster County.

The theme of the Conference this year is-- Powered By Play.

This is the largest professional development event for parks and recreation professionals in Pennsylvania offering--

-- Educational Opportunities: We offer over 50 educational sessions on a variety of topics to fit your professional career. All educational sessions, Keynotes, and general sessions offer CEUs.

--Better your Community: Fill your toolbox with inspiration and new ideas to help you serve your residents. Stay up-to-date on trends and learn how to continue providing valuable and essential park and recreation services.

-- Networking: Connect with other park and recreation professionals to share challenges, solutions, and ideas. Meeting someone new may lead you to a new colleague or friend who can help you gain knowledge from the best in the field.

-- Expo Hall: Visit our Expo Hall to learn about new products and services from our conference sponsors and commercial members.

-- Scholarships for Professionals and Students: Apply for one of the available scholarships that offer free or reduced conference registration.

Click Here to register and for Conference schedule.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and training opportunities, visit the PA Recreation and Park Society website.  Like them on Facebook,  Follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, and find them on Instagram.  Click Here to support their work.

Related Articles This Week:

-- Keystone Trails Association Honors Outstanding Volunteers, Hikers, Trail Leaders On Dec. 6 Celebration At Ned Smith Center For Nature & Art, Dauphin County  [PaEN]

-- The Derrick: Kara Kauffman Continues Her Husband’s Mission As New Director Of Two Mile Run County Park In Venango County [PDF of Article]

-- Chesapeake Conservancy Honors Former National Park Service Director Robert G. Stanton, Ann Jones, Lysle Sherwin As Champions Of The Chesapeake Bay Watershed  [PaEN]

-- Registration Open!  PA Recreation & Park Society Conference & Expo March 24-27, Manheim, Lancaster County  [PaEN]

-- DCNR Grants News: NW PA Advances Recreation Economy Study; Community Conservation Grants Open Jan. 12; ATV/Snowmobile Grants Open Feb. 2

-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests - Loving The Land: The Liebenguth Family Woodland In Forest County: ‘The Land Is A Sacred Place’  [PaEN]

-- Natural Lands Partners With Landowner, Thornbury Township To Permanently Preserve 14.6 Acre Property In Delaware County  [PaEN]

-- Berks Nature Places Conservation Easement On 19.48 Acre Farm In Historic Butter Valley, Berks County  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension Hosts Feb. 21 Spring Symposium On Transforming Traditional Lawns Into Resilient, Life-Supporting Habitats With Native Plants  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- LancasterOnline: PennDOT Wants To Use Part Of Natural Lands Sadsbury Woods Preserve In Chester County For Improvements To US 30/10 Bypass  [PDF of Article]

-- Beaver Times: North Country Trail Assn. Accepts Land Donation In Wampum Area, Lawrence County

-- AP: Christmas Tree Retailers Find Lots To Like At PA Wholesale Auction

-- Observer-Reporter: National Tunnel On Montour Trail Closed Due To Deteriorating Ceiling

-- Altoona Mirror: Rails To Trails Officials Hopeful Lower Trail’s Dilling Bridge Will Reopen Before Winter

-- Inquirer: Gulph Road Connector Trail Project Planned Near King Of Prussia Mall Gets New Funding

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: Natural Playgrounds Are A Worthy Investment In Children And The Environment

-- Penn State Extension Woods & Wildlife News: Forest Health Observations; 2026 Agroforestry Conference; Forest Layers - The Understory; Online Learning Opportunities

-- PA Capital-Star: Rifle Deer Hunting Season Begins In PA Saturday; With 2 Sunday Hunting Days

-- Morning Call Guest Essay: President’s Administration Putting National Parks In Peril - By John Plonski, National Parks Volunteer, Former Executive Deputy DCNR

-- Post-Gazette/AP: National Parks Adopts ‘Americans First!’ Fee Policy, Increasing Park Fees For International Tourists Visiting Popular Parks

[Posted: November 24, 2025] 

12/1/2025