It is quite a phenomenon to be the first of anything and to be recognized for it. It is especially noteworthy when you have a passion for the land, and are willing to work and care for it as a volunteer. That’s what Gloria Owen did as the first official volunteer in the U.S. Forest Service’s history. Owen was recently honored for providing her time and talent in the Northern Region working as a volunteer camp cook, camp tender and crew member on the “Mary Mary” trail on the Moose Creek Ranger District, Nez Perce National Forest in Idaho. She was presented with an embroidered Pendleton blanket and certificate recognizing her role and service by Regional Forester Leslie Weldon.
