8:48 a.m. February 24, 2013
Robin Goddard receives National Volunteer Award from Park Service

Jonathan B. Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service presents the George B. Hartzog, Jr. Award for Enduring Service to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Volunteer Robin Goddard.

GATLINBURG, TN -- Longtime park volunteer, Robin Goddard, has been honored with the National George B. Hartzog, Jr. Award for Enduring Volunteer Service for her outstanding service to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The award was presented by National Park Service (NPS) Director, Jonathan B. Jarvis, in a special ceremony held in Washington, DC on Thursday, January 21.

Since 1969, Goddard has contributed over 12,000 volunteer hours to the Park. During her time she has developed material for curriculum-based programs, taught countless outdoor classes, assisted scientists with collecting data, developed first person historical programs, and served as a formal Great Smoky Mountains Ambassador through outreach programs in the community. She conducts a highly attended weekly program at Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse, through rain or shine, from April through October. Her dedication to the park continually engages and educates the public, young and old alike, while creating future park advocates.

"Great Smoky Mountains has been so fortunate to have had Robin as a dedicated volunteer for over 43 years," said Superintendent, Dale Ditmanson. "Her passion and knowledge of the park is apparent to anyone who has had the opportunity to attend one of her programs at the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse."

The national George B. Hartzog, Jr. Awards are given annually to a select few NPS volunteers across the country. The awards are named for former NPS Director, George B. Hartzog who started the extremely successful Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) Program in 1970. The awards recognize both individuals and groups who provide outstanding contributions to the NPS park units through volunteerism.

Goddard lives in Maryville, TN with her husband, Jim Goddard, who is also a longtime volunteer at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Published February 24, 2013