Midcoast Conservancy will be honoring four of its wonderful volunteers at this year’s annual meeting Thursday, Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Wavus Camp. Drinks, appetizers and good cheer will accompany the evening’s program to thank Jeff Burmeister, Charlie Witherell, Priscilla Watson and Hazel Abello

Jeff Burmeister will be honored for his contributions to Midcoast Conservancy’s Outdoor Adventure programs at Hidden Valley Nature Center. An avid trail runner and mountain biker, he is a tireless steward of the HVNC trails and offers his time to trail events like Midcoast Conservancy’s fall Race Through the Woods and Winter Biathlon. While helping to lead the Outdoor Adventure summer series, Series, Jeff shared his enthusiasm for mountain biking while connecting local families to HVNC, some there for the first time.

Charlie Witherell is receiving the Land Award for his decades-long work building and maintaining trails in the Medomak Valley area. It has been said of him that “he cares for our preserves as if they were their own”. He is a great source of knowledge of the history of the trails in the Midcoast area.

Pris Watson fell in love with Damariscotta Lake when she arrived at Wavus Camp at night and heard her first loon call. Hooked on the magic of such a beautiful place, she and her husband Bill eventually bought a place on the lake and Pris became a dedicated volunteer, helping keep the lake healthy. She has trained lake monitors, was a leader in the fight against invasive aquatic plants and is always the first to find new ways to educate other lakefront landowners about what they can do to protect the lake.

Our Youth Award goes to Hazel Abello. During January and February of 2019, Hazel volunteered as a coach for Midcoast Conservancy's youth cross- country ski clinic at Hidden Valley Nature Center after years of participating herself.  Each Saturday morning for six weeks, Hazel worked with the youngest group of skiers, five and six year olds, which was no easy feat! She sets a remarkable example to all of the other kids in the program.

Midcoast Conservancy is grateful to all of its volunteers; singling out any is always a challenge but this year it is a pleasure to say a special thank you to Jeff, Charlie, Pris and Hazel!