Page 11 - winter 2020

Friends oF red rock canyon 11

By Sharon Schaaf BLM Presentation to Friends
Photos by Roger Hembree

Member Reflections. Longtime member Roger last 20 years as well as the 35 years since we be-
Hembree spoke first about the friendly people came the first Friends Bureau of Land Manage-
he has met as a volunteer with Friends of Red ment (BLM) group. But Chuck emphasized that
Rock Canyon working at the Information Desk, what has remained the same is the enthusiasm
participating in the Photo Contest and as the and passion of the membership as we continue
Events Photographer for Friends. These activi- our mission to protect Red Rock Canyon. He be-
ties have given him the opportunity to share his gan volunteering 1999. He first met BLM’s Jim
photographs of sites in Red Rock Canyon with Cribbs, Kate Sorom and Kathy August, all three
locals and tourists alike. of whom are still working at Red Rock Canyon.

Chelsea Conlin, Friends of Red Rock Can- The next presenter was Catrina Williams,
yon’s face of the future, was our next speaker. BLM’s Field Manager for Red Rock Canyon and Gold Points of Light Recipients
Chelsea enjoys hiking and when she discovered Sloan Canyon National Conservation Areas. On
Red Rock Canyon as a new resident, she was behalf of the BLM, she congratulated Friends
hooked on the area. After she saw the damage for 35 years of service to the Red Rock Can-
done on the trails, Chelsea started volunteer- yon National Conservation Area and presented
ing with Light Trail Maintenance and Canyon Friends with a rock-shaped plaque commemorat-
Cleanup. However, when she met the Torts, ing the event.
Chelsea fell in love and now leads the Tort Habi-
tat volunteers. Like many of the volunteers, she Friends Executive Director Erin McDermott
has learned so much about nature from her work then presented the Presidential Points of Lights
at Red Rock Canyon and it has led to many new Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards to volunteers
friendships. with 100 and more hours and acknowledged
volunteers who have been Friends members for
Chuck Williams was our final speaker and 20 years.
talked about the changes he has seen over the Bronze Points of Light Recipients

(Continued on page 12)

Shari Young & Sofia Castille at the Raffle Table Member Reflections from Chelsea Conlin Silver Points of Light Recipients

Winter 2020