Volunteer support has been and continues to be crucial to the success of the Greenway. Beginning with the Board of Directors, which sets policy and goals and actively participates in fund raising, volunteers are involved in all aspects of the Greenway's activities.

From coordinating special events to pulling weeds and planting flowers, over 500 volunteers a year help keep the Greenway a very special place for our entire community to enjoy. We appreciate the volunteers with whom we work directly, as well as the many volunteers who quietly and often anonymously work to clean and beautify the Greenway.

Volunteer of the Year 2007 and Volunteer of the 4th Quarter - Lynn Buchanan

We are very fortunate to have an experienced volunteer police offi cer who enjoys riding his bike along the Greenway. Lynn has been a volunteer police offi cer many years and he uses that experience and knowledge to help keep the Greenway path safe and fun for all to use. Lynn actually rode 1288 miles and put in 183 hours on the Greenway in 2007. He wears a full uniform including his sidearm and badge. With the help of Lynn and our two paid bike police cadets we have seen a strong reduction in graffi ti. They also create a safer environment for all Greenway users! These are a few of the reasons we are very proud to recognize Mr. Lynn Buchanan as our Volunteer of the Quarter and Volunteer of the Year.

Thank you Lynn from all the Greenway members and from those who come out to use the Greenway. We appreciate your tireless efforts to help the Greenway stay safe. Bike cadets Jeannett Mora and Miles Imbery logged nearly 1000 hours this summer and were a tremendous help as eyes and ears along the pathway

2007 Fall Volunteer of the Quarter - George E. Rose
Mr. George E. Rose has been driving a courtesy cart for the Yakima Greenway for two years now and is very proud to do so. He greets everyone with a smile and a hello. He truly enjoys getting out on the pathway and meeting people while soaking in the beauty along the path along with the usual sunshine. He enjoys the river and all the wildlife that he gets to see but most of all he likes the feeling of helping others. George said that the Greenway is good for his community so he wants to keep it nice. George also mentioned that both his children and grandchildren use the Greenway. One of the major reasons George has been selected from the many excellent volunteers we have is because he logged the most hours this summer of any cart driver. He totaled 193.5 hours in 5 months this summer. Thank you George we always welcome your positive attitude.

2007 Summer Volunteer of the Quarter - Karen Fecht
When the word Volunteer is used right away you think of selflessness, service to others and someone who is willing to lend a helping hand. Karen absolutely embodies each of these characterizes in a very positive way. With her abilities to connect with and recruit other volunteers it makes her twice as effective. She not only gets in and rolls up her sleeves to tackle a job like chairing the Adult Run Leg of the Gap2Gap race but she also has the ability to encourage others to volunteer and have fun with it. When you see Karen please congratulate her on her willingness to help others and be such a critical part of the success here at the Yakima Greenway.

New volunteers are always welcome! Current opportunities include:

Litter Pickup
Volunteers are needed year-round to pick up litter along the Greenway. This can be done by individuals or groups. Areas to pick up trash include along the path, in natural areas, and around ponds and lakes. The Greenway can supply garbage bags and litter pick-up sticks.

Gardening
Individuals or groups are needed to maintain flowerbeds and plantings in Greenway parks. Level of commitment can range from a one-time weeding party to adoption of a bed (or beds) in a park. The Greenway can supply gardening tools if necessary.

Greenway Courtesy Cart
(May-October, weather permitting) Operation of the courtesy cart (golf cart) on the pathway to provide pathway users with cool refreshments, first aid supplies, and information. Volunteers commit to a three-hour shift once a week after attending a mandatory training. Training sessions are held in April and volunteers sign up for a shift at that time, with priority given to returning drivers. This is a wonderful way to see the pathway and interact with the many users of the path.

Gap2Gap Relay
About 400 people are needed for race course monitors; course setup and take-down; helping racers at the exchanges; setup and take-down of tents, signs, and barricades. The safety and success of these races are dependent on adequate volunteer coverage. We also welcome groups (such as clubs or employee groups) who would like to volunteer.

If any of these volunteer jobs match your interests, time, and skills, contact the Yakima Greenway office.