10/05/2026
💚 Today was all about celebrating the people who make so much of Wild Alabama’s work possible—our incredible volunteers!
Today, we gathered for our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, celebrating volunteers who come from across Alabama and beyond to give their time, energy, and talents to steward the Bankhead and Talladega National Forests and other public lands across Alabama.
One of the highlights of the day was presenting our prestigious Premier Volunteer Award to this year’s very deserving recipient, Daron Isbell! 🏆
Daron has volunteered with Wild Alabama for several years, and there’s no telling where you might find him. He may be serving as a Volunteer Wilderness Ranger, working on a trail, clearing a downed tree with a crosscut saw—or even hiking into the forest carrying donuts for a trail crew! 🍩🌲 Daron consistently goes above and beyond in his service to Wild Alabama and in his dedication to caring for our public lands. We are incredibly grateful for all he does!
A special thank-you also goes to Stephen Hagler, who handcrafted and wood-burned this year’s coveted Premier Volunteer Walking Stick. He did an amazing job creating a one-of-a-kind piece to honor Daron’s service!
And, of course, thank you to everyone who joined us today and contributed to what can only be described as THE FEAST! 😋 We missed those who weren’t able to be there, but please know that you were celebrated, too.
To all of our Wild Alabama volunteers: thank you. Whether you maintain trails, patrol Wilderness, pick up trash, educate visitors, support events, monitor our forests and waterways, or lend a hand wherever it is needed, your work matters.
We appreciate each and every one of you and everything you do to help people Enjoy, Value, and Protect Alabama’s wild places. 🌲💚
