The Excellence in Volunteerism Awards are the highest award presented to National Park Service volunteers. The contributions of these award recipients embody the spirit of service, engagement, and stewardship present throughout our national parks. Learn more about National Park Service volunteers, including how you can become one.
This award was named the George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service until 2023. The National Park Service is shifting to more descriptive award names that clearly reflect the work awarded. We will continue to recognize the individuals who inspired or influenced these awards.
This award was named the George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service until 2023. The National Park Service is shifting to more descriptive award names that clearly reflect the work awarded. We will continue to recognize the individuals who inspired or influenced these awards.
George Hartzog
George B. Hartzog, Jr. served as the Director of the National Park Service and created the Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program in 1970. In retirement, he and his wife, Helen established a fund to support the program and honor the efforts of exceptional volunteers, groups, and park VIP programs."When a VIP agrees to share his talents, skills and interests with the National Park Service, he is paying us one of the highest compliments possible by offering a most valued possession—his time." -George B. Hartzog, Jr., National Park Service Director (1964–1972)
Excellence in Volunteerism Awards Map
The interactive Excellence in Volunteerism Award recipients map highlights current and previous national recipients of the Excellence in Volunteerism Awards. The map provides a geographic overview of recipient locations and information.Meet the Award Recipients
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- Sites: Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Channel Islands National Park, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, more »
The National Park Service congratulates the regional recipients of the 2023 Excellence in Volunteerism Awards. These nominees embody the values of service, engagement, and stewardship fundamental to our national parks.
- Sites: Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers Directorate, Antietam National Battlefield, Arches National Park, more »
The National Park Service is pleased to congratulate the recipients of the 2022 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service.
- Sites: Gateway National Recreation Area, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park, National Capital Parks-East, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Rocky Mountain National Park
On behalf of the Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers Directorate, we are pleased to congratulate the national recipients of the 2021 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Through their extraordinary work and dedication, these volunteers have made an exceptional contribution to their parks and communities.
- Sites: Cabrillo National Monument, Channel Islands National Park, Fort Frederica National Monument, Fort Stanwix National Monument, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, more »
Each year nearly 300,000 volunteers across the National Park Service (NPS) donate more than 6.5 million hours of service, for a value of more than $185 million. Through their extraordinary work and dedication, these volunteers make an exceptional contribution to their parks and communities. We are pleased to congratulate the national recipients of the 2020 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service.
- Sites: Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers Directorate, Volunteers, Blue Ridge Parkway, more »
Celebrate 50 years of the NPS Volunteer-in-Parks Program, and learn about the contributions of the volunteer recipients of the 2019 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service, for work performed in fiscal year 2019.
George B. Hartzog, Jr. served as National Park Service Director from 1964 to 1972. These awards were created to honor volunteers’ hard work, draw attention to their vast skills and contributions, and to stimulate the development of innovative projects and volunteer involvement. This year we honor the following individuals and groups for their extraordinary efforts in 2018.
- Sites: Antietam National Battlefield, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Meet the recipients of the 2017 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. These award recipients are recognized for their exceptional dedication and service to parks and programs.
- Sites: Everglades National Park, Fire Island National Seashore, Hot Springs National Park, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Olympic National Park, Steamtown National Historic Site
Learn the invaluable contributions of the 2016 Hartzog winners, celebrating excellence in volunteerism.
- Sites: Chamizal National Memorial, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Denali National Park & Preserve, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Manzanar National Historic Site, Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
Six people and programs received the 2015 Harzog Award for their exceptional volunteer service. Check out their amazing contributions!
- Sites: Big Bend National Park, Channel Islands National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, North Country National Scenic Trail
Discover the inspirational stories and amazing dedication of volunteers honored with the 2014 Hartzog Award.
Last updated: May 20, 2024