MICHIGAN—Since 2011, Bob Kahl and Linda Rehorst have volunteered more than 9,000 hours on the Hiawatha National Forest, supporting operations and maintenance of the Grand Island National Recreation Area program on the Munising Ranger District. Their dedication and hard work earned them the 2022 Eastern Region Volunteer Award for the Enduring Service category.

Hiawatha recreation specialist Brian Hinch nominated the pair for the award. "Bob and Linda’s consistency, hard work and dedication are testaments to the care and love they have for Grand Island," said Hinch. "The staffing and project support they have provided has been invaluable to the success of island operations."

According to Hinch, Kahl and Rehorst are ideal volunteers: self-motivated, dedicated, hardworking and ethical. They have produced incredible results during their time on the forest.

"They understand the work and maintenance that needs to be done to maintain the island’s infrastructure and maximize their hours to ensure the public’s needs are served," said Hinch. He added that each day they volunteer, their daily check-out text message includes a list of items accomplished, questions and ideas they both may have to make the island a better place to visit.

Their time spent with visitors is immeasurable, as Kahl and Rehorst help island visitors plan their stay and teach them forest rules and regulations. They also carry out a variety of maintenance activities, including prepping recreation sites with firewood, painting and installing picnic tables, road and trail maintenance, and more.

The pair commutes 90 miles round trip from their homes in Marquette, Michigan, consistently volunteering two or three days a week—sometimes as much as five days—to support operations on Grand Island.

“I don’t know any two volunteers that deserve this Eastern Region Volunteer Service Award for Enduring Service more than these two reliable volunteers," said Forest Supervisor Mary Moore. "They are a model for the volunteerism that the Forest Service strives to attract and retain in support of the Forest Service mission."