2018 Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet

by Mary Deschene

In April 2018 I joined the staff of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society to welcome and thank a large number of refuge volunteers at the annual volunteer appreciation luncheon in Fremont.

The San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex Volunteers of the Year were Mary and Gene Bobik, the creators of the refuge's most popular program, Twilight Marsh Walk. Mary and Gene started the program way back in 1996 and are still doing the walk more than two decades later.

Mary and Gene Bobik were recognized as 2018 Volunteers of the Year at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Volunteers who made tremendous contributions to the refuge's biology, visitor services, maintenance, and administrative programs were recognized as well. Ceal Craig was named Friends Group Volunteer of the Year while Drue Freeman and Ibrahim Khatri were named Volunteer Team of the Year.

Laurel Stell and Steve Stolper received a Special Achievement Award for Special Programs.

We thank our many volunteers, young and old, singles and families, who give their most precious gift to us: their time and labor. Thank you all!