The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

PASCO-On Aug. 1 Washington State Parks (WSP) announced the recipients of the 2018 Volunteer awards. Sacajawea Historical State Park volunteers walked away with winners in two of the twelve categories awarded to parks across the state.

Ross and Pam Dunfee were named Volunteer Camp Hosts of the Year. They have been hosting at the park since 2007, while helping at the Sacajawea Interpretive Center while on park projects and helping with events such as the Salmon Celebration and Heritage Days event.

"The Dunfees exemplify the very best in camp hosts with positive attitudes, tireless work ethic and a commitment to providing every visitor with an enjoyable, engaging experience," said a WSP media release.

In addition, Lori Cobb, won the Rookie Host of the Year Award.

"Lori Cobb was nominated for this award for her cheerful attitude, unflagging work ethic and flexibility in tackling a multitude of challenging situations. She is known as a team player who does maintenance tasks, warmly welcomes visitors to the park's Interpretive Center and gardens. Cobb's experience as a retired State Parks' office assistant proved invaluable when the park brought on a new interpretive assistant. She meets challenges with positivity, pragmatism and a calm demeanor," according to the award media release.

Award winners were nominated from State Parks staff from more than 9,800 volunteers. Park volunteers assist visitors, clean campsites, maintain trails and grounds, help with interpretive presentations, host at campgrounds or offer expertise on different subjects.

Other 2018 State Parks Volunteer Award winners are:

Award of Excellence – Gary Formhals: Fort Casey Historical State Park

Eastern Washington Group of the Year – Olmstead-Smith Historical Gardeners: Olmstead Place Historical State Park

Western Washington Group of the Year – Friends of Fort Townsend State Park: Fort Townsend Historical State Park

Outstanding Contribution by a Group – Orcas Island Odd Fellows: Moran State Park

Volunteer of the Year – Wayne Clark: Fort Casey Historical State Park

Outstanding Contribution by Camp Hosts – Blaine and Becky Housden: Lake Chelan State Park

Rookie Host of the Year – Troye Jarmuth: Fort Flagler Historical State Park

Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer – Mark Keene: Cama Beach Historical State Park

Good Samaritan Award – Mike and Marcia Barrett: Blake Island Marine State Park

Lifetime Achievement Award – Herb and Jean Klein: Fort Worden Historical State Park

State Parks is always looking for qualified, dedicated volunteers for a number of positions. For more information, visit https://parks.state.wa.us/262/Volunteer-Program or contact the Volunteer Program at Parks.Volunteer@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8583.

Sacajawea Historical State Park

PASCO-Just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road, Sacajawea Historical State Park is worth the short drive and an easy stop to make on the way to the Tri-Cities. The 267-acre day-use park is located off Highway 12 just across the Vaughn Hubbard bridge, at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers.

Dena Martin

One of the kitchen shelters, available by reservation.

Records show that the Corps of Discovery arrived at the site on Oct. 16, 1805 and spent two days camping with the local Native American community where Sacagawea served as an interpreter and emissary of peace.

The park includes the Sacajawea Interpretive Center with exhibits on the Corps of Discovery, Sacagawea and the Sahaptian-speaking tribes of the area. The interpretive center is open from April 1 – Oct. 31.

The riverside park includes hiking trails (one ADA accessible), a boat dock and two launches, 130 picnic tables and two kitchen shelters (by reservation), horseshoe pits, and a volleyball field. In addition to the interpretive center, the park has self-guided interpretive displays and representations of Native American dwellings. Call (509) 337-6457 for dates and times of guided tours.

A Discover Pass is required for entry, though Sun., Aug. 25, Sat., Sept. 28 and Mon., Nov. 11 are State Parks Discover Pass Free Days.