FSPW honors pair as 'Old Goats' for 2019
Both Larry Siegrist and Robin Chisholm know how to go above and beyond the call of duty.
The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness volunteers have distinguished themselves over the years. They share a similar commitment to wilderness issues even as they tackle very different tasks. And that’s why they have both been recognized as FSPW 2019 Old Goats of the Year. The awards were distributed Friday at the Scotchmans Summer Solstice Party.
This is the first year the Friends have named two Old Goats at once. But summer and wintertime volunteer efforts bring their own responsibilities and challenges. The FSPW team decided to split the award into seasonal categories in recognition of that fact.
Siegrist’s summertime work focused on maintaining the Scotchman Peaks trails. Good trails are what link us to the natural wonder of wilderness.
And it’s people like Siegrist who make sure those trails stay in working condition. His commitment to the job is remarkable. Just days after he received his Old Goat award, a hole opened up in the Scotchman Peaks trail ambassador schedule, and Siegrist stepped up to fill the void. After all, it takes an Old Goat to keep the peace with real goats.
Trail ambassadors hike Scotchman Peak in summer and fall, reminding visitors to keep distance from wild mountain goats. It’s an important part of keeping the Scotch-mans safe and wild for everyone, goats included.
Sieg-rist, some of his fondest memories are of outdoor adventures. That’s why he’s so committed to saving our wild backyard. He works in the Scotchmans because he wants its clean air and clean water saved for our children and grandchildren.
“I grew up in the country in a rural area, and I’ve lived in the wilderness for a number of years,” Siegrist said. “I have an appreciation for the wilderness. It’s where I’m happiest.”
Chisholm’s commitment to the wild Scotchmans burns just as bright. The winter Old Goat of the year, Chisholm developed an orienteering module for Winter Tracks. This student-centered program gets kids out into nature, exploring and learning with a map and compass in hand. Thanks to Chisholm, they have a tried-and-true method to connect with the wilderness spirit. She even loans the program materials to the Friends for general use. And when she can’t teach Winter Tracks herself, she trains other volunteers to do it.
It’s volunteers like Chisholm and Siegrist that keep the dream of the wild Scotchmans alive. To learn how you can too, go online to scotchmanpeaks.org.