This past month, long-time Land Trust volunteer Ivan Parker and his wife Mary Lou moved away from the county. They are missed already.

I first met Ivan while staffing an information table on a cold night during Victorian Christmas.

Ivan was intrigued by the possibilities of the Land Trust and I was intrigued by the quality of the questions he asked and his understanding of the important land issues in our county. In short order, he volunteered to be our first project manager for the Narrow Gauge Trail project.

With Bill Nickerl, he also organized the wonderful and award-winning Engine #5 "float" for the 1997 Fourth of July Parade.

Unbounded energy, a ready smile and great sense of humor are his trademarks. The lifeblood of NCLT has always been our volunteers. Thank you, Ivan, for all you have done for our Land Trust.