Mountains to Sound Greenway Awards

Each year at our Annual Dinner, we celebrate individuals and organizations who have made a great impact within the Mountains to Sound Greenway and embody our values. You can read more about the awards and recipients below, and click here to view the achievements celebrated in our 2023 Parade of Accomplishments (plus a few bonus items!).

Greenway Hall of Fame

The Greenway Hall of Fame honors those whose contributions have left a permanent and positive legacy on the Mountains to Sound Greenway, and who inspire all of us to do our own part to care for this amazing place.

2024 Recipient: Mary Norton

In recognition of more than three decades of commitment to the conservation and stewardship of parks and natural lands in the Snoqualmie Valley; with appreciation for being the steadfast champion of Meadowbrook Farm and its past, present, and future; with thanks for a landmark interpretive center, protected elk habitat and meadows, and trails and bridges protecting wetlands for all to enjoy. We are grateful for her partnership, her collaborative spirit, and her legacy of achievement that will continue to inspire future generations of stewards.  

Jim Ellis Spirit Awards

The Jim Ellis Spirit Award honors the example that he set from the very beginning of the Greenway, recognizing individuals who embody the Greenway values of collaboration, inclusion, trustworthiness, positivity, and pragmatism.  These values guided Jim’s life of service and they infuse every aspect of our work. 

2024 Recipients:

Jaime Martin

In recognition of her unwavering commitment to the lands and waters of the Snoqualmie people’s ancestral territory, to sharing Tribal heritage with candor and kindness, and to promoting stewardship values through initiatives like the Ancestral Lands Movement; for her positivity and willingness to find opportunities in challenging situations; and for her leadership in building partnerships that yield positive and lasting impacts on the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area. 

Gary Brown

In recognition of his hard work and dedication in taking care of parks throughout King County for more than 35 years, ensuring healthy and beautiful park lands for people to enjoy; for his collaborative approach and long-term commitment to place and community;  for his long-term commitment to signature projects such as Tanner Landing, the Jim Ellis Memorial Preston Mill Park, and so many more; and for his kindness and caring for staff, crews, and volunteers, thereby inspiring park stewards for future generations. 

Lisa Ciecko

In recognition of her stewardship of parks and natural areas through the Green Seattle Partnership, ensuring healthy lands for all; for her creative approach to collaboration; for her steadfast behind-the-scenes work to keep progress moving; for her commitment to making public land stewardship more equitable; for her passion for restoration and community engagement, and for her enthusiasm, generosity, and thoughtful support of staff, partners, community organizations, and volunteers. 

Peter Dykstra

In recognition of his decades-long commitment to the public lands, waters, and natural resources of the Greenway and beyond; for his past service as Pacific Northwest Regional Director of the Wilderness Society, Washington State Director of The Trust for Public Land, and Managing Director of the Washington Water Trust; for his pivotal strategic and motivational work with the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan; and in appreciation of his career-long commitment to convening nontraditional allies to solve the most pressing ecological concerns of our time. 

Past Recipients: Jim Ellis Spirit Awards

2017 
Aleta Eng, Dave Peterson

2018 
Craig Mabie, Matt Mechler, Kelly Heintz

2019 
Nikki Fields, Scott Nicolai, Sasha Shaw, Brian White

2020 
Paul Schmitt, Andrea Imler, Taldi Harrison

2021
Cristy Lake, Katherine Hollis, Patricia Garvey-Darda 

2022
Gabbi Gonzales, Deb Davis, Alex Weinberg

2023
Laura Cooper, David Dunphy, Helen Lau

Certificates of Merit

1995
Joanna Buehler, Craig Lee, Gary Locke, Cleve Pinnix, Terry Wallgren

1996
Mark Boyar, Michele Brown, Aubrey Davis, Pete Machno, Lee Springgate

1997
Paul Carkeek, Wade and Tania Holden, Jack Hornung, Maryanne Tagney Jones, Larry Phillips, Arlene Wade

1998
Bill Dues, Ruth Ittner, Morris Jenkins, Cascade Land Conservancy, Doug McClelland, Osberg Family, Ron Sims

2000
EarthCorps, Jim Lyons, Faith Roland, Mark Sollitto, Washington Trails Association, Everett White, Youth Volunteer Corps

2001
Jeanne Ehrlichman Bluechel, Bonnie Bunning, Jerry Henry, Tara Houck, John Karlson, Peggy Leonard,Margaret Macleod, Mary Norton, Paul Schell

2002
Sally Luttrell-Montes, David MacDuff and Talus, Harry Morgan, Charlie Raines, Staff of Lake Sammamish State Park, Ira Spring/Spring Family Trust for Trails, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition

2003
Paul Cooke, Joan Simpson

2004
Dave Battey, Fuzzy Fletcher, Leon Kos, Faris Taylor

2005
Rich Grillo, Louis Musso, Janet Wall

2007
Sue McLain, Dennis Neuzil, Joan Thomas

2008
Peter Spiro, Doug Sutherland

2013
Carter Subaru, Ava Frisinger