Volunteers bring AMC’s mission to life from Maine to Virginia, often serving as the first point of contact for our outdoor experiences, learning opportunities, and conservation activities. They maintain trails, organize and lead trips, give naturalist programs, chair committees, manage facilities, maintain websites, edit newsletters, budget funds, train leaders, plan events, sit on the Board, and the list goes on!
Every year AMC recognizes volunteers not only for their invaluable contributions, but also for how they inspire others to step up and share their talents and time to get people outdoors and support conservation action.
The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor AMC bestows upon volunteers. Established in 1976 on our 100thanniversary, this award recognizes AMC volunteers who have contributed outstanding efforts for a sustained period of time, with a special acknowledgement that the recipients have developed a complete understanding of the values and goals of the entire organization.
The Volunteer Leadership Award is given in recognition of AMC’s outstanding volunteer leaders who demonstrate the desire to share their time and expertise in pursuit of the mission.
The Joe Dodge Award recognizes members of the AMC community, either staff or volunteers, who exemplify the type of high-quality public service and mountain hospitality that became the hallmark of longtime AMC Huts Manager Joe Dodge.
Our Stewardship Society Awards recognize volunteers who offer significant time in support of stewardship and educational activities. These volunteers often adopt trails, serve as Alpine Stewards, and more.
- The Marian Pychowska Award is named after a volunteer who stood out for her diverse activities. In the 1880’s Pychowska helped build trails, created a trail map of the Northern Presidential Range, discovered the Pinnacle in Huntington Ravine, and may have been the first AMC-affiliated person to look at the impact of recreation. When a shelter was proposed near treeline she wrote, “we all fear if the public are invited to it the surroundings will become [littered].” Recipients of the Pychowska Award have recorded over 96 hours of volunteer time.
- The Warren Hart Award bears the name of a volunteer who was AMC Councillor of Improvements (Trails) from 1908-1910. Hart was a stellar example of the spirit of trail volunteerism. He spent 28 days in 1908 creating trails in the Great Gulf Wilderness and inspired other members to join in the effort by his personal example. By 1910, Hart lead “working sections” of 40 people in summer trail building expeditions. This award goes to volunteers who record over 224 hours.
If you are looking to submit your stewardship society award hours please submit them here by December 1st.
The AMC 150th Anniversary Award, created to honor the Appalachian Mountain Club’s 150th Anniversary, is a one-time award that celebrates the volunteers whose imagination, dedication, and leadership have significantly contributed to AMC’s first 150 years with transformative efforts that continue to guide and inspire the next 150 years of adventure, stewardship, and community.
Like the founders who first blazed new trails in 1876, these honorees embody the leadership spirit that continues to shape AMC through building community, inspiring others, and driving bold and innovative approaches to outdoor recreation, education, and conservation.
Nominees may include both current and past volunteers who have made unique, outstanding, and influential contributions to AMC, whether through the success of the 150th Anniversary outdoor relay celebrations or through other impactful efforts across the organization’s history. They are change-makers and legacy-leavers who have strengthened AMC’s community and volunteer culture; expanded opportunities for people to enjoy, learn about, and protect the outdoors; and/or created lasting impact through innovation, collaboration, or leadership in any area of AMC’s work.
If you know someone who embodies the spirit of stewardship, leadership, and community, we invite you to nominate them by December 1st, 2025.