Each year BYLT volunteers contribute over 2,000 hours to building trails, restoring wildlife habitat, collecting data in the field, tending pollinator gardens, vegetation management, leading treks, and providing administrative assistance, among other areas. Our volunteers make our work possible. We would not be able to conserve and restore more lands or build and maintain the trails without their commitment to our mission.
Our Volunteer of the Year award recognizes those outstanding volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service to BYLT and has made a significant difference in their community and mirrors the commitment to success in the BYLT mission statement.
2022 Cathy Scott
Cathy Scott is a longtime volunteer who continues to dedicate her time towards helping BYLT in whatever way she can. Whether it is helping at events, swinging a Pulaski on the trails, pulling invasive species, cleaning up Highway 49, and leading hikes or runs along BYLT trails, Cathy is always eager to jump in and make things happen. She is known for her chainsaw skills and enthusiasm!
A life-long love of the outdoors drew Cathy Scott’s family to Nevada County in the 1980’s. They share their small acreage with two horses: An Arabian named Mandy and a BLM Mustang named Angel. Exploring what’s around the next bend, whether on horseback, foot, bicycle, or boat is what motivates her to get out on local trails and waterways. Cathy believes that organizations like BYLT provide vision, expertise, and structure. She finds that the guidance makes her volunteer efforts educational, fun, and purposeful, benefiting not only herself, but the community as well.