FCPA 2026 Outstanding Volunteer Awards

At its meeting on June 24, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a resolution honoring 21 individuals as 2026 Outstanding Volunteers. These peer-nominated individuals were recognized for their dedication to their community and their invaluable service to the Fairfax County park system: (Three of the awardees are FMN)
* Avril Garland, Accotink Stream Valley Park, IMA Site Leader
* Jerry Nissley, Huntley Meadows Park, Educational Program and Special Event Assistant
* Carol Tretkoff, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Resource Naturalist

FCPA 2026 Outstanding Volunteers – photo FCPA

The announcement continued by saying, “More than 10,770 volunteers contributed to the operation, preservation and conservation of Fairfax County parks in Fiscal Year 2026. They contributed 115,718 hours of volunteer service and their work is valued at over $3.98 million. The Park Authority could not function without the support and commitment of our volunteer force.
“Each year, our volunteers remind us of the extraordinary power of people coming together with purpose. Their commitment to restoring habitats, supporting programs, and caring for our parks creates a community where nature thrives and neighbors feel connected. Their impact reaches far beyond the work they do; it inspires all of us to imagine what’s possible when we serve something larger than ourselves,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole.
The Park Authority’s outstanding volunteers were honored with a special evening of music and celebration at the Volunteer Appreciation Night on Thursday, July 16, as part of the Government Center’s Evenings on the Ellipse Summer Concert Series.”