L.L.Bean: Outdoor Heroes

Introducing the Winners of Our First Annual Outdoor Heroes Awards

The L.L.Bean Outdoor Heroes® program was developed to thank those who have dedicated their time to preserving the outdoors. These are people who may not make the front page news, but who change the world around us for the better.

We are pleased to introduce you to the recipients of the 2008 Outdoor Heroes award. The winners have each been awarded a $5,000 grant towards their organization—over and above any other L.L.Bean sponsorships—to support continued preservation, conservation, and educational efforts.

Fall 2008 Winners

Thomas Kerr - WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY

A long history of education, advocacy and conservation
For almost 20 years, Thomas Kerr led the Wildlands Conservancy, a conservation organization based in eastern Pennsylvania. During this tenure, Thomas inspired countless children and adults through his "teaching by doing" philosophy.

Liz Putnam - SCA

Founder of the Student Conservation Association
As a college student over 50 years ago, Liz Putnam read an article calling attention to the numerous threats facing our national parks. Moved to action, she proposed as her senior thesis the creation of a volunteer student conservation corps.

Buzz Caverly - THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LANDS

Gave his time to help add 4,000 acres of land to Baxter State Park
In 2005 after an impressive 46 years of service to Maine's Baxter State Park, Buzz Caverly decided to continue his service to Percival Baxter's vision. An opportunity arose to add 4,000 acres of pristine land around Katahdin Lake to the park, and Buzz jumped at the chance to help make it happen.

Spring 2008 Winners

Dave Field - MAINE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB

52 Years of Conservation and Trail Maintenance
Anyone who has ever done trail maintenance knows that it is grueling yet rewarding work. The historic Appalachian Trail is fortunate to have some of the country’s most dedicated volunteers maintaining the trails, but the Maine Appalachian Trail Club’s Dave Field stands out in this distinguished crowd.

Kay Henry - NORTHERN FOREST CANOE TRAIL

The Driving Force Behind a Recreational Treasure
In the late 1990s, Kay Henry had an idea. An avid paddler with a healthy dose of drive, Kay dreamed of creating an easily accessible “water trail” throughout the Northeast. To do so, she began fundraising efforts—first through corporate support from the Outdoor industry, then through four years of Federal funding to build the trail. In time, she raised over $1 million to turn her dream into a reality.

Greg Ponte - MAINE TROUT UNLIMITED TROUT CAMP

A Long History of Education, Advocacy and Conservation
Having taken the Maine Trout Unlimited Trout Camp from a far-fetched idea to reality in a remarkably short time, Greg Ponte now serves tirelessly as its executive director. Greg’s camp has helped over 60 teenagers learn about themselves, the sport of fly fishing and the conservation issues facing the next generation of anglers.