L.L.Bean Outdoor Heroes^® Award

Douglas Dear

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, LaPlata, MD

An advocate for the healing effects of fly fishing on wounded soldiers

While stopping by his local fly fishing shop in 2007, Douglas Dear heard about Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF)... Read More

Sylvie Fadrhonc

Telluride Adaptive Sports Program, Telluride, CO

A life-changing injury turns an outdoor guide into an advocate for bringing the disabled outdoors

There's more than one way to climb a mountain or ski down a slope. Just ask Sylvie Fadrhonc... Read More

Elizabeth MacGregor Bates

Wonalancet Out Door Club, Sandwich, NH

Retirement was just the beginning for this dedicated "Over the Hill" hiker and conservationist

There are many theories on how to lead a long, productive life, but Elizabeth MacGregor Bates, age 92, has found her formula: hiking and making... Read More

Katie Zanto

Adventure Risk Challenge, Truckee, CA

An innovative educator who blends the outdoors with literacy training

Fueled by a great dedication to the environment and education, Katie Zanto founded Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC), an innovative program that... Read More

Carol and Bob Leone

Teens to Trails, Edgecomb, ME

The memory of their daughter inspires a couple to connect teens to the outdoors

In July 2005, Carol and Bob Leone's lives changed dramatically when their 15-year-old daughter Sara died in a car accident. While coping with their... Read More

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Learn how you can support these organizations by visiting each winner's page.

Tom Gettings

Wildlands Conservancy, Emmaus, PA

Created school-age recreation programs and miles of trail systems to improve access to local green spaces

For over 25 years, Tom Gettings has been actively involved with the Wildlands Conservancy as a photographer, conservationist...Read More

Eliyahu Friedman

Torah Academy of Bergen County Outdoor Club, Teaneck, NJ

Founded his high school outdoor club, inspiring his peers to get outside

Eliyahu Friedman is not the type of teenager who loves the limelight. Known as an incredibly shy student in his high school, his love of...Read More

Roberto Lopez Moreno

Alpino Mountain Sports Foundation, Denver, CO

Creates accessible ways for minorities to explore the outdoors in their community

In the heart of Denver, Colorado, are some of the country's most beautiful mountains, vistas and national parks. Roberto Lopez Moreno... Read More

Sue Beaudet

Girl Scouts of Maine, Bangor, ME

A devoted Girl Scouts volunteer and teacher for over 50 years

Sue Beaudet became a Brownie in 1958 with one goal in mind: to explore the outdoors. Her family was not outdoorsy, but she took the initiative to join her local troop... Read More

Dave Getchell, Sr.

Maine Island Trail Association, Portland, ME

Land conservationist and founder of the first public water trails in the United States

Dave Getchell's leadership as a conservationist has resulted in the founding of three organizations... Read More

Join Us

Learn how you can support these organizations by visiting each finalist's page.