Each year, Take Pride in America selects outstanding volunteers from hundreds of qualified nominations representing outstanding individuals, groups and partnerships from across the country.  This year, BLM winners included:

Ely, NV – Darrell and Terri Wade were instrumental in establishing the Nevada Heritage Stewardship Program, watchdog for Nevada 's desert lands. The program consists of over 150 stewards volunteering more than 6,628 hours. Darrell and Terri played major roles in several areas in the program. They led eight basic training workshops for Site Stewards, organized the annual Site Steward Recognition event, chaired the Site Steward Committee, oversaw production and revision of the Site Steward training manual and slide shows, and established the agenda of “Site Steward Administrators Meetings.” Darrell and Terri also worked closely with the Nevada Archaeological Association to establish the Tri-State Archaeology Education (adopt-a-school) Group and develop a teacher’s presentation kit. Earlier in 2005, Darrell and Terri also won the Bureau of Land Management “Making a Difference Award.”

Rock Springs, WY–The 11th and 12th graders in the Rock Springs High School Environmental Science class were responsible for conducting and completing an inquiry-based environmental research study in the Jack Morrow Hills (JMH) of southwest Wyoming. The studies were designed to provide baseline data to be used in the classroom as well as by state and Federal agencies in determining the environmental impact of further development in JMH. Through extensive habitat study and analysis, students collected data to assess possible environmental impacts to JMH, as well as make suggestions and recommendations for the use of the natural resources. When students were not in the field, they studied global environmental issues, read literature on JMH and learned how to write scientific reports.

Bureau of Land Management, Anchorage, AK–Under the direction of Jeff Brune, the Bureau of Land Management's Campbell Creek Science Center is a place for volunteer work and education. During seven distinct events, the science center brought together over 600 volunteers to work more than 4,000 hours. Volunteers worked on a variety of projects including trail maintenance, vegetation thinning for visitor safety, trail rerouting and painting. Because of Jeff’s hard work, the science center also boasts a new interactive computer program called “Get Energized!” designed to teach about energy and the role BLM lands play in meeting energy needs. Jeff has also assisted with the Interpretive Naturalist Certification Program of Alaska, which trains citizens to be better naturalists, interpreters and environmental educators.