Leschi resident Rich Appleton was recognized with Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Award during the 2014 Denny Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Stewardship.
Appleton has been volunteering with Seattle Parks and Recreation since 1995. He has been the main volunteer at Nora’s Woods (720 29th Ave.) in Leschi since the park’s inception 18 years ago and has continued monthly and annual work parties there ever since.
He has also been an active volunteer and leader at the nearby Leschi Natural Area (36th Avenue and East Terrace Street) since 2000.
Appleton and the other Denny Award winners were recognized at an awards ceremony on Dec. 9 at the Woodland Park Zoo.
The Denny Awards are named after David T. and Louisa Denny, who donated land for the first Seattle park in 1884 (Denny Park), where Seattle Parks and Recreation’s headquarters is located.
Each year, more than 40,000 volunteers donate more than 350,000 hours to Seattle Parks and Recreation. Their service is valued at between $8 million and $10 million annually.