James P. Beckwourth Mountain Club
| Trailblazing Through History |
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James P. Beckwourth Mountain Club (JPBMC) member Winston Walker was selected
as an REI Steward for the Environment in the fall of 2005. He is one of
six national recipients recognized as a 2005 “environmental hero.”
Winners were evaluated on the overall impact of their efforts, investment
of personal time and success in engaging others in environmental causes.
Walker was one of the original founders of the JPBMC and has continuously
furthered its mission for 12 years. Through his enthusiastic, amiable
and nurturing leadership, over 2,000 people-of-color have been introduced
to the beauty and challenge of the outdoors. He encourages inexperienced
hikers and seeks adventure for experienced hikers.
Walker has set the bar in volunteering, completing environmental stewardship projects and leading outdoor activities. Through 2005 Walker:
- led 190 trips (176 day trips and 14 multi-night trips) to local, state and national parks, open spaces, wilderness areas and national forests, including trips to the San Juan Islands in Washington and Acadia National Park in Maine;
- volunteered over 2,270 hours as a JPBMC trip leader;
- served as Activities Committee Chair for 12 years;
- served as a board member for six years (1993-1999);
- volunteered over 624 additional days by serving as Activities Committee Chair;
- assisted with fundraising events;
- served as an adult mentor for JPBMC's Outdoor Education Center; and
- guided 30 JPBMC members through Hike Leader Training Program.
Walker has loved the outdoors since his childhood in Washington D.C. His parents regularly took him and his three siblings on weekend camping trips to Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains in the 1950s. His family also went on yearly camping trips to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and other areas in Canada. Walker became an avid hiker after moving to Colorado in 1989.
As an REI Steward for the Environment, Walker received a commemorative award and a $500 REI gift card. REI also donated $20,000 to JPBMC.
Winston Walker
