On May 6, 2000 at the National Ski Areas Association annual convention in Orlando Florida, Mad River Glen was recognized as for environmental excellence as a result of the Cooperative’s unique Naturalist Programs. Mad River was honored for their achievements with the Golden Eagle Award for Excellence in Environmental Education. This award distinguishes Mad River Glen’s educational programs as the best in the nation, competing with ski areas from across the country.
Mad River Glen General Manager, Bob Ackland was on hand to receive the award and a plaque. This ceremony was the 8th annual Golden Eagle Awards, established to recognize the environmental achievements of ski areas. National and local reporters were on hand to provide coverage of this prestigious award. A press release from The Skiing Company, publishers of SKI, SKIING, and FREEZE magazines states "The Mad River Glen Cooperative instituted Naturalist Programs to educate and raise the awareness of the public about the conservation of the area’s mountain environment. The programs have grown from weekend snowshoeing programs to slide shows to ecology and wildlife workshops…."
Mad River Glen is honored to receive this award! We have received letters of congratulation from Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords and Vermont Congressman Bernie Sanders. The Golden Eagle Award Plaque and framed letters from our elected representatives will be on display for the coming year at the entrance to Mad River’s basebox.
Naturalist Program Director Sean Lawson states "I would especially like to acknowledge the contributions of everyone involved in making this program a great success. Carol Thompson, who worked with the program over the last two years has helped us make tremendous progress and improvements in that time. Our seasonal staff and interns, including Melissa Lord, Sonya Lee, Siri Doble and Craig Augustinski, have all done an excellent job at carrying out the highest quality of educational programming. The staff at Mad River Glen, our supporters among shareholders, local businesses, and friends have all contributed in many ways to our success. THANKS!"