Volunteer Spotlight: Mark and Jeanne Middleton

The Buckeye Trail Association is incredibly fortunate to have volunteers like Mark and Jeanne Middleton. For 43 years, they have shared a life together, and in recent years, they have also shared countless miles, projects, events, and volunteer hours in support of the Buckeye Trail.

This year, both Mark and Jeanne completed the America250 Volunteer Challenge by each contributing 250 hours to the BTA. Together, they have now given nearly 1,400 volunteer hours to the organization! A remarkable gift of time, energy, creativity, and dedication.

Mark and Jeanne are Trail Adopters in the Defiance Section, where they work together to care for their adopted miles. They also enjoy hiking the Buckeye Trail together, giving them the opportunity to experience firsthand the trail they work so hard to support and maintain. Their commitment to the BTA reaches far beyond their adopted section, however. They have represented the organization at events such as the Ohio State Fair, sharing their enthusiasm for the trail and helping connect new people with the BTA. They also recently competed a proposal for the Leadership Columbus Community Impact Project and are thrilled to see it accepted.

Mark has taken on an important leadership role as a BTA Trustee/Vice President and as the lead of the Development Committee. His willingness to give his time and leadership helps strengthen the organization and support its future. His dedication to service also has deep roots in his time in the U.S. Army, and we are grateful that he continues that spirit of service through his work with the Buckeye Trail Association.

Jeanne has brought her own special talents and creativity to the BTA. She has been deeply involved in designing BTA patches, combining her passion for fiber arts with her love for the trail. Her creativity has helped produce pieces that volunteers and hikers can proudly carry and wear as reminders of their accomplishments and connection to the Buckeye Trail.

What makes Mark and Jeanne’s contribution especially meaningful is the generosity they bring to so many different aspects of the organization. They don’t simply give their time, they bring their skills, enthusiasm, creativity, leadership, and love of the outdoors with them. Their willingness to keep showing up and helping wherever they are needed has made a lasting difference to the BTA.

Mark and Jeanne, thank you for everything you have given to the Buckeye Trail Association. Nearly 1,400 hours is an extraordinary contribution, and we are deeply grateful for every mile maintained, every event supported, every patch designed, every leadership task completed, and every hour spent strengthening our trail community. We are so lucky to have you both as part of the Buckeye Trail family. Congratulations on completing the America250 Volunteer Challenge, and thank you for all that you do!