This award recognizes an individual that has made outstanding contributions and provided consistent support for trail planning, development, or maintenance. It is intended to recognize the efforts of a private or public sector individual working for enhanced trail recreation on either the local, state, or national level.
Dr. Kozoll is the founder of the Nacimiento Foundation in the village of Cuba.
A new program, "Step into Cuba: Step for Health," is a multi-cultural, community-wide intervention to increase physical activity and reduce the prevalence of overweight, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. The three-year project takes advantage of Cuba’s terrain to promote walking and other activities for people at risk. A plan is underway to create community-walking paths and improved exercise venues. Paths will interconnect with a 40 mile wilderness loop trail. In addition to a mentoring process which utilizes of a tiered activity level of achievable goals, walkers will be served with social activities that focus on outdoor activities, a new public garden, and a farmers market.
Dr. Kozoll has been an active volunteer for the Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) since 2005. Two goals are to help develop a community of volunteers who will champion the trail and eventually sponsor a community Youth Corps program to help build the local section of the trail. Dr. Kozoll has pursued training in CDTA’s Crew leadership and Explorer programs, and this has led to his many contributions as a crew leader for volunteer trail construction projects through out Colorado and New Mexico, and to route identification in and around his home town. Finally, due to his passion for the trail, he regularly represents the CDTA in New Mexico public meetings.
