This award is for an individual that, like previous board member and trail advocate Hulet Hornbeck, exemplifies long-standing vision and wisdom in support of trails.
Reese’s keen sense of purpose and visionary ideas have helped organizations to grow and prosper.
Reese's legacy in the trail community is documented in his personal trail of successes. During his 35 years of successful leadership, he has mentored many of the current trail leaders today.
Reese Lukei, Jr.’s long and productive career with trails began with his interest and dedication to the outdoors and migratory birds in the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge on Chesapeake Bay in Virginia.
Reese has an extensive list of volunteer positions and awards. His leadership talents surfaced in the trail community in 1981 when he became President of the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club. Reese has been a Board Member for the Appalachian Trail Conference and the American Hiking Society, became the American Discovery Trail National Coordinator, is the Co-Founder and Board Member of the American Discovery Trail Society, and served on many trail, bikeway, and birding committees.
Reese’s keen sense of purpose and visionary ideas have helped organizations to grow and prosper. His legacy in the trail community is documented in his personal trail of successes. During his 35 years of successful leadership he has mentored many of the current trail leaders today.
Reese has hiked in all 50 states, every Province and Territory of Canada (except Labrador), 72 countries including the North Pole and Antarctica, the entire Appalachian Trail, and banded more than 10,000 raptors.
Reese is an example of a complete, well rounded person who has a vision, sees an opportunity, then goes out and makes it happen. All while creating lifelong friendships that transcends all else.
Hulet was a key player in organizing the first National Trails Symposium in 1971, and was a founding board member of the National Trails Council, predecessor to American Trails. He actively served on the Board of Directors for American Trails for over 16 years.
The Emerging Leader Scholarship Program was named in honor of Hulet to inspire young adults to choose a career path so they, too, can leave a lasting legacy on the world – as Hulet did. Learn more about Hulet Hornbeck's life and accomplishments.
2023: Janet Phillips
2019: Rory Robinson
2015: Steve Griswold
2015: Mel Huie
2013: Steve Elkinton
2010: Kurt Loheit
2010: Carroll Vogel
2008: Ronald G. Strickland
2008: Leff Moore
2006: Bill Blass
2006: Tom Ross
2004: Deb Schnack
