Jeanne Patterson of Frisco, Texas was recently selected to receive the REI Stewardship Award, which is given to six recipients nationally. The Stewards of the Environment Award provides recognition to local environmental heroes across the country who have made an impact and inspired others.

In recognition of Jeanne’s contributions, REI presented Texas Bicycle Coalition with a $20,000 grant during a brief award ceremony, followed by a fun, social 10-mile bike ride, at the Plano REI on Saturday, December 10.

Patterson is a long-time volunteer with Texas Bicycle Coalition, having served on the Board of Directors and as Board Chair. She was specifically honored for her work planning programs such as the BikeTexas Trail Doctors. She also helped develop PayDirt, encouraging mountain bike racers to volunteer on trail maintenance projects; the Women’s Mountain Biking Clinic and Retreat; and Kids Kup, which teaches riding skills, rules, safety and stewardship to more than 500 children annually.

Across the country, volunteers participate in projects that help protect natural landscapes, lead youth groups and teach safe and responsible enjoyment of outdoor recreation. In recognition of these thousands of volunteers, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and apparel, announced six winners of the REI Stewards for the Environment Award.

REI retail store employees nominated local non-profit organizations for their exceptional work in the area of environmental stewardship and promoting outdoor recreation. The organizations in turn were each asked to nominate one volunteer. Nominees were evaluated on the overall impact of their efforts, personal time investment, creative approach and success in engaging others in the cause.

Each award recipient received a commemorative award and a $500 REI gift card. REI also donated a total of $120,000 in environmental stewardship project grants – $20,000 to each of the organizations with which the recipients volunteer.

Texas Bicycle Coalition thanks REI for its community involvement and the generous donation of $20,000. The Coalition also congratulates Jeanne Patterson on a well-deserved award.