Caroline Haynes Named 2023 Bill Thomas Award Winner
Published on October 22, 2024
Arlington, VA — Caroline Haynes has been named winner of the prestigious 2023 Bill Thomas Park Volunteer Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to local parks and natural resources in Arlington and surrounding communities. Since 2008, Haynes has been a driving force behind the Arlington Regional Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists (ARMN), serving as president for six years and guiding the organization through its formative stages.
"Caroline has a remarkable ability to inspire others through her deep knowledge, understanding, and passion for our environment,” shared Arlington County Board Chair, Libby Garvey. “We are proud of the example she sets through her years of service, advocacy, and dedication to educating others throughout Arlington."
Under Haynes’ leadership, ARMN has seen significant growth, with her efforts focused on recruiting new members, redesigning the Basic Training Class, and identifying opportunities to meet the community’s natural resource needs. Her dedication is further exemplified by her impressive accumulation of over 6,100 volunteer hours, earning her the distinction of a Golden Circle volunteer from the Virginia Master Naturalist Program Office.
Caroline's volunteer efforts span a wide array of projects, including invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and support for local organizations such as the Earth Sangha native plant nursery and Long Branch Nature Center. A key achievement includes her role in helping to develop the “Native Plants for Northern Virginia” guide as part of the Plant NOVA Natives campaign, which significantly promotes the use of native plants in the region’s urban and suburban landscapes.
Beyond her contributions to ARMN, Haynes has been instrumental in shaping Arlington County’s natural resource programs and policies. She has actively participated in citizen advisory groups and County planning efforts, serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) for nine years, including four years as Chair. In these roles, she has championed the preservation of parks and open spaces while advocating for biophilic design principles, influencing both private and public space planning processes.
About the Bill Thomas Award
The Bill Thomas Outstanding Park Service Volunteer Award was established to pay tribute to lifelong parks volunteer Bill Thomas, and to honor and encourage those residents who demonstrate a passionate dedication and support for our dynamic programs, natural resources and public open spaces. Visit the County website for more information about the award.