l to r: Bill Plouffe, Horace A. "Hoddy" Hildreth Jr., Mary Evans, Maine Audubon Executive Director Kevin Carley, John Tatko.

2008 Maine Audubon Volunteer of the Year John Tatko

The Maine Audubon Volunteer of the Year award recognizes the exceptional efforts of a volunteer who has substantially assisted Maine Audubon programs, projects, or events. It also is a symbolic thank you to all Maine Audubon volunteers, all of whom are eligible for the award.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 -This year’s Volunteer of the Year John Tatko claims he’s just one member of a dedicated corps of volunteer and staff at Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary who make it possible for thousands of people to experience Maine’s unique North Woods every year.

As John puts it, he’s simply a “cog in the wheel.”

Funny that he uses a hardware term here—this man who has provided so much of it to Borestone Sanctuary over the last five years, along with building materials, tools, and, most importantly, hours upon hours of time and expertise.

“The contributions John has made to Borestone are truly significant,” said sanctuary manager Don Annis.

He has donated thousands of dollars of materials and products from the Sheldon Slate Company he manages, welded eight solar-panel frames, repaired the sanctuary’s tractor at no cost, actively promotes the sanctuary to his customers, and has been there without fail when advice is needed on a project.

“It doesn’t matter if I need a 10-cent screw or a $500 slate sink for the guide’s cabin,” Don said. “John says, ‘Whatever I can do.’”

Cog in the wheel? Chances are John’s either donated, fabricated, or helped fix the cog—and the wheel to boot.

Driving John’s commitment to Borestone is a sincere belief in the sanctuary’s goal of connecting the public with the distinct character of the North Woods.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes up here over the years—recreational access to property isn’t always guaranteed,” John said. “It’s great that we can share this land with everyone and keep it unique. We give our time because we want people to see it and appreciate it.”

John thinks Borestone is so unique he often takes his family there—even though he can see Borestone Mountain from his own home in Willimantic. While only a few miles distant, it is a world away, he says of the place that is sanctuary both for wildlife and those of us looking to connect with the natural world.

Arguing that the volunteer percentage of Piscataquis County’s population can rival just about anywhere, John points to the many others who have seen their special feelings for Borestone drive them to service. Maine Audubon has truly benefited from this great community endeavor and thanks everyone whose combined efforts have been such a success.

So when you walk over the slate steps of the lodge walkway, hear the tractor running, or look across the crystal ponds to Borestone’s summit, think of John and all the others who give their time to make this wonderful experience possible.

Or just thank John himself—there’s a good chance he’s there, pitching in as always.

Maine Audubon is very pleased to make John Tatko our 2008 Volunteer of the Year.

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