Volunteer of the Year: Lee Vue

In November, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and Mississippi Park Connection honored Lee Vue with the Volunteer of the Year award. Lee worked for Mississippi Park Connection as the Communications Coordinator from 2016-2018. Read on to learn how she has since maintained close connections with staff and programs by volunteering her skills in the park!

Lee (second from right) helped lead a Kayaking While BIPOC event from North Mississippi Regional Park to Boom Island with Quentin Ikuta (bottom left), coordinated by Tamara Few (not pictured). The group utilized the Mississippi River Paddle Share equipment.

"Lee is passionate about the Mississippi River and the land along its shores. When Lee isn't in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, you'll find her kayaking on the Mississippi River in the summer months. More than that, Lee is dedicated to showing others the beauty, power, and peace that comes with being on the river. Lee is passionate about teaching paddling skills and showing people that anyone can kayak and canoe, which is exactly what Lee did this past year helping to lead Kayaking and Paddling While BIPOC events on the Mississippi. Lee is extremely knowledgeable and reliable; I know that if Lee is leading a paddle, then everything will be okay. And, Lee empowers participants to feel confident on the water and realize that the river isn't something to fear while paddling."

- Tamara Few, Program Coordinator, Mississippi Park Connection

"In addition to paddling, Lee is also a fantastic designer. Lee worked with Mississippi Park Connection to create a logo and brand for Picnic For The Park - our annual fundraiser in its second year. She also supported the event as a photographer. Finally, Lee has been a long-time advocate for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and is now working in a leadership role to create a new National Park Service Headquarters and River Learning Center at Crosby Farm Regional Park - volunteering more than 20 hours of her time."

- Anna Waugh, Development & Communications Director, Mississippi Park Connection

“Lee Vue is a stellar role model. To say that she has a lot on her plate is an understatement. I am consistently blown away by the sheer number and scope of projects that she takes on. But without fail, she executes on her endeavors with excellent results. This year, in 2021, Lee reaffirmed her dedication to the Mississippi River and the people who live, work, and play within the cultural reach of the river. Through her never-ending positivity and welcoming aura she has inspired members of our community to explore, find their space, and paddle a boat within the natural areas along the Mississippi River and its backwaters. Through her skill and creativity as a designer she has continued to help our organization represent itself professionally and inclusively. And through her selfless volunteering of her time she has made things a little better for the future generations of folks who will also call the Mississippi River corridor their home. Thanks, Lee!”

- Andrew Marotz, Volunteer Coordinator, Mississippi Park Connection

"If you know Lee, you know she shines bright like the summer sun over the Mississippi River, soars high in life like an eagle in the fall, and gives life like a prairie in the spring. As we move through all the seasons in Minnesota, you'll find Lee outdoors supporting the park as an incredible volunteer. We are so very thankful for Lee's volunteering throughout the year. Lee helps make many of the events we put on possible. Thank you, Lee!"

- Quentin Ikuta, Community Volunteer Ambassador, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area