In December 2002, the Ozark Trail Association (OTA) was chartered and charged with the mission to build, maintain, preserve, promote and protect the rugged natural beauty of its namesake trail. The non-profit celebrated its 15th anniversary last December 2 with a full day of events that began with trail work for the YMCA’s Camp Lakewood in Potosi, Missouri, and ended with a dinner and live entertainment at the property’s Trout Lodge.

A special presentation recapped the OTA’s lifelong accomplishments, reviewed all the efforts currently underway and took a look at what the future might bring. In addition, the group announced its 2017 Volunteer of the Year, Terry Hawn, and recognized three individuals — Rod Brown, Scott Hayden and Ken Kurtz — for their outstanding achievements throughout the year.