Arlington Honors Noreen Hannigan with Bill Thomas Park Volunteer Award

On Tuesday, May 19, Arlington County Government recognized Noreen Hannigan as the recipient of the 2025 Bill Thomas Park Volunteer Award. Hannigan was honored for her outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, volunteer leadership, and community education across Arlington’s natural resources programs. 

“Noreen exemplifies the spirit of this award through her deep dedication to both protecting our natural spaces and inspiring others to do the same,” said Matt de Ferranti, Chair of the Arlington County Board. “Her work strengthens not only our parks and tree canopy, but also the community of volunteers who support them.” 

Hannigan first became involved in local environmental programs after completing the Arlington Regional Master Naturalist (ARMN) training in 2015 and Tree Steward Training in 2020. Since then, she has contributed approximately 2,800 volunteer hours and completed nearly 600 additional volunteer hours for the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria. Hannigan has played an active role in a wide range of initiatives that support the County’s ecological health and community engagement. 

Over the years, Hannigan has contributed extensively through her leadership and hands-on volunteer work. She served on the Master Naturalist Training Committee for more than four years, helping shape educational programming hosted at Arlington’s nature centers as well as 3 years on the Tree Stewards Training Committee. Currently, she serves as an ARMN Park Steward, where she co-leads a project to plant and tend to 100 trees and shrubs, restoring and improving habitat along a stretch of Four Mile Run. As a Tree Steward, she regularly participates in native tree plantings, invasive plant control and training efforts that expand the County’s urban canopy. 

A defining aspect of Hannigan’s volunteer work is her passion for education. She finds meaning in training opportunities, where she enjoys helping others develop a deeper appreciation for nature and the ecosystem. Her enthusiasm for lifelong learning and knowledge-sharing has made her a valued mentor and resource within the volunteer community. 

Hannigan cites the camaraderie of fellow volunteers and the support of County staff as key sources of inspiration. “Knowing how much others care about our natural resources keeps me going,” she shared. She also expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, calling the award “an unexpected honor” that she hopes to live up to through continued service. 

Looking ahead, Hannigan plans to remain actively involved in volunteer efforts, with a focus on increasing native plantings, invasive plant removal and restoring tree canopy in her neighborhood park. She is particularly passionate about raising awareness around tree canopy loss and helping build a more resilient, shaded environment for future generations. She also intends to continue supporting fellow Master Naturalists and Tree Stewards in their ongoing projects. 

Hannigan encourages Arlington residents to explore volunteer opportunities, noting the personal and community benefits they offer. “There is so much to learn by working in the community,” she said. “It gets us outdoors and provides lifelong learning—not only about the natural world, but also about the important work happening behind the scenes to protect it.” 

Her dedication, leadership, and impact across Arlington’s parks and natural resources programs make her a deserving recipient of the 2025 Bill Thomas Park Volunteer Award. 

About the Bill Thomas Park Volunteer Award 

The Bill Thomas Outstanding Park Service Volunteer Award was established to pay tribute to lifelong parks volunteer, Bill Thomas and encourage residents who demonstrate a passionate dedication and support for Arlington’s natural resources, dynamic programs, and public open spaces. Visit the County’s website for more information about the award and past winners.