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Heralding Hillrie Quin
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2018/03 - March | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography
Hillrie Quin has always had a love affair with Mother Nature, and we have all benefitted. He is largely responsible for the maintenance, building, and mapping of the Highlands Plateau Greenway.
His love of Highlands comes from a nearly 50-year history with the Cook Family, early residents of the town. His wife, Beverly Cook Quin, can be thanked for getting him up here, and his love of the great outdoors came from his mother as well as his participation in Boy Scouts. At the time of our meeting, he came loaded down with the official map of the greenway, a history of the greenway, and his ubiquitous hat; quite resembling the scout that he continues to be.
Like so many other volunteers who have been interviewed for this monthly article, he would much rather talk about the organization than himself. It is understandable, for he has dedicated over 12 years to the creation of this series of trails.
The Highlands Plateau Greenway is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance, develop, and maintain a system of interconnected walking and hiking trails in and around Highlands. Along with the physical tasks required, he writes grants and negotiates with landowners for easements on their property. This can be a daunting task but it’s hard to resist his enthusiasm, boundless energy, and smile.
Hillrie is quick to point out that he does not do this alone. It is thanks to Ran Shaffner and other volunteers that they have been able to accomplish a tremendous amount in a very short time, providing a valuable resource for our community. Those volunteers include Drew Wegner, Brian Egler, Jim Chance, John Akridge, Kathy Smith, Betty Wong, Jim Askew, Kevin Gates, Mike King, Phil and Lynn Miller, Kelder Monar, and many more.
Hillrie happily donates valuable volunteer hours to other organizations as well. He is on the board of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, the Highlands Biological Foundation, the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, and is an active participant in two of the local Bolivian missions.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Highlands Plateau Greenway, you can visit them online at www.HighlandsGreenway.com. You’re not required to be an Eagle Scout to enjoy the trails but you should, as they say, “Be Prepared.”
