2025 Kayah Gaydish Stewardship Award Winners Announced

Since 2017, the Kayah Gaydish Stewardship Award has honored the spirit of Kayah Gaydish — a devoted steward of wild lands across the Carolinas. Each year, 3–5 individuals are recognized for their outstanding stewardship and contributions to our climbing community.

This year, we’re proud to celebrate four winners.

Babs Mensch

Babs is the definition of an uber volunteer! Her enthusiasm for the CCC shines through at every event she attends. Whether greeting participants, helping with setup or breakdown, or lending a hand wherever it’s needed, Babs brings incredible energy. 
Her fun, bubbly personality and constant smile create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone around her. Beyond her hands-on contributions, Babs shows her deep commitment to the climbing community by traveling far and wide to support CCC initiatives. Her dedication and joyful presence are a gift to our organization.

Nic Scharping

Nic is a steadfast and hardworking member of the CCC volunteer community whose contributions on trail days have left a lasting impact. Year after year, he dedicates countless hours to building, maintaining, and improving access trails at climbing areas across the region.
His reliability, strong work ethic, and alignment with CCC’s stewardship mission make him an invaluable force.

Robert Owens

Robert is one of the CCC's most dedicated stewardship volunteers, consistently showing up for multiple trail days each year - no matter the distance or conditions. He embodies resilience and commitment, working through heat, cld, poison ivy, bees, and whatever else nature throws his way. Robert's efforts ensure that our climbing areas remain sae and accessible for all. His willingness to go the extra mile (literally and figuratively) sets an inspiring example for our community.

Jeremiah Haas

Guide, steward, conservationist, teacher, mentor, friend—Jeremiah Haas wears many hats, and each one has left a mark on the climbing community. His influence has reached countless climbers through his guidance, mentorship, and stewardship work.

Jeremiah has been an integral part of CCC, serving as a board member and leading numerous stewardship efforts across Western North Carolina. From trail days to peregrine falcon conservation projects with the Wildlife Resource Commission, Jeremiah’s contributions have improved and protected climbing areas like Laurel Knob and Looking Glass Rock.

His commitment mirrors the spirit of Kayah Gaydish, whose passion for community stewardship continues to inspire us all.