Susan Stevens is not afraid of a challenge, or even hard work, having spent the past six years working tirelessly to make the Gibbston Trail a reality and restore the Rum Curry historic site.
Being selected as a finalist for the conservation awards came as something of a surprise to Mrs Stevens, who is the chairwoman of the Gibbston Community Association.
"They phoned me up just before I flew back to America."
Mrs Stevens, who is now a New Zealand citizen, grew up in Ohio, in the United States, and has always had a passion for volunteering.
"I've always been driven to help out.
"The effects of positive energy within a community can be massive if the right people get involved."
Mrs Stevens stumbled upon New Zealand after travelling around Australia for five months with husband Terry, who is chairman of the Wakatipu Trails Trust.
"We landed here and fell in love with the natural beauty and relaxed community lifestyle."
Before being elected chairwoman of the Gibbston Community Association in 2004, Mrs Stevens was secretary for four years.
During that time, she worked countless hours to restore and conserve sites for the benefit of the Gibbston community.
"I've cleared a highway rest area, created a reserve and started a rubbish and recycling depot."
After being elected chairwoman and with plenty of community support, Mrs Stevens began work on the trail and it has taken six years' hard work to make it a reality.
"This is definitely the hardest I have ever worked for something.
"Every day throws up a new, unexpected obstacle to overcome.
"We have been really lucky to work with landowners that are happy to co-operate."
So far, 10 of 11 sites have been granted permission for man-made walkways throughout the trail.
"At the moment, we are just waiting for ideal land conditions to start construction.
"Once the walkway is in place there will be about 100m left to finalise."
As well as land permission issues, Mrs Stevens has also had to find $1.2 million of funding to complete the vision.
It is hoped the Gibbston will be open for public access by October.
Mrs Stevens said she was looking forward to finally enjoying the trail and then taking a well deserved rest.
"It's been a difficult project and fortunately I have a very supportive husband.
"I'm really looking forward to having a break - just being able to enjoy this incredible area without working every hour of the day."
However, with such an endless drive for conservation and her involvement in several other projects, it is clear Mrs Stevens will still be working hard for many years to come.
The Inland Otago Conservation Award winner will be announced at a ceremony in Cromwell tonight.
