Hocking Hills Named Volunteer Park of the Year

 
COLUMBUS, OH - Successful volunteer efforts at Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County earned it recognition as the 2008 Volunteer Park-of-the-Year during the annual Ohio State Parks Managers Meeting.
 
"We know that with reduced resources, quality volunteers are important assets to successful park operations," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "Our volunteers provide tremendous assistance to park staff in providing quality services for park visitors."
 
Hocking Hills State Park volunteers increased the number of hours they invest in helping the park by 3,682 for a total of 9,746 hours. The park has also developed a model friends group with corresponding volunteers working on special events and making significant contributions in funding and volunteerism. They have been critical to projects such as the butterfly garden at the visitors' center; Rose Lake Wildlife Observation Blind; the establishment of the Park Safety Fund" in which they funded automatic electric defibrillators and cliff safety equipment; the creation and launching of a web site for the park and the purchase of a Gator for use by park staff and volunteers during special events.
 
Park manager Tim Archer, along with management staff Scott Kessler and Robin Donnelly, accepted the award on behalf of the park and its volunteers.
 
State park volunteers can donate their time in many ways, including providing campground host services, assisting park staff with building and maintaining trails, litter pickup and beautification projects, aiding naturalists with programs and animal care. Volunteer programs offer opportunities for people of all ages and interests to participate. To become a park volunteer, contact a nearby state park.
 
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
   

Tags: