The Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks recently honored its volunteers, partners, and employees for their commitment to conserve, manage, and interpret resources while creating memorable experiences for visitors in 2023.

Volunteer of the Year awards recognize the work of individuals who share their time and expertise at state park properties. Two were honored for their service:

• Michael Sauers began volunteering at Deam Lake State Recreation Area in the fall of 2021. He kept up the beautiful look of the property by planting and maintaining flower beds throughout the park and was always willing to lend a helping hand with a variety of other projects.

• Susan Miller maintained nearly 40 garden beds and planters throughout the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park. She donated 638 hours in 2023, keeping the gardens beautiful and thriving.

Indiana State Parks also recognized the work of volunteers who have contributed more than 2,500 hours of service. Recipients included Bob and Sharon Dailey, Nita Pickering, and John Shaw from Mounds State Park; Dan Adams and Del and Deb Striegel from O’Bannon Woods State Park; John Barbee from Prophetstown State Park; Richard and Sondra Bowman, Sharon Ernst, Marty Gaskill, and Linda Schaper from Salamonie Lake and the Upper Wabash Interpretive Center; and Daphna Bickerstaff, Tammy Boehme, Richard and Teresa Cox, Jeff and Tania DeHaven, Rob and Candy Downy, Cliff and Deena Grammer, Darren and Julie Kaczmarek, Dwight and Kim Madison, Rocky and Juanita Sears, and Terry and Cindy Snyder from Mississinewa Lake.

The Falls of the Ohio Foundation was honored with the Partnership Award for its cooperative work to create a new outdoor classroom at Falls of the Ohio State Park. The classroom provides a dedicated space for learning in a natural environment that connects visitors, school groups, and others to the unique landscape and historical elements of the Falls area.

The Indiana State Parks maintenance crew was honored with the Property Achievement Award for its excellent work throughout the year. On a single fiberoptic installation project, the maintenance crew saved the division more than $2 million.

The Indiana State Parks Community Grants and Trails team received the Innovation and Leadership Award for its revamp of the division’s management of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program to refocus the criteria on community need. The National Park Service (NPS) recognized this achievement by requesting Indiana’s own LWCF team to present at the new SPARK conference for other LWCF managers across the country.

Mississinewa Lake’s wildlife program received the Natural and Cultural Resources Stewardship Award for the development of the Liston Creek wetland complex. The project added 11 acres of manageable wetlands, providing much needed habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife while improving hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for Hoosiers.

The Division of Forestry, including director John Seifert and state fire coordinator Darren Bridges, were presented with a Director’s Award for their immediate response and continued assistance in the aftermath of the March 31 tornado at McCormick’s Creek State Park. Their initial efforts were instrumental in carving a path for emergency service crews to reach trapped campers. The division continued to assist after immediate clearing by providing saw crews, equipment, and guidance in a salvage harvest.

McCormick’s Creek and Canyon Inn were honored with a Special Recognition Award for their extraordinary service in the aftermath of the same tornado. The staff alerted guests before the storm, conducted search and rescue operations throughout the night, and provided shelter at the inn. Members of the team were thanked for their dedication, leadership, and hospitality. Awards were also presented to several individual employees for outstanding work.

• Brandt Baughman, deputy director for operations, was recognized with the Tulip Tree Award, the highest honor the division bestows on an individual. Baughman, based in the division’s central office in Indianapolis, leads with vision, character, and competence through constant change and complex issues,
• Byron Hoesman was recognized as the Inn Field Employee of the Year for his excellent guest service at Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County State Park. Hoesman’s attention to detail and incredible work ethic provides leadership in the division’s “Service State Park Style” initiative.
• Mike Curtis was recognized as the State Park Field Employee of the Year for his leadership as the maintenance foreman at Pokagon State Park. With confidence and customer service, Curtis handled complex challenges like major mechanical failures, waterline breaks, and ice storm recovery.
• Tim Thurman, manager of Turkey Run State Park, was honored as the Inn Manager of the Year. Thurman delivers top-notch customer service to every guest while leading and maintaining a dedicated team. Even with limited room inventory he surpassed Turkey Run Inn’s financial goals.
• Jim Borders received the Intermittent Employee of the Year for his heroic actions on the night of the March 31 tornado at McCormick’s Creek. Borders exceeded expectations as he warned guests of incoming severe weather.
• Teresa Rody was recognized as the Interpretive Naturalist of the Year for her leadership and coordination with community partners at Upper Wabash Interpretive Services. She promoted and offered invasive plant removal workshops, implemented “Trail Tales” to encourage literacy with a focus on natural resources, and coordinated the addition of 15 holes at Salamonie Lake’s disc golf course.
• Tina Beedie of Monroe Lake was recognized as the Office Manager of the Year. She maintains valuable relationships with staff and the community. Her professionalism and leadership exemplify DNR teamwork and customer service.
• Matt Darling was honored as the Assistant Property Manager of the Year for his leadership at Deam Lake SRA. Darling has provided professional training and inspirational leadership to his team and the division. He also lends expert assistance in projects at Starve Hollow SRA.
• Ronnie Hileman was named Property Manager of the Year for his leadership through a season with low water levels at Salamonie Lake, construction of a new residence, an office renovation, completion of a disc golf course, and the construction of a new wetland. He is a friendly and approachable manager with both his staff and guests.
• Jim Webb and staff at Potato Creek State Park received the Hospitality Award for their outstanding organization and hosting of the groundbreaking for the Potato Creek Lodge on Oct. 19. This event received accolades from all who participated, including Gov. Eric J. Holcomb.

Photos of the award winners are available on request.

To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.