(L-R) Indiana State Park Director Dan Bortner, Tippecanoe River State Park Assistant Manager Chris Goulding and Tippecanoe River State Park Property Manager Vernon Gillum.

Indiana State Park DirectorDan Bortner (left) and Brian Pierrou, Tippecanoe River State Park maintenance repairman

Volunteer of the Year awards recognize the work of individuals who share their time and expertise at Indiana State Park properties. Two were honored: 

• Brian Borgman began volunteering at Versailles State Park in 2023 and has contributed more than 840 hours of volunteer work. He normally conducts daily rides through the park during which he checks on staff and identifies areas that need his help. He has also assisted in purchasing an e-bike for use in trail maintenance and hiker rescues.
• Don Glass is a longtime volunteer at Brown County State Park’s Nature Center. Whether he’s sweeping floors or conducting his popular bird programs, Glass performs nature center duties with skill and purpose. 

Indiana State Parks also recognized the work of volunteers who have contributed more than 2,500 hours of service. Those recognized included Glass, Don Speldrich, Ginny Storar, and Jo Beaver from Brown County State Park; Marie Pittman from Clifty Falls State Park; Maurice “B” Boley and Bob and Gin Brittain from O’Bannon Woods State Park; Jim Parker from Mississinewa Lake; Alan and Jacki Bruner, Beata St. Clair, Greg and Clare Oskay, Lisa Summers, Marianne Ballenger, Nancy Swaim, and Peggy Foster from Turkey Run and Shades state parks; John and Vicky Duncan from Tippecanoe River State Park; and Scott Boehme from Salamonie Lake and the Upper Wabash Interpretive Center. 

TC Energy was honored with a Partnership Award for its exceptional support and commitment to the natural resources program at Patoka Lake. TC Energy awarded almost $50,000 over two years to support the purchases of a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), a new utility boat, boat engine, side-scan sonar system, and boat trailer. These donations allowed DNR staff to better engage in prescribed fire and invasive species management as well as to install more than 50 new fish habitat structures in Patoka Lake with improved precision.

Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, was honored with a Partnership Award for a four-day disaster recovery project at McCormick’s Creek State Park. A total of 31 volunteers donated 940 hours of work clearing nearly three miles of tornado debris on trails 2, 3, 7 and 8, an estimated value of nearly $31,000.

Indiana Dunes State Park was honored with the Property Achievement Award. The staff made extensive repairs to trail structures; overhauled its wastewater plant; reconfigured the beach program, which resulted in a record number of open days with the beach staffed by lifeguards; and installed a new exhibit in its nature center. 

Salamonie Lake and Rex and Laura Whiteleather received the Innovation and Leadership Award for Power the Camp, a fundraising partnership to add electricity to the property’s horse camp. The group raised more than $40,000 funding to kickstart the project, which is nearing completion.

Tippecanoe River State Park received the Natural and Cultural Resources Stewardship Award for its continued commitment to natural resource management. In 2024, staff restored acres of savannas and prairies, aggressively controlled invasives, and maintained an active prescribed fire program.

Spring Mill State Park and Inn were honored with a Special Recognition Award for their outstanding work during the inn’s renovation, showing their shared vision and commitment for the project. The team worked tirelessly from the initial inn closure in 2022 to its grand re-opening in 2024. 

Awards were also presented to several individual employees for outstanding work. 

• Jim Roach, property manager at Monroe Lake, was recognized with the Tulip Tree Award, the highest honor the division bestows on an individual. He is a steadfast leader and mentor, as well as a champion of mission driven initiatives.
• Mark Young, property manager of Spring Mill State Park, received a Director’s Award for his leadership in the Pioneer Village’s historic gristmill repairs. Young’s coordination and oversight were instrumental to the project’s completion. 
• Karen Hinton, deputy director of inns and hospitality, was presented with a Director’s Award for her leadership of the Spring Mill Inn renovation project. Hinton’s vision and attention to detail led to a facility that will be enjoyed by guests for years to come.  
• Cari Lapine was recognized as the Inn Field Employee of the Year for her leadership at Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County State Park. Lapine has transformed key shopping areas into guest favorites and assists the inn wherever needed.
• Brian Pierrou was recognized as the Indiana State Park Field Employee of the Year for his outstanding versatile work at Tippecanoe River State Park. With a wide range of skills, Pierrou has been vital to Tippecanoe River State Park’s operations.
• Janet Wilson was honored as the Inn Professional of the Year. She has been a pillar of excellence within the inns system since 1997 with her organizational skills, efficiency, and expertise.   
• Emma Long received the Intermittent Employee of the Year award for her leadership as pool captain at Clifty Falls State Park. Long not only provided excellent customer service, but also coordinated staff to ensure two park swim facilities stayed in operation through the busy Labor Day season. 
• Amelia Wildeman of Harmonie State Park was recognized as the Interpretive Naturalist of the Year for her outstanding creative initiatives to engage park visitors. She hosted programs such as Wild About Nature, Jammin’ on the Wabash, Birds and Beans, the Harvest Craft Fair, and more. 
• Leslie Santiago of Indiana Dunes State Park was recognized as the Office Manager of the Year. She has remained a constant source of expert knowledge for 17 years. Her professionalism and leadership exemplify Indiana State Parks teamwork and customer service.
• Phil Wilson of Monroe Lake was honored as the Assistant Property Manager of the Year. He exemplifies commitment, expertise, and humble leadership at one of the busiest properties in Indiana State Parks.  
• Jim Webb of Potato Creek State Park was named Property Manager of the Year for his leadership during the ongoing construction of the Potato Creek Lodge, his commitment to training the next generations of professionals, and his coordination in several other park projects.
• Remedios (Remy) Shickles received the Hospitality Award for her outstanding dedicated service at Spring Mill Inn for more than 30 years. She embodies customer service, ensuring every guest feels at home during their stay.