Media Center - Press Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 17, 2024
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Virginia State Parks announces winners of 2023 Volunteer of the Year Awards

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: (L) Sam Brittian (R) William Brittian)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Northern Virginia Astronomy Club members with Chief Ranger Visitor Experience Erin Clark)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: (L) Assistant Park Manager Austin Peightel, (M) Friends of Occoneechee President John Taylor, (R) Park Manager Chris Doss)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: (L) Sweet Run Volunteer Coordinator Spring Ligi (R) Eric Shott)

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia State Parks is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Awards, recognizing the exceptional dedication and contributions of volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service to our state parks.

In 2023, volunteers donated 218,147 hours of service to Virginia State Parks, a 9% increase from 2022.

This year’s awards celebrate individuals and groups whose efforts have significantly enhanced the park experience for visitors and contributed to the conservation and preservation of our natural resources.

Awards were presented as follows:

Exceptional Service: Mark Shuppin (James River State Park)
Significant Achievement (tie): Carl Davis (James River State Park) and Bob and Robin Dryden (Sweet Run State Park)
Interpretive Programming (tie): Roger Pinholster (Twin Lakes and Powhatan state parks) and Eric Shott (Sweet Run State Park)
Youth: Sam Brittian (Wilderness Road State Park)
Friends Group: Friends of Occoneechee State Park
Camp Host or Host Couple: Tammie Haller (Powhatan State Park)
Group of the Year: Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (Sky Meadows State Park)
Lifetime Achievement (posthumous): Stan Morgan (Pocahontas State Park)

“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of our volunteers,” said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker. “Their passion and commitment to our parks are essential in helping us achieve our mission of conservation, education and recreation. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients.”

You can learn more about the winners and their contributions here (virginiastateparks.gov/blog/volunteer-of-the-year-awards-2023). If you’re interested in volunteering at Virginia State Parks, go to virginiastateparks.gov/volunteer for more details.

-30-

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit virginiastateparks.gov.

Share this news release: