Volunteers keep Indiana parks beautiful

BLUFFTON, Ind. — In 2025, nearly 10,000 people volunteered more than 150,000 hours to help keep Indiana state parks in tip-top shape.

“Volunteering gives you a great sense of accomplishment,” said Jody Heaston, volunteer coordinator for Indiana State Parks, a division of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “You know you are helping manage and conserve our natural and cultural resources for future generations to enjoy.”

The organization recently held an award ceremony where two volunteers were honored for their service.

Bob Morton is an indispensable part of the Deam Lake State Recreation Area community and family, regularly dedicating over 100 hours a month as a volunteer since 2024.

He has helped upgrade all 19 rent-a-camp cabins with new bed platforms, built 32 bluebird boxes and installed new property signs. He’s also rehabilitated campground picnic tables, wheelbarrows and old Jon boats.

At the Nature Center, he performed daily maintenance, created shelving and an observation bench and volunteered at key events.

A group of volunteers called “The Tuesday Guys and Gals” was also recognized for their involvement with O’Bannon Woods State Park.

The group has shown up every Tuesday for the past 20 years, contributing over 6,000 hours of volunteer work last year alone.

The group does everything from high-quality construction to repairs and maintenance. Last year, they rebuilt an oxen corral and shelter, painted the comfort station and pool, facilitated hay press demonstration days, moved a cabin kit and purchased a portable sawmill.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit tinyurl.com/DNR-Volunteering.