Eagle Award winners were honored recently for their support of the Alabama State Parks in a ceremony during Eagle Awareness Weekend at Lake Guntersville State Park.
The annual award is sponsored by the Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The winners were picked from the various nominations that had been submitted.
“Millions of people visit Alabama State Parks every year, and that’s a testament to the commitment and dedication shown by volunteers, community partners, elected officials and organizations,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “The annual Eagle Awards allow us to show our appreciation for all of the amazing work the winners do to enhance outdoor recreation and help our parks provide the very best experience possible.
“We truly thank them for all of their hard work.”
Parks’ Director Greg Lein, spoke about the award as well.
“Alabama State Parks appreciate organizations and individuals that contribute their time and talents to help make the parks a better experience for others,” he said. “We are excited to once again recognize and reward them with our seventh annual Eagle Awards.
“Having this awards ceremony at Lake Guntersville State Park during Eagle Awareness Weekend is the ideal setting to honor and acknowledge the invaluable efforts that help make the Alabama State Parks successful.”
This year’s award winners were:
- Curt Cearley (Community Partner)
- Toni Bruner (Community Partner)
- AmeriCorps NCCC (Park Partner)
- Fresh Air Family (Park Partner)
- Chewacla Invasive Plant Working Group (Park Partner)
- Back Country Horsemen of Alabama (Park Partner)
- Dianne & Mason Johnson (Volunteer in the Parks)
- Barbara Greenlee (Volunteer in the Parks)
- Mitch Emmons (Volunteer in the Parks)
- State Sen. Steve Livingston (Elected Official)
- State Rep. Wes Kitchens (Elected Official)
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
