SPRINGFIELD – Eleven individuals and organizations have been recognized as 2024 outstanding volunteers of the year for their volunteer efforts on behalf of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
“IDNR is blessed to have marvelous volunteers, and their work is vital to the operation and upkeep of Illinois state parks, historic sites, state museum facilities, and nature preserves,” IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said. “Volunteering can be hard work, but it’s important work that benefits everyone who enjoys IDNR sites throughout the state. I’m pleased to recognize their extraordinary efforts on behalf of the people of Illinois.”
Among the 2024 IDNR outstanding volunteers of the year are:
Kerry Novak, Earlville – Novak has volunteered every Wednesday since retiring as site superintendent at Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County in 2019. In 2024 he contributed 125 volunteer hours as a front desk docent who assists the more than 350,000 visitors who stop by the visitors’ center annually.
Roseann Webb, Peru – Webb volunteers at Starved Rock State Park on behalf of the Starved Rock Foundation. She greets visitors and previously was a hike leader, contributing more than 2,400 volunteer hours to the park. Her caring nature comes naturally: she is a nurse, a mother of four, and a grandmother of nine.
