Local resident honored for environmental service

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) honored a Stanton resident at a recent volunteer awards ceremony.

Officials recognized Russell Field at the ninth annual DNR Volunteer Awards Banquet, held at Swan Lake State Park near Carroll on Nov. 21.

Russell Field was nominated for the 2009 Outstanding Staff Award by the DNR’s Keepers of the Land Volunteer Program for supporting volunteers at Viking Lake.

Volunteers and guests from across the state gathered at the Swan Lake Education Center for lunch, a presentation about nature photography, an awards ceremony and the opportunity to share their volunteer achievements with each other.

“Iowa has great needs,” DNR Deputy Director Pat Boddy told the volunteers. “Your work… is helping to meet those needs.”

Volunteers have donated an average of 164,000 hours per year to state parks and conservation programs since 2003. This year, honorees included friends groups who committed themselves to state park improvements, instructors who helped Iowans enjoy safe fishing and hunting, weekend warriors who participated in bird or fish research, retirees who served as campground hosts, and more.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Gull at 515-281-0806 or elizabeth.gull@dnr.iowa.gov.