2025 outstanding volunteers named

mdi-chevron-left Feature Articles Apr 28, 2025
We can't say enough about our volunteers

At the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), our volunteers are truly exceptional. Every day, they bring remarkable dedication, generosity, and passion to trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, special events, and more. Over the past year alone, volunteers donated more than 376,000 hours of service — a milestone that speaks volumes about their commitment to Oregon’s parks, people, and communities. Whether serving as park hosts, trail stewards, Whale Watch volunteers, event supporters, or Friends group members, they help make our parks safer, more welcoming, and more beautiful for everyone. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and proud to celebrate their incredible impact.

Are you interested in volunteering? Visit Volunteers to learn more and apply for opportunities

Please join us in congratulating the recipients of this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards: 

  • Dorthy & Gene Pence, honored by Silver Falls Management Unit
  • Neil & Terry Christensen, honored by Valley of the Rouge Management Unit
  • DeVonna & Steve Saunders, honored by Bullard’s Beach Management Unit
  • Alison & Troy Styer, honored by Nehalem Bay Management Unit
  • Edith & Kent Hitchings, honored by Beverly Beach Management Unit
  • Patricia Engelmann, honored by Collier Management Unit 
  • Carl & Janna Berlin, honored by Carl Washburne Management Unit
  • Sam Pennington & Lisa Allen, honored by The Cove Palisades Management Unit
  • Don & Penny Powers, honored by Devil’s Lake Management Unit
  • Dore Bopp & Kevin Ernster, honored by Champoeg Management Unit
  • Art & Penny Boone, honored by Smith Rock Management Unit
  • Donna Nelson & Will Rinehart, honored by Beverly Beach Management Unit
  • Bill & Ellan Olson, honored by Luckiamute Management Unit
  • Robert Basile, honored by Umpqua-Tugman Management Unit
  • Dennis Zohner, honored by Fort Stevens Management Unit
  • Ingrid Cook, honored by Wallowa Lake Management Unit
  • Kathy & Rod Bourdage, honored by Tumalo Management Unit
  • Katheryn Kyllonen & Robert Stoddard, honored by Southern Willamette Management Unit
  • Alaine & Charles Hurst, honored by Honeyman Management Unit 
  • Patrick Buckley, honored by Milo-Tryon Management Unit
  • Angela & Phillip Bourquin, honored by Deschutes Management Unit 
  • Tony Manzo & Wendee Mason, honored by Detroit Lake Management Unit 
  • Thom & Vicki Wilson, honored by Sunset Bay Management Unit
  • Jeri & Joseph Robertson, honored by Cape Lookout Management Unit 
  • Liz Sturgis-Garver, honored by L.L Stub Stewart Management Unit 
  • James Balch, honored by L.L. Stub Stewart Management Unit 
  • Elaine Farrell, honored by South Beach Management Unit 
  • Amy Lewis, honored by South Beach Management Unit 
  • Debra Soto & Frank Toste, honored by Farewell Bend Management Unit 
  • Adena Rojas & Brian Nelson, honored by Harris Beach Management Unit 
  • Donald Johnson, honored by Prineville Reservoir Management Unit 
  • Bill Young, honored by Prineville Reservoir Management Unit 
  • Leah & Terry Nelson, honored by Cape Blanco Management Unit 
  • Catherine & John Tannoia, honored by The Gorge Management Unit

We are honored to work alongside each and every one of you, and we thank you for the passion you bring to your volunteer work. From all of us at OPRD: thank you for everything you do.