2026 outstanding volunteers named

mdi-chevron-left Feature Articles Apr 27, 2026
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 386,775 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 our volunteer page to learn more and apply for opportunities

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

  • Autumn Long & Jonathan Prado, honored by Silver Falls Management Unit
  • Lee & Klaus Homen, honored by Valley of the Rouge Management Unit
  • Larry & Rayna Cameron, honored by Bullard’s Beach Management Unit
  • Cathy Herman, honored by Nehalem Bay Management Unit
  • Candice D'Amore, honored by Beverly Beach Management Unit
  • John & Julie McMillan, honored by Collier Management Unit 
  • Sue Moir, honored by Carl Washburne Management Unit
  • Charlene (Liz) Green, honored by The Cove Palisades Management Unit
  • Bruce Cole, honored by Devil’s Lake Management Unit
  • Kim Rappleyea, honored by Champoeg Management Unit
  • Steve Peeler, honored by Smith Rock Management Unit
  • Bea & Dave Bone, honored by Sunset Bay Management Unit (Whale Watch)
  • Madelyn Antinucci & William Freeland, honored by Luckiamute Management Unit
  • Errol Abrahmanson & Dennis Conner, honored by Umpqua-Tugman Management Unit
  • Randy & Verleen Wilson, honored by Fort Stevens Management Unit
  • Dan & Sandy VanNoppen, honored by Wallowa Lake Management Unit
  • Tom Wallace & Kem Halliwell-Templin, honored by Tumalo Management Unit
  • Bibi McGill, honored by Southern Willamette Management Unit
  • Jerry & Lori Divis, honored by Honeyman Management Unit 
  • Weed Warriors, honored by Milo-Tryon Management Unit
  • Angela & Phillip Bourquin, honored by Deschutes Management Unit 
  • Arselia & Richard Bishop, honored by Detroit Lake Management Unit 
  • Lynne & Terry Warner, honored by Sunset Bay Management Unit
  • Michael Blume & Susan Clones, honored by Blue Mountain Management Unit
  • Jeff Stephens, honored by Cape Lookout Management Unit 
  • Sid Young, honored by L.L Stub Stewart Management Unit 
  • Tom & Chris Vorgert, honored by South Beach Management Unit 
  • Dennis & Jane Weddle, honored by Farewell Bend Management Unit 
  • Matthew Peterson, honored by Harris Beach Management Unit 
  • Sandy Storrie, honored by Prineville Reservoir Management Unit 
  • Karon Weatherly, honored by LaPine Management Unit 
  • Mark & Dennis Warner, honored by Cape Blanco Management Unit 
  • Barbara (Babs) Johnson, honored by The West Gorge Management Unit
  • Lyle Knigge, honored by The East Gorge Management Unit
  • Tia Ledford, honored by Clyde Holliday Management Unit
  • Debbie & Steve Poland, honored by Detroit Lake 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.