Meet our Volunteers

Fall 2013

Rick and Diane Nerud – Campground Hosts, Interpretive, Park Events

"Rick and Diane are a pleasure to have as volunteers," said David Olsen, Natural Resources Parks Technician, Parks and Trails, Nerstrand.  "In the past they committed almost two full days of their time to make our traditional snowshoes usable to park visitors; they were in very rough shape. Rick and Diane also were Campground Hosts for Nerstrand Big Woods from late April through the end of June and in a pinch they served as Hosts for Rice Lake in July. On top of their hosting duties they took the time to create a program to help people become more comfortable with a GPS. They also ran two 'Pinecone Bird Feeder' programs for families and drew in more than 75 people that would not have had a program otherwise. Rick and Diane are great at talking with people and are excellent when it comes to assisting visitors. We'd be lost without their wonderful service."

Thank you, Rick and Diane, for devoting over 408 hours at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park!

Dan Angelo, Correll – Snowshoe Lacing Workshop Volunteer

"Dan is a valuable volunteer," said Cara Greger, Natural Resources Supervisor 1, Parks and Trails, New Ulm. "He is self-motivated, driven, and always striving to improving upon his skills. Dan is very good at explaining to participants the 'how's and whys' of what he is teaching. He is able to see a task, accomplish it, and do it well without ever being told what to do. I can always count on him to be there and know he will get the job done well."

Thank you, Dan, for all your help!

Rich and Mary Dunn – Camp Hosts Savanna Portage State Park

Rich and Mary of Citrus Springs, Florida have dedicated 3,100 hours over the last 10 years as Camp Hosts. Sandra Weller, Natural Resources Park Supervisor 3, Parks and Trails, McGregor, stated, "Rich and Mary are outstanding Camp Hosts! They know the Park well and have helped visitors with everything from finding their camp sites to assisting with electrical problems or vehicles that do not work. They will help whenever and wherever, always with a smile on their faces. This year during a lost person incident at the Park, they most graciously opened their camper to the lost person's family. They relayed messages, kept them calm, and offered dinner and tea. Rich and Mary went above and beyond their call of duty and should be rewarded for their role in this search, which thankfully turned out fine."

Thank you, Rich and Mary, for your long term dedication as Camp Hosts!

Coralee Fox – Scanning Public Waters Permit Files

Coralee is very valued by the Brainerd staff she assists for her dedication, attention to detail, and work ethic. She has not only volunteered 35 hours this year, but has also devoted hundreds of hours over the past several years.
According to Karen McLennan, Office and Administrative Specialist, Ecological and Water Resources, Brainerd, "The organizing, duplicating, consolidating, and efficient implementing of permit file review requirements are a critical part of containing the historic details of these legal documents that must be accurately preserved. In addition, scanning and verifying accuracy are essential to the final electronic record transfer. Coralee completes these tasks with great pride and precision by regularly dedicating two days a week from Fall to late Spring. She is a very special person whose volunteerism is greatly appreciated."

Thank you, Coralee, for all your help!

Gloria Angell, St. Paul – Water Use Report Data Entry and Filing

Gloria has volunteered 42 hours of her time to assist in filing and entering data from new Water Use Reports submitted to the DNR. "Her work enables DNR employees' quick and easy ways to find a given report. Gloria's work is essential as it allows the DNR to locate Water Use Reports especially when the information is needed to amend DNR Appropriation Permits or help conduct ground water modeling. Due to Gloria's enthusiasm and motivation she has saved DNR employees additional work, stress, and time," stated Joe Richter, Hydrologist, Ecological and Water Resources, St. Paul.

Thank you for all your hard work, Gloria!

Tom Heinrich, Baudette – Ski Trail Grooming and Maintenance

According to Kevin Dorow, Natural Resources Technician, Parks and Trails, Williams, "Tom has played a vital role in ensuring the cross country ski program at Zippel Bay State Park has been success year after year. His dedication to the program over the last 12 years has been invaluable with the frequent changes in staffing. Tom also was a very useful asset in helping to build our user base, as we begin to see the numbers and enthusiasm in park trail usage increase."

Thank you, Tom, keep up the good work!

Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park – Friends Projects

"Our friends group does an excellent job helping out at the park," stated Amy Schnoes, Assistant Park Manager, Parks and Trails, Starbuck. "The Friends Group volunteered for many important projects including our Easter activities and egg hunt, Permit Day, National Get Outdoors Day, Fall cleanup, staining camper cabins, assisting with a candlelight event, and volunteering in countless parades in order to advertise for Glacial Lakes State Park."

Thank you, Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park volunteers!