SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Friday announced recipients of the 2018 Outstanding Volunteers of the Year awards, recognizing 11 individuals and members of four groups for their volunteer service to the IDNR.

IDNR Directory Wayne Rosenthal says throughout the state, our Illinois DNR sites and programs benefit each year from the dedication and commitment of thousands of hours of volunteer service from hundreds of individuals with a passion for public and community service. Rosenthal added that we are grateful for their service and pleased to recognize this year’s award winners for promoting outdoor recreation opportunities, and protecting our natural and cultural resources.

The IDNR Outstanding Volunteers of the Year awards ceremony, honoring this year’s award winners, is scheduled for this Saturday at 11 a.m. in Conservation World at the Illinois Green Industry Association Outdoor Amphitheater on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Group members, individual volunteers, and the public are invited to attend.

2018 IDRN Outstanding Volunteers of the Year from our area include Bill Bridges of Tamms, who is being honored for his volunteer service as the campground host at Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Alexander County and the Southern Illinois Master Naturalists/Kids in the Woods Program at Giant City State Park in Makanda.