Volunteer Recognition
Washington State Parks proudly recognize our volunteers’ outstanding commitment in helping maintain our parks and sharing their knowledge with park visitors as we work towards a common goal of protecting our state lands.
We proudly recognize the following Volunteer Award recipients, nominated and chosen by park staff, for their outstanding commitment in 2023 Volunteers provide a valuable service and help make Washington State Parks the wonderful places they are. Check out our Blog Post to learn more about what these wonderful volunteers did in 2023.
2023 State Parks Volunteer Award winners
Volunteer of the year
- Tom Eisenberg (Camano Island/Cama Beach)
Honorable Mention:
- James Gomon
Host of the year
- Claudia Foster (Deception Pass)
Honorable mention:
- Gary and Joy Powers
- James “Doug” Babin
- Mitch Baker
- John & Ingrid Gerlach
- Dave and Debra Jones
- Norm & Judy Manka
- Bob and Mickey Pangrac
- Neil Singer
- Bob Stanbary & Leslie Schofield
- William Walker
Rookie host of the year
- Bill Gast (Cama Beach)
Honorable mention
- Bob Stoddard & Kathy Kyllonen
- Keith & Deanna Wildermuth
- Kris & Johnathan Fox
Significant volunteer achievement
- Bob Stoddard & Kathy Kyllonen (Seaquest)
Interpretation volunteer of the year
- Richard Cassidy (Gingko Petrified Forest)
Stewardship hero
- Wild Sky Community Trail Association (Wallace Falls)
Group of the year
- Spokane Mountaineers (Riverside)
Honorable mention
- Washington Trail Riders
- Backcountry Horseman- Miller Peninsula
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Ron Schmolka
- Sandy Evans
Off