SPRINGFIELD – A Giant City woman is among 11 individuals and organizations recently recognized as 2024 outstanding volunteers of the year for their volunteer efforts on behalf of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Nancy Cottom has volunteered at Giant City State Park for the past eight years. She and her dogs, Arlow and Kelsey, greet visitors at the park and are known as Giant City’s “bark rangers.” She has done everything from answering visitor questions, general office work, and directing traffic with a smile.

IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie says IDNR is blessed to have marvelous volunteers, and their work is vital to the operation and upkeep of Illinois state parks, historic sites, state museum facilities, and nature preserves.

Phelps-Finnie says volunteering can be hard work, but it’s important work that benefits everyone who enjoys IDNR sites throughout the state and is pleased to recognize their extraordinary efforts on behalf of the people of Illinois.

Click here for the complete list of those recognized.