The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and its Division of Parks and Watercraft recently scooped up a series of noteworthy accolades at the annual Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) Conference, as reported by ODNR's official website. Leading the pack, ODNR Director Mary Mertz was inducted into the OPRA Hall of Fame, and Sustainability Coordinator Heather Bokman was honored with the Jack Hanna Resource Conservation Award. The awards honored individual and collective efforts to advance conservation, accessibility, and public safety across Ohio's 76 state parks.
Director Mertz's entry into the Hall of Fame seems to stem largely from a suite of initiatives, including the launch of Ohio's 76th state park and extensive updates to Ohio State Parks' infrastructure. Mertz's work to significantly expand ODNR's H2Ohio wetland program was also noted. According to the ODNR statement, Mertz has been a "champion" for making outdoor recreation accessible and has taken strides in environmental education and supporting law enforcement. "Earning this level of recognition from OPRA is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” Mertz stated, emphasizing the collective accomplishment.
Heather Bokman, ODNR's Division of Parks and Watercraft Sustainability Coordinator, nabbed the Jack Hanna Resource Conservation Award for her leadership in sustainability efforts across Ohio State Parks. Bokman has been actively involved in the ConServe Ohio initiative, which has driven 43 parks to achieve sustainability certification—a stark increase from just 11 the previous year. Furthermore, Bokman led the development of the Salt Fork State Park Eco-Discovery Center, an emblem of environmental education and conservation.
Alongside these individual honors, the division was recognized with five “Awards of Excellence.” Notably, the first-place award in the “Capital Improvement Projects - $10 million and up” category was snagged for the creation of Great Council State Park. This park is not only a recreational space but also a homage to Native American and pioneer history. The division also managed to secure another first-place win in the “Adaptive Programs and Events” category with the LightSound project, an innovative initiative to make solar eclipse experiences accessible to the visually impaired, teaming up with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, according to the ODNR.
The other honors included second place in the “Natural Resources and Conservation” category for the Headlands Dunes H2Ohio Coastal Wetland Restoration Project and second place for the “Law Enforcement Programs and Events” with their Active Threat Response Training. Additionally, a creative marketing campaign for Ohio State Parks' 75th anniversary fetched them third place in the "Marketing Innovation" category. With this slew of awards, the ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft has made it abundantly clear that the state's natural resources and the people who enjoy them are in capable hands.
