The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has reason to celebrate as one of their own, Natural Resources Officer Leah Nairn, was recently honored as the Ranger of the Year, according to an announcement on the ODNR website. This recognition came from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) during their Annual Awards of Excellence banquet in Sandusky on Tuesday, February 3.
Nairn, an Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy graduate, has cemented her commitment to the protection of Ohio's natural spaces and fostering community trust. "Officer Nairn represents the very best of ODNR," ODNR Director Mary Mertz remarked, commending her for her dedication to public safety, as well as her efforts to build strong community relations. Nairn's initial assignment was at Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, where she diligently worked to reestablish a culture of safety and stewardship.
Apart from her enforcement duties, Officer Nairn is also the founder of "Redemption Through the Lens," a project that utilizes photography and storytelling to humanize and share the journeys of those recovering from substance use disorders, according to the ODNR website. This initiative is designed to mitigate stigma and engender a greater understanding between law enforcement and marginalized populations.
Moreover, Nairn regularly volunteers at a homeless outreach center in Newark, where she contributes food, supplies, and supports addiction recovery. Within this scope, she also delivers training to fellow officers and plays an integral role in recruitment, taking a hands-on approach to teaching off-road ATV and UTV driving skills. During the Division of Parks and Watercraft winter meeting, a short film highlighting "Redemption Through the Lens" was shown, leaving many attendees visibly moved by its content.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft additionally received commendation, landing two Awards of Excellence from OPRA, one for their "My First Hike" children’s book initiative, and the other for the Strouds Run State Park Inclusive Playground and Accessibility Enhancements project, these accolades serve to exemplify the division's commitment to education, accessibility, and inclusion as detailed on the ODNR website. The division was recently recognized as the leading state park system in the nation, receiving the 2025 National Gold Medal Award, a testament to their balance of customer service, education, and conservation across Ohio's parks and waterways.
