Several Georgia State Park and Historic Site employees were honored during the annual Managers Conference. Accomplishments include improving Georgia’s natural habitats, protecting historic structures, leading outstanding ranger programs, rescues, major renovation projects, customer service excellence and more. Dozens of managers attended an awards ceremony celebrating those who make more than 60 State Parks and Historic Sites outstanding destinations across Georgia. They also attended training sessions and shared ideas on park operations within the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Below are this year’s award winners.
Henry Struble Manager-of-the-Year Award
Jason Carter, Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
Jason Carter oversees operations at both Fort McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill and Fort Morris Historic Site in Midway – two sites which protect Georgia’s rich history and natural environments. He has been with the State Parks Division for nearly 20 years and is always willing to go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service. Carter also serves as the lead black powder instructor and helps coordinate and conduct annual certification training for rangers. This year, Fort McAllister hosted several high-profile events, including last-minute adaptations which demonstrates his dedication to the division. His award is named for Henry Struble, one of the most influential directors of Georgia’s State Park system.
Park Ranger Bravery Award
Lieren Merz, Tallulah Gorge State Park Manager, Tallulah Falls
This award recognizes life-saving events that save or attempt to save the life of another. Lieren Merz is the manager of Tallulah Gorge, one of Georgia’s most popular state parks. The 1,000-foot-deep canyon is beautiful and rugged, featuring six waterfalls and 20 miles of trails. More than 850,000 people visit each year, and thousands hike the strenuous trail to the gorge floor. This year, Merz has helped coordinate emergency rescues that involved five helicopter responses in just six weeks, plus frequent responses to dehydration and less life-threatening injuries. She is always the first to hike down into the gorge when help is needed. She also works closely with local response agencies to improve communications, install high line anchors to aid in response, and provide training for those who will respond to gorge emergencies.
Most Outstanding Site Operation
James H. Floyd State Park, Summerville
Park manager Katy Gramling and her team have a great attitude of “do a lot with a little.” Even when faced with staffing challenges, they keep accurate budget reports, develop and meet goals that highlight excellence, and repair utilities – all while welcoming park guests and offering ranger programs. The park’s sole housekeeper, Anne Seagrave, was nominated for the Outstanding Housekeeping Award during this year’s ranger conference.
Natural Resources Enhancement Award
Kolomoki Mounds State Park, Blakely
Over the past two years, Kolomoki Mounds State Park staff have worked on a major timber project that restores the area’s natural habitat. Approximately 30 percent of the park’s property has been managed through prescribed fire and other means. This has improved habitat for gopher tortoises, songbirds, wild turkey, barred owl and bobwhite quail. Efforts also protect the ancient earthen mounds, built more than 1,000 years ago by early cultures, from being damaged by tree growth. The large project has been a success thanks to the hard work and efforts by park staff, as well as other Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ divisions.
Best Year-Round Programming Award
Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah has a legacy of exceptional education and partnerships with local organizations and businesses. Under leadership from Manager Jeri Nokes, rangers Molly Canady, Ellen Goza and other team members offered more than 300 programs last year, including guided hikes, school field trips, archery, concerts and more. One standout program is their Junior Ranger Camp which welcomed 120 children over seven weeks this summer, teaching them about conservation, nature and history. Skidaway also excels in offering reptile programs through the park system’s 2024 theme of “Tales of Scales.”
Cultural Resource Enhancement Award
Hofwyl-Broadfield Historic Site, Brunswick
Hofwyl-Broadfield Historic Site manager Bill Giles and his team have worked diligently to tell a more complete story of the site’s history, working closely with the DNR’s Cultural and Interpretive Resources Unit. An African-American cemetery on the property had become overgrown to the point of no easy access, allowing for illegal dumping. Today, the understory vegetation has been removed, graves have been identified and marked, and the site is protected by a fence. Additionally, a new restroom allows historians to begin restoring and interpreting living quarters once belonging to enslaved workers.
Customer Service Award
Lori Hamby, Fort Yargo State Park, Winder
While Fort Yargo State Park is amid a major renovation project, manager Lori Hamby makes exceptional customer service appear effortless. She communicates clearly with construction leadership regarding the new beach, day-use area, bridges and roads, plus she handled two large gatherings at the park’s new lakeside event center. During a multi-day search-and-rescue effort, she was attentive to the family while also making sure responders had what they needed.
Outstanding Golf Course of the Year Award
The Creek at Hard Labor Creek State Park, Social Circle
Under leadership of golf pro Karl Gross and manager Carol Sanchez, this course at Hard Labor Creek State Park gets exceptional praise from their players for customer service, maintenance and retail offerings. Four local schools now use The Creek for middle and high school events. Even with staffing challenges, the course’s team does an excellent job of removing debris and undergrowth, plus chemical application. Greens now receive more air and sunlight, which improves overall health and aesthetics.
Retail Award
George L. Smith State Park, Twin City
The quaint gift shop at George L. Smith State Park invites visitors to take home keepsakes while also making an impact on local businesses. Led by the efforts of administrative assistant Dawn Daniels, the park’s shelves are well stocked and often rearranged to highlight new items such as local soap from Twin City and Junior Ranger vests. Daniels also introduced Magnolia Loop, the state’s official “Georgia Grown” cotton shirts, to other park retail managers. George L. Smith State Park is overseen by manager Morgan Attaway.
