Montgomery, Alabama – According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, seven outstanding contributors were honored as winners of the 10th annual Eagle Awards during a ceremony at Lake Guntersville State Park on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2025.
Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps and Deputy Director Chad Davis presented the awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their noteworthy contributions in support of Alabama State Parks. The Eagle Awards program, sponsored by the Alabama State Parks Division of the ADCNR, highlights those who have helped the parks attract millions of visitors annually and enrich the lives of Alabamians through outdoor recreation and tourism.
“We are incredibly humbled by the many volunteers, community partners and elected officials who help our Alabama State Parks succeed,” said ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship. “Their contributions help our State Parks attract millions of people every year and enrich the lives of Alabamians throughout the state. I’m so appreciative of these winners, because their work supports outdoor recreation and tourism. We are eternally grateful for their hard work and dedication.”
The winners were recognized in several categories, each demonstrating exceptional commitment to the state park system.
In the Government Official category, Graham Sisson was honored. Sisson served the State of Alabama for 28 years in various leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Governor’s Office on Disability, Deputy Attorney General, State Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator, and liaison to the State Rehabilitation Council. Through his work with the Alabama Trails Commission, he ensured that outdoor recreational facilities across Alabama were accessible to all. He also reviewed State Park construction plans for code compliance and provided staff training on accessibility standards throughout the park system.
Park Partner awards went to Jonathan Farr and Cody Farr of the Walt Farr Native American Relic Museum, formerly located within Cheaha State Park. The museum featured a remarkable collection of Native American artifacts, including arrowheads, drills, and pottery, fostering a connection to Alabama’s indigenous history. This 15-year partnership with Alabama State Parks inspired the development of a virtual exhibit to continue educating visitors and students.
Another Park Partner award was presented to Tim King of The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. King and his team supported the parks through education and community engagement initiatives, expanding access, promoting health and educational equity, and cultivating future environmental stewards. Their efforts enabled standards-aligned field trips and Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative-approved teacher workshops for schools statewide.
Chris Stanley of Venture Out Supply received the Community Partner award for his dedication to Lake Guntersville State Park. Stanley and his team improved park resources through hands-on trail work, ensuring safe and sustainable mountain biking trails for all users, reflecting outstanding service and stewardship.
Beth Girard was recognized as Volunteer in the Parks. A passionate nature enthusiast and environmental educator at Monte Sano State Park, Girard created programs for homeschoolers, led the successful Junior Herpetologist Camp, assisted with Master Naturalist courses, Arthropod Adventure classes, and large field trip groups. She has donated hundreds of hours to promote and educate park visitors.
The Youth award went to Finley Rittenberry, known as “Fishin’ Fin” at Roland Cooper State Park. Rittenberry participates in park events outside school hours, fishes extensively, captures landscape photos, and shares them locally while working through his Junior Ranger Guidebook, embodying the spirit of a true outdoorsman.
Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps noted, “The Eagle Awards winners’ accomplishments are truly inspiring. We’re so fortunate that we have so many partners who work so hard to help our State Parks succeed. This is one way we can pause and thank them for all they have done.”
The Alabama State Parks Division maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water, from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains. These parks offer facilities ranging from day-use activities to resort lodging, restaurants, and golfing, relying on visitor fees and partner support for operations.
Individuals interested in volunteering or assisting can visit alapark.com or contact a park directly. The Alabama State Parks Foundation accepts donations at asparksfoundation.org to support projects and sustain the system.
For more information, visit Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.