VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR–Rich Dependahl is pictured receiving the IDNR Volunteer of the Year Award from Illinois Department of Natural Resources interim Director Renée Snow.
Six individuals and organizations were recently recognized as 2026 outstanding volunteers of the year for their contributions to conservation on behalf of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
“IDNR is grateful to have dedicated volunteers and support groups that bolster Illinois state parks, historic sites and museums,” IDNR Interim Director Renee Snow said. “I’m pleased to recognize the amazing work these dedicated volunteers do for the people of Illinois.”
The 2026 IDNR outstanding volunteers of the year included Rich Dependahl of Valmeyer.
For more on Dependahl, please see this week’s print edition.