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FROM STAFF REPORTS

GUNTERSVILLE – Alabama State Parks honored the winners of the 2025 Eagle Awards at a ceremony at Lake Guntersville State Park on Saturday, Feb. 1.

The Eagle Awards, which are sponsored by the Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, seek to honor individuals and organizations who have positively contributed to Alabama State Parks.

ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship spoke on the awards and their importance in a statement.

“It’s enormously gratifying to show our appreciation for the incredible contributions to our State Parks made by volunteers, elected officials and youth every year,” Blankenship said. “Our State Parks Division is better than ever, thanks in large part to their contributions.”

Zachary Andrews, a volunteer with Oak Mountain State Park, was one of seven honorees and the lone representative of Shelby County.

“An avid trail runner, (Zachary) Andrews has earned a reputation as a faithful volunteer at Oak Mountain State Park who leads hikes, cleans trails, provides support for backcountry rescues and anything else the park needs,” read a statement from the Alabama State Parks Division. “He is known for his humble spirit, tireless dedication and constant promotion of the park.”

The other six honorees included Shawna Buice, the president of Salty Kidz, a nonprofit that teaches youth the environmental impact of fishing. Robert Fouts was recognized for his volunteer services at Lakepoint State Park, while Madalyn Cargill was recognized as a volunteer with the Nature Center at Gulf State Park.

Tucker Lambert was also honored for his services to Monte Sano State Park as part of his Eagle Scout project. Finally, two elected officials, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and State Rep. Danny Crawford, were recognized for their services to Alabama State Parks as a whole.

For more information about the honorees and Alabama State Parks, visit Alapark.com.