On June 8, the board president for Wapello County Conservation, Marsha Parker, was awarded with a 30-year service award during the governor's Volunteer Awards Ceremony.

Parker been with the organization for 32 years and said she never expected to get an award like this, especially from the governor of Iowa, Kim Reynolds.

It was really nice to be recognized for all the work that we've done during the years and to and to see other people that were being recognized for the work that they've done in the Wapello community also,” said Parker.

Parker said getting people involved with nature has always been her passion.

“Nature is fascinating for one thing,” said Parker. “There is always something I am learning about birds or animals or plants. So, there is a lot to learn and it is just good to get away from the hectic life in the city and get out into nature and just kind of reconnect and enjoy all that life has to offer”

One of the ways Parker is able to help Wapello County residents enjoy nature is with their yearly Halloween hike for kids.

“We have a different theme each year. Last year, our theme was, ‘Is this heaven? no, it's Iowa’ and we had different animals from Iowa, and we had eight different characters out there,” said Parker. “You could walk around the path and learn different facts about the different animals.”

Receiving this award is not the end goal for Parker, she plans to continue to get the community involved in more outdoor activities.