Nominations are now open for the ninth annual Eagle Awards, a prestigious honor presented by the Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to Alabama's 21 state parks.

The Eagle Awards highlight five categories: Elected Official, Community Partner, Park Partner, Volunteer in Parks (VIP) and Youth, celebrating a wide range of contributions, from advocacy and volunteerism to innovative projects that enhance the parks. Nominations can be submitted online at www.alapark.com/eagle-awards through Jan. 3, 2025.

Winners will be celebrated during a public ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, as part of the second Eagle Awareness Weekend at Lake Guntersville State Park. The weekend event, which brings attention to the state's natural resources and conservation efforts, provides a fitting backdrop to honor the awardees.

Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, emphasized the importance of the awards.

"We understand how fortunate we are to have so many organizations and individuals partner with Alabama State Parks on a variety of projects every year, and it's always rewarding to take time to recognize and thank them," Blankenship said in a news release. "The Eagle Awareness Weekend is the perfect setting to show our gratitude to the winners every year."

The five Eagle Award categories celebrate unique partnerships and contributions:

Elected Official: Recognizes elected officials who collaborate with parks to preserve natural areas, operate recreational facilities and promote environmental education.

Community Partner: Celebrates community organizations, such as chambers of commerce, local businesses and tourism groups, that support park success and, by extension, their communities.

Park Partner: Honors organizations that work with park leadership to provide or maintain amenities like hiking and biking trails, often stepping in to fill gaps left by limited resources.

Volunteer in Parks (VIP): Acknowledges volunteers who dedicate time and effort to enhance the park system, from hands-on labor to strategic planning.

Youth: Awards students in 12th grade or younger who use their passion for the parks to create meaningful projects, often through programs like Scouting.

"We truly believe in our motto: 'Partners Pay the Way,' and the Eagle Awards gives us the chance to thank some of our most meaningful and impactful partners," Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. "I can't wait to see this year's nominees."

The Eagle Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collective effort required to sustain and grow Alabama's state parks, which serve as both recreational spaces and vital natural resources.

To learn more or submit a nomination, visit www.alapark.com/eagle-awards.