Mokena Resident Named One Of Forest Preserve's Volunteers Of The Year

MOKENA, IL — Mark Bettin, of Mokena, was named one of the 2021 Volunteers of the Year by the Forest Preserve District of Will County at its April 26 annual Volunteer Banquet, according to a news release from the Forest Preserve.

The other Volunteer of the Year was Scott Mortenson, of Oak Park.

Bettin's and Mortenson’s collaborative outreach efforts won them the top award, said Emily Kenny, the Forest Preserve’s volunteer services supervisor.

“The winners of the 2021 Volunteer of the Year award not only volunteered their time but also created opportunities for others to volunteer,” she said. “They organized groups, supported other stewards and invited corporations to participate in natural resource management opportunities.”

The two men often worked together in 2021, Kenny said.

“They bring new and challenging ideas to the District with a side of humor and friendship,” she said. “Occasionally, these volunteers worked on separate projects, but their combined force made 2021 a memorable year for the Forest Preserve’s conservation department.”

Winners in other categories were:

• Special Acts, Jim Avila, of Shorewood;
• Outstanding Group, Deer Management Team;
• Outstanding Family, Dave and Marie Wendt, of Joliet;
• Outstanding Youth, Nicole Lomax, of Park Forest;
• Outstanding Senior, Sally Wieclaw, of New Lenox;
• and Rookie of the Year, Ryan Sorrells, of Plainfield.

In 2021, 576 volunteers donated more than 9,100 hours of service to the District, according to the release.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit the Volunteer Page on the Forest Preserve District of Will County website.