Several Georgia State Park and Historic Site employees were honored this week during the 2025 Rangers Conference at Brasstown Valley Resort. Assistant managers, interpretive rangers, maintenance rangers and golf superintendents participated in training classes, team building and sharing ideas. An awards ceremony celebrated the efforts of those who make more than 60 sites outstanding destinations for Georgia’s citizens and visitors.
2025 Award Recipients:
Si Longmire Ranger-of-the-Year Award
Jason Baker, Assistant Manager at Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway
Jason Baker has been interpreting military history as a park ranger for more than 25 years. He is truly passionate about Fort Morris, a small Revolutionary War site near Georgia’s coast where he is responsible for nearly all programming, maintenance and administrative duties. Baker is the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) resident expert on 18th century Black Powder demonstrations, and a popular demonstrator at DNR’s Coastfest. Although Hurricane Helene left more than 100 trees down at Fort Morris, blocking the main road and damaging his own home, Baker was able to get site open in less than a week with help from a few other rangers and volunteers. According to his manager, Baker exudes honesty, integrity, knowledge and professionalism – making him everything a Georgia State Park Ranger should be.
Customer Service Award
Jason Humphrey, Assistant Manager at Jack Hill State Park, Reidsville
Jack Hill State Park was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene, and Jason Humphrey was the only manager on site during and immediately after the storm. He quickly checked on overnight guests, worked to re-open roadways, and ensured staff had food, water and fuel. While still being heavily affected by the storm, his park housed agency debris teams and he assisted nearby General Coffee State Park which was closed for several weeks due to extensive damage. In addition to his regular duties, Humphrey serves the Georgia State Parks Division by teaching First Aid and CPR classes, plus being on the prescribed burn team.
Most Outstanding Maintenance Project
Heritage Farm Restoration by General Coffee State Park, Douglas
General Coffee State Park was one of the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene, including the destruction of the fence at Heritage Farm. With funding provided by the Friends of General Coffee, park teams redesigned the new paddock to provide larger enclosures for farm animals, taking advantage of the newly open areas that Helene created. They removed large pines and broken fences, set nearly 200 new posts and installed more than 1,500 feet of fencing. It was a large project for a small staff, but with determination and love for the park, they conquered it well.
Outstanding Housekeeping Award
Vogel State Park, Blairsville
Vogel is one of the nation’s oldest state parks, as well as one of Georgia’s most beloved. With 34 cottages, a 63% occupancy rate and 2,503 reservations in 2024, Vogel’s housekeepers have a full workload. Dale Culberson, Gay Cross and Pam Brown form an outstanding team, efficiently managing the cleaning of each cottage from start to finish, with an impeccably clean and well-organized linen barn to work from.
Most Innovative Program on a State Park
Outdoors Beyond Barriers “First Day Hikes” at Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs and Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls
Two of Georgia’s State Parks offered “First Day Hikes” on New Year’s Day for visitors with mobility impairments. Using specialized all-terrain wheelchairs, rangers led visitors and their families on inspirational hikes during a beautiful New Year’s Day. The program was supported by the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division and the Aimee Copeland Foundation. One hiker said she had not had so much fun since she was seven years old, and one family said it was the highlight of their grandfather’s year. The hikes were part of the DNR’s Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative which ensures outdoor recreation access for all abilities.
Most Innovative Program on a Historic Site
Candle Lantern Tours at Wormsloe Historic Site, Savannah
One of Savannah’s most well-known and photographed attractions, Wormsloe Historic Site tells of Georgia’s colonial history. Rangers reimagined their Candle Lantern Tours, including a military encampment set up by Fort Morris and Fort McAllister historic site rangers. Visitors learned about wassailing and joined in to sing with bagpipes. The event also included an encampment illustrating what life was like for colonists during the 1700s, especially during the holiday Yule.
Golf Superintendent of the Year
Josh Pettit, Golf Superintendent at The Creek Golf Course, Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge
Over the past year, many longtime golfers from The Creek have commented that the course is in the best condition they have played. Superintendent Josh Pettit manages an efficient schedule which includes debris removal, equipment maintenance, protecting the course from freezing temperatures and chemical application. Pettit and his team have spent many hours removing underbrush to improve air circulation and reduce shaded areas on the greens, plus removing trees damaged by pine beetles. Pettit maintains a positive attitude, leads by example and is respected by his co-workers.
Bravery Awards
Matthew Morrow, Assistant Manager, Reynolds Mansion
Sarah Kenyon, Assistant Manager, A.H. Stephens State Park, Crawfordville
Current and former members of the Reynolds Mansion team were honored with Bravery Awards in recognition of their courage and dedication.