Metroparks volunteer walk leader Dennis Walsh was honored March 23 by the Board of Park Commissioners as a nominee for the 2016 ServeOhio Award for Volunteerism. Board President Scott Savage presented Mr. Walsh with a proclamation signed by Ohio Governor John Kasich and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor.

Dennis was nominated for the state award by Metroparks for his 10 years of dedicated service to the community, during which he contributed nearly 1,000 hours of his time to share his passion for nature with park visitors, particularly children. He has led nature walks for thousands of Toledo area families.

"Dennis has a genuine gift for nature interpretation and connecting people to their natural heritage," said Trish Hausknecht, volunteer program manager.

In 2015, 5,000 volunteers contributed nearly 48,000 hours of service in virtually every aspect of park district operations, from leading walks to removing invasive plants to answering phones at the administrative office.

Photo: Board president Scott Savage presents the proclamation from the governor to Dennis Walsh.