Ohio DNR’s Mary Mertz, Heather Bokman honored by Ohio parks association

Columbus — Ohio DNR (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz will be inducted into the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) Hall of Fame in February.

OPRA’s Hall of Fame award is the highest award given by the organization and inductees are recognized for statewide contributions to parks, recreation, and natural resources. Additionally, ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft Sustainability Coordinator Heather Bokman has been named the OPRA Jack Hanna Resource Conservation Award recipient.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association for contributing to Ohio’s exceptional outdoor spaces,” said Mertz. “Each day, I am inspired to serve the people who cherish and support our parks as much as I do.”

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Throughout her distinguished career, Mertz’s leadership, expertise, and vision have enhanced environmental conservation and public access to natural spaces, making her a model for sustainable outdoor recreation, according to the ODNR.

Her contributions include:

• Opening Ohio’s 76th state park, Great Council State Park

• Implementing ODNR’s H2Ohio wetland and water quality program as part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio Initiative;

• Dedicating resources to transformative capital investments in Ohio State Parks, such as lodge renovations and campground improvements across the state;

• Modernizing and expanding nature centers across Ohio State Parks;

• Promoting environmental education;

• Giving unprecedented support to ODNR law enforcement.

Mertz’s dedication to protecting Ohio’s natural resources, coupled with her transformative leadership at the helm of ODNR, makes her a most deserving recipient of the OPRA Hall of Fame award, according to a statement from the ODNR. Her significant statewide contributions, paired with her extensive career in public service and law, exemplify the qualities of leadership, vision, and impact that the Hall of Fame honors. These achievements underscore her lifetime commitment to public service and natural resource stewardship.

OPRA will also honor Bokman with the Jack Hanna Resource Conservation Award. Bokman leads ODNR’s ConServe Ohio Initiative – an ambitious program designed to embed sustainability into every aspect of Ohio State Parks’ operations.

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft,” said Bokman. “I am truly humbled to be recognized for efforts that align so closely with my deepest values and commitments.”

Bokman’s accomplishments include:

• Certifying 43 parks in the ConServe Ohio program last year, an increase from 11 the previous year;

• Partnering with universities like Ohio State University and Ohio University, engaging students in real-world sustainability projects that tackle pressing environmental issues with innovative solutions;

• Overseeing projects such as the construction of the Salt Fork Eco-Discovery Center, which will be a state-of-the-art nature center focused on sustainability and environmental education.

Overall, Bokman’s career is a testament to a profound dedication to the conservation of Ohio’s natural resources, marked by her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Bokman’s work has transformed how Ohio State Parks approach conservation and sustainability, establishing a legacy that will benefit generations to come, according to the ODNR.

Mertz and Bokman will be recognized during the OPRA annual conference in February.