Two Starved Rock Volunteers Named Among Illinois’ Best

Pamela Grivetti and Gene Anderson selected as 2026 IDNR Volunteers of the Year

Utica, IL. Two dedicated members of the Starved Rock Foundation have been selected as 2026 Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Volunteers of the Year in recognition of their service to Starved Rock State Park and its visitors.

Pamela Grivetti, Chairman Emeritus of the Starved Rock Foundation, and Gene Anderson, a current Foundation board member, will be honored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources during the 2026 IDNR Volunteer of the Year Award Ceremony on Saturday, August 22, at 11 a.m. at the Conservation World Amphitheatre during the Illinois State Fair.

Each year, IDNR recognizes individuals and groups who have made significant contributions and demonstrated dedicated service in preserving, promoting and supporting Illinois' natural and cultural resources.

Pam holding her recognition letter from IDNR at the Starved Rock Visitor Center.

For Grivetti, the recognition comes during a milestone year marking more than 50 years of volunteer service to Starved Rock State Park, its visitors and the surrounding community.

Her vision and commitment led to the creation of the Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation in 1991, establishing an organization that continues today as the Starved Rock Foundation. Through the decades, Grivetti has welcomed visitors, shared the history and natural beauty of Starved Rock, supported educational programming and encouraged countless others to become involved with the park.

Her impact can also be seen through the organization she helped establish. Since 1991, the Starved Rock Foundation has contributed more than $500,000 toward park improvements, educational programming, exhibits, equipment, visitor experiences and other needs at Starved Rock State Park.

"Pam's impact on Starved Rock is almost impossible to measure," said Matthew Klein, President of the Starved Rock Foundation. "For more than 50 years, she has given her time, leadership and heart to this park. The Foundation and so much of what we are able to accomplish today exists because of the vision she had more than three decades ago. This recognition is incredibly well deserved."

Gene hiking with his grandson at French Canyon

Anderson has become a familiar and welcoming presence throughout Starved Rock State Park through his continued volunteer service.

He participates in weekly hikes with the Starved Rock Walkers Club, assists with litter cleanup along the park's trails and volunteers at the Starved Rock Visitor Center front desk every Friday throughout the year. There, Anderson helps visitors navigate the park, provides trail suggestions and shares information to help guests make the most of their visit.

In addition to his weekly volunteer work, Anderson serves as a member of the Starved Rock Foundation Board of Directors and continues to support the Foundation's efforts throughout the park.

"Gene represents what volunteer service at Starved Rock is all about," Klein said. "Whether he is helping someone plan which canyon to visit, picking up litter along a trail or giving his time to the Foundation, he is consistently there for the park and its visitors. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as part of our team."

In notifying this year's recipients, IDNR recognized the important role volunteers play in helping the department conserve, protect and enhance Illinois' natural and cultural resources while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and education.

For the Starved Rock Foundation, the recognition of Grivetti and Anderson also highlights the lasting difference volunteers continue to make at one of Illinois' most visited state parks.

The 2026 IDNR Volunteer of the Year Award Ceremony will take place Saturday, August 22, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Conservation World Amphitheatre during the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.

About the Starved Rock Foundation: The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation is the nonprofit organization for Starved Rock State Park located in North Central Illinois. The Foundation includes a volunteer program which staffs the Visitor Center information desk and leads interpretive hikes, provides educational materials, and conducts special events and presentations. It also raises monies for appropriate materials, equipment, and the improvement of Starved Rock State Park through memberships, donations, and profit from the 100% volunteer-run LeRocher Book Store and Gift Shop in the Visitor Center. Over $500,000 has been donated over the past 30+ years by an elected board of directors.