The Diamond Lakes chapter of the Arkansas Master Naturalists announced its Master Naturalists of the Year for 2022 at its midyear meeting and cookout at Entergy Park.

Bill Randel and Alan Atkins were selected as Master Naturalists of the Year, having served for two years as co-chairs of the Diamond Lakes Arkansas Master Naturalists Education Committee. Under their guidance, DLAMN transitioned to year-round classes for new members and added numerous educational hikes and activities.

Loretta West, DLAMN chapter president, said in a news release that they are "stellar examples of being educated volunteers and volunteer educators and they make it fun to be a Diamond Lakes Arkansas Master Naturalists." She also praised Randel for his descriptive emails that kept the chapter entertained and informed about upcoming hikes, events and training classes.

It was Atkins' idea for DLAMN to partner with Hot Springs Department of Parks and Trails in presenting public events that include education hikes on the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail and Monarch Butterfly releases in the fall, the release said.

Randel and Atkins worked with the Parks and Trails management and staff to create this partnership "and more joint events are in the works," it said.

The Arkansas Master Naturalist organization currently has six chapters in the state. The Diamond Lakes Chapter covers the Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Arkadelphia, Mount Ida and Glenwood areas.

For information on how to join the Diamond Lakes Arkansas Master Naturalist chapter, visit http://www.arkansasmasternaturalists.org.