More than a dozen people from across the state who have volunteered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are to be honored at the Illinois State Fair.

The department says its "Outstanding Volunteers of the Year" ceremony is Saturday at the fair in Springfield. IDNR Director Marc Miller says volunteers help children learn about wildlife, help biologists and provide other valuable services.

Glen McNelly and Jared McNelly of Grafton are among the honorees. The McNellys helped restore the entrance sign at Pere Marquette State Park. Another volunteer is Lori Spear of Springfield, who regularly works in the Illinois State Museum's children's area.

Volunteers at Illinois Beach State Park will be honored for helping in June 2011 when a severe storm uprooted and knocked over trees throughout the Zion park.