JACKSON — Mississippi State Parks was awarded first place in the State Government category for the Keep Mississippi Beautiful Award.

Keep Mississippi Beautiful’s annual awards program recognizes the best of the best among their network of community-based affiliates, leading corporate partners and individuals across Mississippi who have committed to delivering cleaner, greener and more beautiful communities.

Andre Hollis, Mississippi State Parks Director, said his staff works hard to provide the best experience possible. Keeping natural areas clean of litter is one of the ways they maintain the splendor.

“At Mississippi State Parks, we take pride in keeping our parks free of litter, to ensure all park goers have the best possible experience,” Hollis said. “I am proud of all our park managers for keeping their parks and Mississippi clean and beautiful.”

Hollis was recently featured on the Mississippi Outdoors podcast with host Matt Wyatt. He discussed his football career, how he got into the park service and why Mississippi State Parks are special.

Mississippi State Parks administrator Cary Spence said the MDWFP is fortunate to have a strong relationship with Keep Mississippi Beautiful. Spence is the administrator for several parks in Mississippi including nearby Percy Quin and Lake Lincoln State Park.

“(We) benefit from the relationship by having thousands of flower bulbs donated to Parks for planting, and ‘Keep Parks Beautiful, Don’t Litter’ signs donated to be placed in Parks,” Spence said. “All State Parks have been impacted positively by this partnership. We applaud Sarah Kountouris, Executive Director, and Jan Richardson, Assistant Director, for their dedication to Keep Mississippi Beautiful.”

To learn more about Mississippi State Parks visit the MDWFP Parks and Destinations webpage.