News : Pat Jorgensen Recognized as an Environmental Hero Among Us

If you have a question about basically anything that happens in the great outdoors, Pat Jorgensen of Vinton is probably the guy with the answers for you. 

Last week, he was recognized as MercyOne's Hero Among Us in the Environmental category. Pat has been a staple in the Vinton community for more than a quarter of a century. He recently retired after a career working for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.  Jorgensen first began working as a seasonal employee for 4 years. One of his jobs took him to the George Wyth State Park in Waterloo, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Nancy, who was in charge of running the beach. The couple married and raised their family of three children. Fortunately for us, they moved to Vinton in 1999.

Pat's seasonal job turned into a full-time position where he served for another 33 years.  It took him to the Green Valley State Park in Creston, McIntosh Woods on Clear Lake, Pleasant Creek in Palo. He's been a Park Attendant, Park Ranger and later he worked in the Law Enforcement Bureau and as a Recreation Safety Officer/Game Warden covering 22 counties in northeast Iowa. 

The retiring thing hasn't really been one of those visions of rocking chairs on the front porch for the couple. MercyOne said of Pat, "Pat Jorgensen describes a hero as unselfish and committed. 'Everyone is a hero in some way.' His own hero is Theodore Roosevelt, who laid a great foundation for our national parks. He believes that Roosevelt's work was pivotal to our country and to the preservation of nature. Pat embodies these same qualities. 

Pat spent most of his childhood outdoors in Hudson, Iowa. In fact, his childhood passion growing up in Hudson later blossomed into a career. Pat dedicated his career to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He served as both a state park ranger and a conservation officer for more than 30 years. He managed the land and its wildlife and encouraged others to do the same. Pat reflects, 'It was my dream job. I was lucky to get to do it every day.'

In retirement, he continues to dedicate his time to others, helping people forge meaningful connections with wildlife and the outdoors. In 2025, his environmental efforts included building and installing more than 20 bluebird and barred owl nesting boxes throughout Iowa, 'It means the world to me. With so many trees dying or being cut down, many birds struggle to find a place to call home,' Pat explains. 'I feel these handmade bird boxes are simple acts making a big difference.'

Additionally, his dedication to the outdoors over the past year is evident through his work with youth. Pat currently helps run Iowa's state archery tournament, volunteers with the Vinton High School archery team, and supports the National Archery Program. 

'It's about the kids. I believe in giving young people the chance to experience the outdoors, especially those who may not find their place in traditional athletics,' Pat said. 'My favorite part is watching their faces light up as they learn more about archery.'

Pat is a testament to the fact that heroes truly do walk among us every day. You'll find one such hero wearing muddy hiking boots, carrying bird boxes and searching for the next part of the earth to leave a positive mark on. 

Congratulations, Pat Jorgensen, the 2025 Environmental Heroes Among us"