Eddie Gill Honored with Young Leader Award

RESTON, Va. - Eddie Gill of Indiana has received the National Wildlife Federation's Young Leader Award in recognition of his leadership in conservation, environmental education, and expanding access to the outdoors for underserved communities across Central Indiana.

"Eddie isn't just talking about the future of conservation; he is actively building it right on the White River," said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. "Through his magnetic leadership at the Indy Water Connection Camp, he demonstrates a rare ability to break down barriers and get hundreds of young people out on the water-many for the very first time. Eddie is proving that when we make the outdoors truly accessible and welcoming, we don't just create recreation opportunities; we forge lifelong conservation stewards."

"Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the outdoors as a way to truly understand the importance of protecting our natural resources," Gill said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to do this work and for the many partners and young people who continue to inspire these efforts every day."

Gill currently serves as development director for Camptown, where he advances youth development and outdoor engagement initiatives that connect young people in Indianapolis with nature and conservation. Working alongside partners including the Indiana Wildlife Federation, he has helped lead environmental education efforts, river stewardship projects, and programs designed to expand access to fishing and outdoor recreation for underserved communities. In addition to his professional work, Gill founded Journey for a Cause, a 10-day boat expedition from Evansville, Indiana, to Navarre Beach, Florida, that promoted inclusivity in outdoor spaces while raising awareness about conservation.

The National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards began in 1966. Since then, the National Wildlife Federation has celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. Previous honorees have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Michelle Obama, and other national leaders, including U.S. Senator John McCain and filmmaker Robert Redford.