Prairie Rivers Network Honored as Affiliate of the Year

RESTON, Va. - Prairie Rivers Network has received the National Wildlife Federation's Affiliate of the Year Award to celebrate its leadership in grassroots organizing and advocacy to protect Illinois's rivers and streams, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to state lands, and transform environmental stewardship.

"From advancing the Quad Cities Climate Assessment and defending the Clean Water Act to their tireless efforts to reduce non-point source pollution and conserve wetlands, Prairie Rivers Network consistently demonstrates innovation, expertise, and profound impact for both people and wildlife across Illinois," said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. "By inspiring people to understand that clean water is the essential foundation of healthy communities and thriving ecosystems alike, they are not only advancing critical conservation solutions in Illinois and beyond, but epitomizing the bridge-building approach to conservation that is the foundation of our One Federation."

Under Executive Director Maggie Bruns' leadership, Prairie Rivers Network has grown significantly and built trusted relationships with new funders, contributing to one of its most successful years in history. With a growing membership base, the team has been able to expand its programming to meet the challenges facing Illinois. From expanding research on the impacts of pesticide drift, supporting rural and coal community leaders through technical assistance, to ensuring the state's historic climate investments are reaching communities that need it most, they have set themselves apart as a conservation powerhouse.

"This award reflects the collective power of our incredibly dedicated staff and communities who work tirelessly to protect our waters, lands and wildlife," Bruns said. "Our work is rooted in creating meaningful partnerships from the ground up to empower widescale advocacy, prioritize resilient solutions, and celebrate a shared commitment to safeguarding our state's natural resources and communities."

A dedicated champion for the protection of Illinois waters, Prairie Rivers Network provides support for communities navigating environment and energy challenges. Through community advocacy, they work to secure stronger protections at the federal, state, and local level and invest in resilient climate solutions informed by communities. They've demonstrated leadership throughout the Federation in building power and support for Great Lakes and Ohio River restoration, wetlands protections, and mentorship for other affiliate staff.

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.