Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state’s rivers and streams? Help celebrate and elevate their important work by nominating them for our 6th annual River Steward Award. Deadline is September 17, 2010. {Continue Reading »}

Lucy Bannon

Lucy Bannon, PRN’s 2009 Volunteer of the Year, started with PRN last year when she moved to Champaign to attend the University of Illinois. Lucy is majoring in environmental studies in the School of Earth, Society and Environment. Sharing outdoor experiences, such as canoeing with her family, sparked Lucy’s early interest in the natural world and protecting the environment. She’s been an enthusiastic addition to our office, always ready to take on assigned tasks, big or small. Thanks Lucy!

Gary Mechanic

Gary Mechanic, PRN’s 2009 River Steward, is the essence of a River Steward. For over twenty years, he has dedicated his time to increasing public awareness of the need to conserve Illinois’ rivers. Currently serving as vice-president of the Illinois Paddling Council, Gary developed the organization’s WaterKeepers program. WaterKeepers monitor the health of their selected stream, and advocate for its protection. Gary was a leader in developing the “Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trails Plan” which stretches over 500 miles of rivers and streams. He is one of Illinois’ strongest advocates for improving public access to rivers for the benefit of paddlers and others who enjoy their beauty.

Jan Holder (left), PRN’s First River Steward Award Winner

Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state’s rivers and streams? Help celebrate and elevate their important work by nominating them for our 5th annual River Steward Award. Deadline is October 15, 2009.

It is time once again to celebrate and elevate the important work of an individual whose work to protect the state’s rivers and streams inspires us. There are many dedicated citizen volunteers around our state that spend countless hours working to protect Illinois’ rivers. They educate us; they do the legwork; they speak the unpopular truths; they go above and beyond.

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Prairie Rivers Network wishes to recognize and honor this year’s award recipients. {Continue Reading »}

Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state’s rivers and streams? Help celebrate and elevate their important work by nominating them for our 4th annual River Steward Award. Deadline is October 23, 2008.

It is time once again to celebrate and elevate the important work of an individual whose work to protect the state’s rivers and streams inspires us. There are many dedicated citizen volunteers around our state that spend countless hours working to protect Illinois’ rivers. They educate us; they do the legwork; they speak the unpopular truths; they go above and beyond. {Continue Reading »}