Every year at our annual dinner, Prairie Rivers Network recognizes our volunteer of the year. In years past, this award has gone to individuals such as Brett Schmidt, who spent countless hours reviewing pollution permits, or Ellen Bullock, who donated her legal assistance when we took on the water pollution permit for the Black Beauty Coal Mine. This year, we honored not one, but three individuals that have donated their “spare time,” energy, drive, and passion to protect their favorite river. These individuals have stepped outside their usual roles as teacher, farmer and recreational outfitter to become organizers and fundraisers. They have rallied their communities around a cause. They have gathered hundreds together to help clean up the riverbanks. {Continue Reading »}