This year, Prairie Rivers Network is proud to recognize two remarkable individuals whose leadership is shaping a more just and equitable future for both people and our planet. Their commitment to fostering inclusion, access, and sustainability in their respective fields is helping build a stronger, more resilient Illinois.
In 2024, we are thrilled to present the River Steward Award to Tomas Delgado and the Outstanding Public Servant Award to Hilary Scott-Ogunrinde. While their work focuses on different aspects of environmental justice, both share the same dedication to ensuring that historically marginalized communities are at the forefront of the movement toward a sustainable future.
River Steward: Tomas Delgado
Tomas Delgado, founder and director of Nurtured in Nature, has created an inspiring model for inclusivity and connection in natural spaces. Nurtured in Nature is an outdoor wellness program that fosters connections between people of color and the natural spaces of Champaign County. Supported by Healthy Champaign County, this initiative encourages community members to participate in low-pressure, accessible hikes where the focus is on building relationships and creating a sense of belonging in nature.
Tomas’s work is deeply rooted in his academic background and passion for environmental justice. As a student of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, Tomas has focused on the historical disconnection between marginalized communities and nature. He realized the need for programs that bridge this gap, ensuring that outdoor spaces are not only accessible but welcoming and safe for people of color.
Nurtured in Nature was born from this vision. The program’s roots can be traced back to Delgado’s involvement in a focus group for the Champaign County Forest Preserve District in 2022 following the ballot measure to increase funding for maintaining forest preserves, where he worked with communities of color to ensure outdoor resources and programming were accessible and designed with their needs in mind.
Tomas has created a space where people of color can reclaim the outdoors — spaces that have often been exclusionary or unsafe. The seasonal hikes offered by his program are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that participants of all experience levels feel comfortable and connected. These hikes, open exclusively to people of color, provide a safe space for reflection and bonding, helping to create a new narrative around who belongs in nature.
Nurtured in Nature has an upcoming Fall BIPOC Hike and celebration on October 6. You can learn more below.
Beyond Nurtured in Nature, Tomas serves on the board of Bluestem Nature School, which has been heavily involved in our herbicide drift work. His leadership and vision are transforming the way communities of color interact with the natural world, promoting healing and connection for all.
For his tireless efforts to ensure that everyone has access to and feels welcome in natural spaces, we are honored to present Tomas Delgado with the 2024 River Steward Award.
Outstanding Public Servant: Hilary Scott-Ogunrinde
Hilary Scott-Ogunrinde, Deputy Director of Energy & Business Utility at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is a leader in advancing Illinois’ clean energy future. Her work isn’t just about scaling up renewable energy — it’s about doing so in a way that ensures no one is left behind, particularly coal and environmental justice communities that have powered Illinois for generations.
Hilary’s leadership in implementing the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) has been nothing short of transformative. This landmark legislation has created workforce, community, and business programs designed to ensure that those historically left out of economic progress benefit from Illinois’ transition to a clean energy economy. Under her stewardship, these programs are helping build a future where equity is at the heart of the energy transition.
Before joining DCEO, Hilary’s career spanned both the non-profit and small business sectors, where she was a fierce advocate for environmental justice. She stood side-by-side with policymakers and activists during the development of CEJA and she is nowensuring that the bill’s vision of equity and justice was carried through to its implementation.
Through her role at DCEO, Hilary and her team have been instrumental in designing and delivering programs that help frontline communities access the resources they need to thrive in the clean energy transition. Her work is building a foundation for a sustainable future that supports not only the environment but also the communities that have long been excluded from its benefits.
For her exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to equity, we are proud to present Hilary Scott-Ogunrinde with the Outstanding Public Servant Award.
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Nurtured in Nature Upcoming Events
Fall BIPOC Hike
When: 3pm on Sunday, October 6th
Where: Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL 61856. (Meet at the Main Parking Lot)
What: This is Nurtured in Nature’s third BIPOC exclusive hike, connecting folks of color with the natural areas of the Champaign County area. These nature outings offer intentional space for people of color to connect with nature through the strength of community. Whether you want to hike the trails or hang out around our trailhead, Nurtured in Nature events provide opportunities for BIPOC folks to enjoy the natural environment in any way that is meaningful for them.
Who: Anyone who identifies as BIPOC!
Led by: Tomas Delgado with support from Black People Outside & The Wild Dryad
Register: here
As a reminder, transportation from Champaign-Urbana will be provided, as is a $50 supporting stipend if you are eligible (review the registration form for eligibility information). If you are unable to attend, please consider joining us for the Winter Hike at Busey Woods, Urbana on Saturday, December 7th at 3pm.
Nurtured in Nature: Exploring BIPOC Narratives in the Outdoors
When: 5pm on Sunday, October 6th
Where: Allerton Park Mansion, 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL 61856
What: Join the Nurtured in Nature initiative as we introduce you to our team and the background of our mission to promote diversity and accessibility in the outdoor settings of Champaign County. Discover the stories of BIPOC hikers firsthand through our short documentary, capturing their unique perspectives and experiences in nature. With food, cash bar, and music provided by DJ CK and BLACKSTAR, the celebration will end with a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the importance of BIPOC representation in the outdoors, engagement in natural sciences, and the power of community resilience. We will be joined by panelists Chevy & Kam of Black People Outside, Shane Alden Edwards of The Wild Dryad, and Dr. Kristen Voorhies formerly with the United States Geological Survey, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, and The Field Museum of Chicago, facilitated by Joe Omo-Osagie, former Psychology Instructor & Academic Counselor at Parkland College. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and advocate for inclusivity in outdoor spaces!
Who: All are welcome! This event is open to the general public + kiddos welcome!
Registration: Not required
