FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2026
RESTON, Va. (June 16, 2026) — 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.
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