Stan Oller and his family received this award for their commitment to conservation practices including improving livestock grazing and watering systems on their farm. Family farms such as the Oller’s have a key role in the future of land management and water quality throughout the region.

GRDA Scenic Rivers Operations received this award due their dedicated work in watershed management in Oklahoma including making the Illinois River a sustainably managed recreation destination.

Arvest was nominated for this award due to the company’s leadership across the region supporting community investment that improves environmental education and water quality in the Illinois River Watershed. The work IRWP does in public education, outreach and implementation of conservation and restoration practices could not be accomplished without the active involvement of partners like Arvest.

ULI is advancing responsible land use and development in Northwest Arkansas. Wes and the ULI team are receiving this award for their work on responsible growth in partnership with a broad array of stakeholders in the real estate industry.

Elizabeth was nominated for this award due to her leadership and commitment in addressing stormwater and water quality in the Illinois River Watershed in 2021. IRWP is so appreciative of Elizabeth and NWARPC’s leadership on these regionally important issues and look forward to continued collaboration.

Candice received this award for her work with Oklahoma Blue Thumb on water quality monitoring and education in the Illinois River Watershed. Candice has been involved in IRWP’s ongoing ecological assessments in Oklahoma which helps us better understand watershed management priorities in both Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Curtis received this award due to his dedication and enthusiasm for improving the Illinois River Watershed and volunteering his time with IRWP at a number of events throughout 2021.