The Great Outdoors Foundation has officially opened the nomination process for its 2026 Creative Conservationist awards, seeking to highlight the individuals and organizations leading the charge in environmental protection. Now in its third year, the program is designed to recognize those who have gone to extraordinary lengths to champion the health of water, soil, and the planet.
According to the foundation, the awards specifically honor those who embody the core values of innovation, collaboration, and stewardship. By celebrating these standouts, the organization aims to share inspiring stories that motivate a broader commitment to conservation efforts across the region.
The call for nominations is open to both third-party submissions and self-nominations. Those interested in recognizing a conservation leader must submit their nominations by Friday, May 1, 2026.
Timeline and Presentation of the 2026 Awards
The selection process follows a strict timeline leading into the summer. After the May 1 deadline for nominations, the Great Outdoors Foundation will review the submissions to determine the recipients. Award winners are scheduled to be notified by Monday, June 1, 2026.
The formal presentation of the Creative Conservationist awards will take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, during the Athene Watershed26 event. This event serves as the culmination of the awards cycle, providing a public platform to honor those advancing environmental stewardship.
The Mission of the Great Outdoors Foundation
The Great Outdoors Foundation operates as a professional fundraising entity within the conservation and outdoor recreation sector. Its primary objective is to advance conservation through the strategic application of innovation, collaboration, and stewardship to enhance the environment and improve the overall quality of life.
The scale of the foundation’s impact is significant; over the last few years, the organization has invested more than $250 million in various outdoor recreation and conservation initiatives.
Hannah Inman, CEO of the Great Outdoors Foundation, emphasized the importance of these awards in celebrating the “incredible individuals and organizations advancing conservation across the region,” noting that these success stories serve as a catalyst for continued environmental efforts.
Historical Context: The Inaugural Awards
The Creative Conservationist award was established as part of a broader effort to recognize exceptional contributions to recreation and conservation. In September 2024, the Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails announced the recipients of the inaugural awards during the Wild Prairie Showdown event.
The first recipient of the Creative Conservationist award was Patricia Boddy, a Councilmember for the City of Urbandale. Boddy, a licensed professional engineer and former Senior Partner at RDG Planning and Design, brought extensive experience from her roles as lead conservation administrator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Polk County Conservation. At the time of her recognition, she served on the ICON Water Trails Board of Directors and was a former member of the Great Outdoors Foundation Board of Directors.
The 2024 honors also included the Waveshaper award, which was granted to Rick Tollakson, President and CEO of Hubbell Realty Company. Tollakson was recognized for his significant private-sector support and belief in the original Greater Des Moines Water Trails and Greenways Master Plan, which serves as the guiding document for ICON Water Trails.
Key Takeaways for Potential Nominees
- Eligibility: Both individuals and organizations are eligible for nomination.
- Criteria: Nominees must demonstrate extraordinary efforts in championing water, soil, and the planet through innovation, collaboration, and stewardship.
- Submission Types: The foundation accepts both self-nominations and third-party nominations.
- Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by May 1, 2026.
- Recognition: Winners will be announced on June 1 and honored on July 1 at Athene Watershed26.
The next confirmed milestone for the program is the nomination deadline on May 1, 2026. We invite readers to share their thoughts on regional conservation efforts in the comments below.