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Chad PRegracke

Chad grew up along the banks of the Mississippi River, a backdrop that profoundly shaped his life’s purpose. From an early age, he developed a deep appreciation with the river's beauty and an awareness of its role in sustaining life and communities.

He also witnessed the growing toll of pollution and neglect that threatened its waters. These experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for the environment, and a sense of responsibility to protect our waterways.

Chad's connection to the river became the foundation for his mission to inspire action and create lasting change.

A River in Crisis: The Awakening

Growing up just 30 feet from the Mississippi River, Chad Pregracke spent his childhood on the water, fascinated by its beauty but troubled by its neglect. As a teenager, he worked as a commercial shell diver, spending 10 hours a day underwater, crawling 150 miles of riverbed over six years.

What he found was shocking—barrels, tires, cars, and endless trash choking the river. Despite reporting the issue, government agencies dismissed his concerns, leaving Chad frustrated but determined. At just 17 years old, he decided to take matters into his own hands. With no funding, no formal plan—just an unwavering belief that something had to change—he set out to clean America’s rivers, proving that a single person’s effort can inspire a movement.

In 1998, at 23, Chad founded Living Lands & Waters with nothing but a single boat, a bold vision, and relentless determination. What began as a solo effort quickly grew into a full-fledged movement. Through sheer persistence, Chad rallied corporate sponsors, built a dedicated crew, and mobilized over 134,000 volunteers, transforming local cleanups into a national force for change.

To expand his efforts, Chad launched the MillionTrees Project, which has planted 2.1 million trees to restore river ecosystems. He also created a floating classroom, where more than 30,000 students have learned about conservation firsthand. What began as a one-man cleanup effort has grown into a nationally recognized environmental initiative, inspiring thousands to take action.

Building a Movement: Living Lands & Waters

A Recognized Leader: Speaking & Sustainability

Chad’s tireless work gained national recognition, earning him the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year Award and the Jefferson Award for Public Service. He was honored at the Points of Light Tribute, where four U.S. Presidents gave him a standing ovation for his leadership. His story has been featured on CNN, NBC Nightly News, Discovery Channel, and in major publications, inspiring people across the country.

As a highly sought-after speaker, Chad now shares his journey with corporations like Intel, FedEx, Honda, and John Deere, teaching organizations how vision, perseverance, and teamwork can drive success. Today, he and his wife, Tammy, divide their time between life on the river and leading Green Current Solutions. Whether through cleanups, advocacy, or speaking engagements, Chad continues to prove that real change starts with action.

Chad Pregracke’s Awards & Honors:

Major National & International Recognition

  • CNN Hero of the Year (2013)

  • Points of Light Award (2011)

  • National Rivers Hall of Fame, Achievement Award (2011)

  • Pacem en Terris Award (2024)

  • National Lewis & Clark Conservation Award (2024)

  • Maritime Person of the Year – International Propeller Club (2022)

Environmental & Conservation Leadership

  • Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence (2019)

  • Duke of Paducah Honorary Title (2017)

  • Seaman’s Church Institute Distinguished Service Award (2016)

  • Environmental Protection Agency Exemplary Contributions Award (2015)

  • Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Conservation Award (2015)

  • State of Illinois River Champion Award (2014)

  • U.S. Department of the Interior Take Pride in America Award (2007)

  • National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Leadership Award (2000)

  • Daughters of the American Revolution Achievement in Conservation (2005)

Leadership & Social Impact Awards

  • Social Entrepreneur Award – Manhattan Institute for Research (2003)

  • Lincoln Land Legends (2010)

  • Leaders Under Forty Award (2004)

  • Iowa Governor’s Safety 5 Award (2022)

  • Elks Distinguished Citizen Award (2002)

Academic & Honorary Degrees

  • Honorary Associate Degree of Science – Carl Sandburg College (2014)

  • St. Ambrose University Honorary Doctorate of Public Service (2003)

  • Knox College Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (2016)

  • Blackhawk College Foundation Alumni Hall of Fame (2010)

  • Heartland Community College Distinguished Alumni (2009)

  • Illinois Community College Trustees Association Distinguished Alumni (2007)

River & Conservation-Specific Awards

  • River Industry Task Force Making Change Possible Award (2008)

  • River Kids Hero Award (2007)

  • Renew Our Rivers Environmental Stewardship Award (2008)

  • Congressional Record Earth Day Recognition for Making a Difference (2004)

  • Illinois Wildlife Federation Conservation Citizen of the Year Award (1997)

  • Association of the Great Lakes Outdoor Writers "Thinking Outside the Box" Award (2008)

  • Field & Stream "Heroes of Conservation" (2008)

  • Rotary Club Recognition (2000)

Government & Legislative Honors

  • Illinois Governor’s Path Award (2005)

  • Illinois Jaycees Award – 10 Most Outstanding Young People in IL (1998)

  • Congressional Record Earth Day Recognition (2004)

  • American Association of Community Colleges Outstanding Alumni Award (2006)