Awards

Friends of the Kaw’s efforts have met with wide recognition, winning awards from many other environmental groups and government agencies.  Our very active Board of Directors has helped us garner this recognition.

Laura receives the Bill Ward Award from Ashok Gupta, KNRC Board Member

Laura receives the Bill Ward Award from Ashok Gupta, KNRC Board Member

  • In October of 2015, Laura Calwell received the Bill Ward Award from Kansas Natural Resource Council for her 12 years as service as the Kansas Riverkeeper.
  • In 2015 Kate Delehunt, Friends of the Kaw’s Educational Specialist, received the John Strickler Award for excellence in environmental education, Kansas Association of Conservation and Environmental Educators highest honor.
  • In 2014 Laura Calwell received a River Hero award from River Network, one of five given nationally each year to celebrate those who protect and care for waterways.
  • In 2013 Mike Calwell received the Stream Monitor of the Year Conservation Achievement Award by the Kansas Wildlife Federation.
  • In 2013 Friends of the Kaw received recognition from the National Parks Service for our contributions toward the Kansas River being designated a National Water Trail on July 14, 2012.
  • In 2012 Laura Calwell, our Kansas Riverkeeper, received the  Stream Monitor of the Year Conservation Achievement Award by the Kansas Wildlife Federation.
  • In 2011 the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized Laura Calwell, Kansas Riverkeeper, for outstanding achievement in environmental awareness and the preservation of the natural resources of our country, its soils, minerals, forests, waters and wildlife.
  • In 2011 Friends of the Kaw’s Science Advisor, Dr. Cynthia Annett, received the “Award for Excellence in Pre K-16 Education” from the Kansas Association of Conservation and Environmental Education – KACEE.
  • In 2010 Friends of the Kaw received the “Award for Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education in the Community/Non-Profit” category by the Kansas Association of Conservation and Environmental Education – KACEE.
  • In 2008 Mike Calwell received the prestigious “President’s Volunteer Service Award” from George W. Bush.  The award was presented by EPA Administrator, Stephen L. Johnson.
  • In 2008 the Lawrence Arts Council honored Friends of the Kaw with an “Imagination and Place Environmental Award.”
  • In 2007 the Kansas Wildlife Federation awarded the Kansas Riverkeeper, Laura Calwell, the “Stream Monitor of the Year Award.”
  • In 2007 Mollie Mangerich, Friends of the Kaw President received the “Wallace Galluzzi Certificate Appreciation” in recognition of exemplary volunteer service benefiting the Douglas County community.
  • In 2006 Mike Calwell received an “Environmental Excellence Award for Individuals – Honorable Mention” from Bridging the Gap in Kansas City, Missouri.
  • In 2005 the Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 honored Friends of the Kaw with a Regional Administrator’s Award in recognition of tireless dedication and work toward the restoration of Kaw Point and improving public access to the Kansas and Missouri Rivers.
  • In 2005 the Kansas Riverkeeper, Laura Calwell, received an Environmental Excellence Award for Individuals – Honorable Mention from Bridging the Gap in Kansas City, Missouri.
  • In 2005 the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized Mike Calwell for his outstanding achievement in historical preservation for his work at Kaw Point Park.
  • In 2004 Mike Calwell was a finalist in River Network’s  “River Hero” competition.  He was recognized at the international River Rally Conference in West Virginia.
  • In 2003 the Kanza Chapter of the Sierra Club recognized Friends of the Kaw for outstanding achievement in “Protecting Our Wild Places.”
  • In 1997 the Kansas Wildlife Federation awarded Friends of the Kaw the “Stream Team of the Year” Award for lobbying a bill that would create a moratorium on any new in-river sand dredging permits in the Kansas Legislature.  Lance Burr, Mike Calwell and Patty Boyer led this effort.