2023 Oberholtzer Awards

Nahant Marsh’s Oberholtzer Awards were started to recognize local people who have dedicated their lives (or will dedicate their lives) to protecting our natural world. Often times these people go unnoticed or have been largely forgotten for their contributions. The awards are a way to recognize their hard work and leadership in conservation, to bring awareness to the causes they believe in, and to inspire others to take action.

The purpose of the event is to recognize the past, present, and future conservation leaders either from or working in our area who have made significant contributions towards understanding and protecting the natural world.

The awards are named for Ernest Carl “Ober” Oberholtzer, a Davenport, Iowa native, Harvard-educated explorer who was a founding member of the Wilderness Society. He was instrumental in protecting the wilderness and lakes of Northern Minnesota. Mr. Oberholzter died on June 6, 1977, in International Falls, Minnesota, and is buried in Oakdale Cemetery in Davenport. To learn more about Oberholtzer’s life, click here.

This year's event takes place on February 25, 2023 from 9:00AM - 12:00PM at The Bend Event Center in East Moline, IL. A buffet style brunch (vegetarian options available) will be served, followed by the awards ceremony, fund-a-cause, raffles, and a silent auction. The event will be accompanied by The Tabby Twins, a string duo featuring musicians from the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

PLEASE CONTACT COLIN AT CSHIRK@EICC.EDU OR 563-336-3379 WITH ANY QUESTIONS