2026 Nominations

About this Event

Nahant Marsh Education Center will be presenting the 7th Annual Oberholtzer Awards Fundraiser on March 7, 2026 at The Bend Event Center in East Moline, Illinois. The purpose of this event is to recognize past, present, and future conservation leaders either from or working in the region who have made significant contributions towards understanding and protecting the natural world. In addition to the Awards Reception, this event includes live music, auction, raffle, and more to benefit Nahant Marsh.

Who is Oberholtzer?

The award is 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.

Nomination Criteria

Thank you for recognizing an outstanding nominee for conservation work from our community. Nominations will be considered from the following counties: 

Clinton, Louisa, Muscatine, and Scott in Iowa and Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside in Illinois 
 

Nominees should have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas:
 

Conservation Science and Education
Stewardship of Natural Areas
Environmental Advocacy

*Nominees running for an award in the 'present' category, can be an individual or an organization.