Photo Credit: IRWP
CAVE SPRINGS, ARK.—The Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) has long been dedicated to improving the integrity of the Illinois River, which spans across Arkansas and Oklahoma, through public education, community outreach and conservation initiatives.
This year, IRWP's mission received a boost to their educational outreach programs in the form of a $5,000 grant from the American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation, awarded at the recommendation of Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO). This follows a $200,000 grant presented in 2020, that propelled the program to next-level education opportunities. Since 2019, the AEP Foundation has given $212,250 to support their programs.
The AEP Foundation's grant, a continuation of their commitment to environmental conservation, was utilized for the “Illinois River Watershed Education and Research Program.” Over the last five years, the grants have supported critical educational and research programs aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and protecting water quality in the Illinois River Watershed.
Caption: IRWP Youth Education Specialist Suzanne Murphy, was awarded the 2024 "Outstanding Non-formal Environmental Educator" awarded by the Arkansas Environmental Education Association. AEEA Executive Director Sophia Stephenson (pictured left) presented Suzanne (pictured right) with the award this summer. Photo Credit: IRWP
This program has reached more than 14,000 students across 83 schools in Arkansas and Oklahoma, providing high-quality, hands-on educational experiences that meet state and national science standards. The impact of this program is profound, with students engaging in activities that not only educate but also inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Scott Carney, Environmental Consultant for SWEPCO's Flint Creek and Mattison Power Plants, who also serves on the IRWP Board, emphasized the importance of this partnership.
“SWEPCO is proud to support the Illinois River Watershed Partnership through the AEP Foundation. The work being done here is vital not only for the health of our watershed but also for educating our youth and empowering them to take an active role in conservation. The results of this program highlight the incredible impact that can be achieved when we invest in our environment and our communities,” Carney said.
The program, which included field trips, mobile labs and the “Ecological Assessment Project,” provided students with practical, science-based experiences. They explored topics such as watershed hydrology, groundwater pollution and macroinvertebrate diversity—key indicators of water quality. The program also engaged local volunteers in ongoing water quality monitoring, which will provide essential data to guide future conservation efforts.
“We are incredibly thankful for the support from AEP Foundation and SWEPCO. This grant has allowed us to reach thousands of students and volunteers, providing them with the tools and knowledge to protect our watershed,” said Leif Kindberg, Executive Director of IRWP. “The success of this program is a testament to the importance of community partnerships in achieving our conservation goals.”
The IRWP’s education programs have been so impactful Suzanne Murphy, IRWP Youth Education Specialist was awarded the 2024 "Outstanding Non-Formal Environmental Educator" awarded by the Arkansas Environmental Education Association. Click here to learn more about Suzanne and the IRWP’s efforts.
Through the AEP Foundation’s grant, IRWP has been able to offer free resources to educators and conduct extensive field research across the watershed, significantly contributing to the ongoing efforts to preserve the Illinois River.