St. Louis, MO – Great Rivers Environmental Law Center held its signature annual fundraiser, Wild for Justice: Lewis C. Green Awards Celebration & Fundraiser, this past weekend at the Saint Louis Zoo’s Lakeside Café. The evening brought together supporters, partners, and community members to celebrate environmental leadership and raise critical funds to support Great Rivers Environmental Law Center’s efforts to use the power of the law to protect the environment and the health of communities across Missouri and southern Illinois.

This year’s event honored two outstanding award recipients:

• Sara Parker Pauley, former Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation and the first woman to hold that role, was recognized for her trailblazing career in natural resource management and her lifelong commitment to protecting Missouri’s wildlife, lands, and waters. Though she was unable to attend in person, attendees celebrated her achievements through a video tribute.
• The Missouri NAACP, honored for its steadfast leadership in advancing environmental justice. The organization has worked tirelessly to ensure that civil rights are upheld in environmental decision-making, standing with communities disproportionately affected by pollution and harmful land use practices. Representatives of the NAACP joined the celebration to accept the award and highlight their ongoing work.

“We know these are difficult times for the environment—protections are being rolled back, climate impacts are growing, and communities are too often left behind,” said Natalie Johnson, Executive Director of Great Rivers Environmental Law Center. “But the work of our honorees reminds us that progress is possible when people stand together, speak out, and demand justice. Their leadership inspires us to keep fighting for clean air, safe water, and protected lands for all.”

Guests enjoyed dinner, live presentations, and a spirited silent auction. Proceeds from the event will directly fund the Center’s legal advocacy, supporting cases that defend public lands, protect clean water, challenge harmful air pollution permits, and promote environmental justice.

Founded more than 20 years ago, Great Rivers Environmental Law Center carries forward the vision of its founder, Lewis C. Green, who believed in holding polluters and regulators accountable through the power of the law. Today, Great Rivers remains Missouri’s only nonprofit, public-interest environmental law firm, serving communities across Missouri and southern Illinois.