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Chad Pregracke, an environmental advocate from East Moline, Illinois, is set to receive the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award. This award is managed by the Catholic Diocese of Davenport and will be presented on December 3 at St. Ambrose University in Davenport by Bishop Dennis G. Walsh.
Pregracke founded Living Lands & Waters in 1998 along the Mississippi River. His organization focuses on river cleanups, watershed conservation initiatives, workshops, and tree plantings. The efforts have engaged over 131,000 volunteers who have removed more than 13 million pounds of trash from American rivers.
“Care for our common home, so much a part of Chad’s life work, is related closely to peace and justice,” said Deacon Kent Ferris from the Diocese of Davenport.
The award recognizes Pregracke's contributions to environmental justice and care for creation. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition during a phone interview with The Catholic Messenger while preparing for a river project in Detroit.
Pregracke was previously named CNN Hero of the Year in 2013. “It highlights the work... I accept it on behalf of all the people who made it happen — literally 132,000 people,” he stated.
Living Lands & Waters has also educated over 28,000 students and planted more than two million trees. Kathy Wine from River Action Inc., noted that Pregracke's energy brought attention to water quality issues.
Business owner Ryan Lightfoot commended Pregracke's commitment beyond river cleanups to include educational classes and seminars. Living Lands & Waters developed "floating classrooms" focusing on ecology and river-related careers.
Father Ken Kuntz informed Pregracke about receiving this honor with words reflecting Pope John XXIII's vision: “Your expression of care for our common home is at its very core a profound expression of peace and justice.”
Barb Arland-Fye serves as editor for The Catholic Messenger newspaper within the Diocese of Davenport.
