Chad Pregracke
OXFORD, Miss. – The third Mississippi Water Security Institute at the University of Mississippi kicks off Sunday (May 13) with a public talk by Chad Pregracke, founder and president of Living Lands & Waters and CNN Hero of the Year in 2013.
The event, presented by the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and the institute, is set for 7 p.m. in Bryant Hall, Room 209. No ticket is required and the public is invited. A reception follows.
Living Lands & Waters is a 501 (c)(3) environmental organization and an “industrial strength” river cleanup organization that aids in the protection, preservation and restoration of the natural environment of the nation’s major rivers and their watersheds. It also works to expand awareness of environmental issues involving the nation’s rivers and to create a desire and opportunity for stewardship and responsibility for a cleaner river environment.
“Chad Pregracke totally deserves his recognition as a CNN Hero of the Year,” said Clifford Ochs, UM biology professor and director of the institute. “He created this powerful organization, Living Lands & Waters, that has been literally cleaning up the Mississippi and other big rivers, mostly with a cast of dedicated volunteers, helping to return these rivers to their natural majesty.
“He is dedicated to education and organizing active, get-off-your-butt Earth stewardship. He is a thrilling speaker, and his public talk will be fun and exciting and an inspiration to action for children and adults of all ages.”
Established in 2015 and funded by the Robert M. Hearin Foundation, the Mississippi Water Security Institute is a residential two-week workshop for Honors College undergraduates to explore the topic of water resources use, management and security in Mississippi.