National Wildlife Federation’s Jennifer Walker named a Legacy Awardee and coalition partner Bayou City Waterkeeper named a River Hero, further highlighting Texas as a leader at a defining moment for water in the state.
Austin, Texas (May 18, 2026) – Texas Living Waters is proud to celebrate two of its coalition members being honored by the River Network’s 2026 slate of honorees.
Jennifer Walker, Senior Director of the Texas Coast and Water Program at the National Wildlife Federation, has been honored with a 2026 Legacy Award.
Bayou City Waterkeeper, a Texas Living Waters partner who focuses on the Houston community and watershed, has been honored with a 2026 River Hero award. The River Network presented the awards at the national River Rally conference and convening of water leaders in San Antonio, Texas.
The River Network is a leading nonprofit supporting local water protectors. Its River Hero award “recognizes and showcases the achievements of individuals and teams who have advanced the movement toward a future of healthy rivers, safe and affordable drinking water, or climate-resilient communities,” and its Legacy Award recognizes “the significant contributions of one individual to the waters, rivers, and people they have served over the duration of their career.”
The two recognitions of Texas Living Waters coalition members highlights that Texas is a water leader in the nation and is defining moments for its water future.
Walker began her work on Texas water issues over two decades ago. In her role at National Wildlife Federation, Jennifer leads the Texas Living Waters coalition and has been instrumental in significant water achievements in Texas, which has advocated for significant investment in resilient and community-centered water infrastructure. These efforts led to the creation of the Texas’ $20 billion Texas Water Fund and its approval by 70% of voters through Proposition 4 in 2025. She was also among a group of citizens that helped develop Texas’ first comprehensive integrated water management plan. Her success advancing equity-centered water policy in a conservative state offers a compelling model for advocates nationwide.
“So many people have worked tirelessly over the years to arrive at this collaborative and transparent point for water in Texas. I am committed to working to ensure that people, wildlife, and the environment have the water it needs to thrive for future generations,” said Jennifer Walker, Senior Director of the Texas Coast and Water program at the National Wildlife Federation. “With over 70% of voters approving Prop 4 last fall, it is clear that Texans understand the importance of water to every part of our lives. I am thankful to receive this award and to highlight the achievements we have made and the work to be done to ensure a resilient water future for all of Texas.”
Bayou City Waterkeeper is a 25-year-old Houston nonprofit and Texas Living Waters coalition partner, who was recognized for its bold action and advocacy on behalf of communities most affected by flooding, pollution, and aging infrastructure. The organization’s impact includes a wastewater consent decree holding the City of Houston accountable for investing and repairing sewage infrastructure, advocacy for wetland protection and equitable flood infrastructure, and community education on the water infrastructure investments, including State Revolving Funds and Proposition 4.
“It is an honor to be recognized by the River Network alongside Jennifer Walker and the Texas Living Waters coalition, said Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud, Co-Executive Director of Bayou City Waterkeeper. “Houston’s namesake is ‘the Bayou City,’ and this award belongs not only to our hard-working team, but also to the community members and partners who have stood with us, and it affirms what we’ve always believed: nature-based solutions, affordability, and safe, clean water are not side conversations – they are the path forward for water in Texas.”
The dual recognition arrives at a pivotal moment for the state. As implementation of the Texas Water Fund moves forward and communities continue to grapple with drought, flooding, aging infrastructure and threats to bays and estuaries, the Texas Living Waters coalition will continue to be the voice for Texas water by advocating for the investments and policies that sustain our wildlife, communities, and economy.
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About the Texas Living Waters coalition
You can’t tell the story of Texas without telling the story of its springs, rivers, and bays. As a coalition of experts from six of the state’s top conservation organizations, we can tell that story like few others can. We are a leading voice for fresh water, defining and shaping the water management policies that will shape the future of Texas itself.
This year marks Texas Living Waters’ 25th anniversary.
About the National Wildlife Federation
The National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest and most trusted conservation organization, with 7 million members and supporters and 52 state and territorial affiliates, uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. We have been on the front lines for wildlife since 1936, fighting for the conservation values that are woven into the fabric of our nation’s collective heritage.
About Bayou City Waterkeeper
Bayou City Waterkeeper protects the waters and people of the greater Houston region through bold legal action, community science, and creative, grassroots policy to further justice, health, and safety for our region.
Photos courtesy of River Network. Top photo is attendees at River Rally 2026 awards ceremony at Confluence Park in San Antonio, Texas.
