Tom Vaughan
Dr. Tom Vaughan, Biologist and Co-Founder of the Rio Grande International Study Center (Laredo, TX). For 3 decades, Dr. Vaughan has made a sustained contribution to the conservation of the Rio Grande and the Rio Grande Watershed. In addition to founding the RGISC, Dr. Vaughan is credited for creating a water quality data program with the city of Laredo, leading free kayak excursions on the Rio Grande, preventing the near destruction of Manadas Creek in the early 2000s, and collected 13,000 signatures to save the Casa Blanca wetland.
Nominated by: Tricia Cortez, Executive Director of the Rio Grande International Study Center
“What an honor to be named a River Hero by River Network. It is with heartfelt gratitude that I receive this award and a big ‘Thank You’ to the hundreds of students and many colleagues, especially those associated with the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) that have contributed to improving the condition of the Rio Grande. I view this prestigious award to reflect the efforts of many others that share in the recognition.”
