A passion for the natural world and a deep desire to protect it have played a large part in Barbara Frank’s life since childhood.

“I was raised to be an environmentalist by a mother who wouldn’t let us smash spiders,” Barbara says with a smile.

As an adult, Barbara became interested in land use issues, legislative policy and the impact of toxic chemicals. Her passion for environmental advocacy grew when she joined the Sierra Club, where she eventually become involved in many important environmental efforts, including the successful effort to stop a plan to dam the Red River, part of which is now Kentucky’s only National Wild and Scenic River.It was around that time that Barbara met Don. They married, raised two children and shared 62 years of marriage before Don passed away in 2023. Don shared Barbara’s deep commitment to conservation and community service.

In addition to Midwest Environmental Advocates, many organizations have benefited from Barbara and Don’s generosity and leadership, including Hixon Forest Nature Center, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, the Coulee Region Sierra Club and the Mississippi Valley Conservancy. For 20 years, Don also served as volunteer director of the AARP Tax-Aide program assisting seniors and those with limited income.

Barbara says that charitable giving has allowed them to make an impact in their community, while it’s also brought them immense personal satisfaction. “Engaging in the work of stewardship and advocacy,” Barbara says, “brings you together with interesting people who restore your faith in the world.”