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Directors Adrian Blackney Jody Brown Susan Bryan Robert Carson Richard Chotard Tyree Daniels Jerry Feinstone Ricky Heros Melvin Jones Barbara Keathley Dave Marrone James McDonald Bayard Morgan Sarah Prosser Jon Rich Tom Roehm Carol Seamons Brett Shanaman Josh White New Office Location 2693 Union Avenue Extended Suite 205 Memphis, TN 38112 (901) 452-6500
Special Edition
Protecting the Watershed that Protects Us
or 30 years, the Wolf River Conservancy has to bacteria and infection. The concept is the same worked to protect the Wolf River watershed, where pollution can flow into the aquifer water.” which feeds the Memphis Sands aquifer that holds Citizens concerned about dredging and the health our drinking water. Our mission could not be more of the river founded the Wolf River Conservancy in 1985. important in a world where water is becoming the most The group transitioned to land preservation and has precious commodity, even in American cities. continued to work successfully with other conserva“Memphis and the surrounding area is the largest tion organizations and property owners protecting our community in the country that gets all of its water from water and woody wetlands, preserving easements, and an underground aquifer,” said Keith Cole, WRC Execuproviding safe corridors for wildlife. tive Director. “Lands we “It’s a big mission and protect represent a large an important mission, but portion of the recharge it’s doable,” said Cole. area. When it rains and This year the Conserflood water stands, those vancy acquired 163 acres wetlands and floodplains of land near Mount Tena act as a giant sponge Creek in Fayette County, absorbing the water and filling the last gap within filtering it through rock, the Ghost River State sand and gravel, all the Natural Area. Originally way to the aquifer.” wetlands, it had been This fresh water spring in the Ghost River State Natural Area is now protected. The water we drink drained and cleared to can be as much as 2000 years old (50-year-old water is farm. Now Ducks Unlimited will restore it to its original considered “new”). Old or new, our water is known to wetland condition. be some of the best in the world. Although the Clean “I was walking through a mucky, snake-infested Water Act helped stop many surface water abuses that forest you could tell had been farm land by the size of led to the urban Wolf being declared “a dead river” in the trees, when I came upon a spring bubbling out of 1970, the Wolf watershed is still threatened. the ground with water clear enough to drink, “ said Hall, “The greatest risk is damaging the aquifer from describing a trek across the Mount Tena property last gravel mining,” said Ryan Hall, WRC Land Protection April. “I thought, ‘Wow, if someone developed this, you Associate. “It’s like digging layers out of a wound, could have pollution running straight into your aquifer.’ going deeper and deeper until your blood is exposed It really sums up the meaning of our work.” Photo by Ryan Hall
Officers President, Jeanne Arthur Vice-President, Russell Smith Secretary, Kirkwood McClintock Treasurer, Chip Greer Past President, Stewart Austin
Winter 2014-15
Currents
The Greenway is alive and well and growing
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hiking/biking trail following the meanderings of the Wolf River has been part of the Conservancy’s vision since its earliest days. “We knew that to protect the river, we had to convince people of its importance, both environmentally and as a recreational resource,” said Charles Cooley, a founding member of the Wolf River Conservancy and its first President of the Board. “Building a greenway fit all of our goals.” After years of pursuing funding and right of ways, the Conservancy partnered with the City of Memphis and the Hyde Family Foundation, finishing the greenway’s first sections in 2010 and 2012 — a 7-mile loop located between Walnut Grove and Germantown Road — which is now teeming with 700 walkers, joggers and bikers per day. Ultimately, the 21-mile “spine trail” will start at the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi Rivers on the north end of Mud Island and run through Downtown, Midtown, Frayser, Raleigh, and East Memphis, joining existing trails in Germantown Continued on page 3
The Wolf River Conservancy is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the Wolf River watershed as a sustainable natural resource.
This is a very exciting time to be the Executive Director for the Wolf River Conservancy! During the last year the Conservancy has made considerable progress on three key initiatives that have been part of our vision and goals for many years. It gives me great pleasure to share with you that the Board of Directors and staff are delivering on these initiatives, while also continuing our mission to “preserve and enhance the Wolf River watershed as a sustainable natural resource.” Land Trust Alliance Accreditation – Application Accepted In October, the Board approved a resolution to submit the Conservancy’s application to become an accredited land trust. Bob Wenner, the Conservancy’s CFO, led our team during the last two years in preparing for this momentous step. As part of pursuing accreditation, the WRC has revised their governance, land procurement systems and, most important, adopted a “science” based land conservation strategy to protect Wolf River floodplain lands now and into the immediate future. We anticipate success with accreditation in late 2015, joining a group that represents the premier land trusts in the United States.
Completing the Wolf River Greenway and Improving River Access The Wolf River Greenway, a public/private partnership with the City of Memphis Parks and Neighborhood Division, is just the beginning of providing opportunities to help build more vibrant communities in our city. During the past year, we have received considerable private financial support for our project, which should allow us to complete the remaining 18-plus miles by fiscal year 2018-2019. As we finish the Greenway, we also envision increasing access to the Wolf River by adding additional river access points, achieving another important strategic initiative. Thank you all for your continued support of the Wolf River Conservancy!
Keith Cole Wolf River Conservancy Executive Director
Today I heard a speaker from California talk about ground water, aquifers, and challenges facing his part of the country in the coming years. His thoughts reinforced what the Wolf River Conservancy is doing to protect our water supply as a sustainable natural resource. It is reassuring to know that we are on the right path and have dedicated partners and volunteers helping us reach our goal. Almost 30 years ago, the founders of the Wolf River Conservancy began to talk about their dream of one day having a greenway running through our community along the Wolf. Yes, it’s been three decades of dreaming, but the good news is that the dream is not far from becoming a reality. More fundraising is needed to reach our goal to fund this dream, but we are committed to obtaining the right of ways for the greenway and finishing in record time, resulting in a wonderful amenity connecting neighborhoods across the Wolf River watershed. Just shut your eyes and imagine a day spent with family or friends walking or riding all or part of our completed greenway that stretches from where the Wolf meets the Mississippi in downtown Memphis all the way through Germantown and Collierville. The transformation will be astounding, exciting and fun. I can hardly wait! None of this would be possible without the synergistic vision of Wolf River Conservancy members, Memphis and Shelby County leaders, paddlers, bikers, walkers, business leaders, people from all across the Mid-South, all of us wanting the same thing — a more beautiful community with a world-class greenway and sustainable water supply. Each one of you is uniquely important to the success of our mission. Encourage your friends and neighbors to join the Wolf River Conservancy. Be part of this excitement as we move closer to the fulfillment of a long held dream.
Jeanne Arthur Wolf River Conservancy Board of Directors President
Continued from page1
and Collierville. Loops along the way will connect with schools, parks, community gardens, and other projects. The Conservancy will engage neighborhoods to see what amenities they want on their section. “We have an ambitious 5-year plan to complete the Greenway,” said Keith Cole, Executive Director of the WRC. “This manifests so well into our mission. We’re preserving lands, while increasing educational and recreational opportunities for urban youth, as well as providing access to the river’s woods, water and wildlife. We envision an outreach program with Conservancy volunteers being Greenway Guides, much like our popular River Guides, who conduct more than 50 trips a year. ” Urban areas across the country are discovering that using conservation easements for nature trails and bike corridors can also be a path toward improved health and prosperity. “Memphis is the least fit city in the country,” said Bob Wenner, WRC Chief Financial Officer. “If you make a more comfortable environment to cycle or walk or run in, people will do it. “There are a myriad of reasons why cities are investing in greenways. People want to live near green space and having a more livable city helps attract and retain companies and talent. Young people often walk or bike to work; MATA buses have added bike racks for this reason. Greenways improve property values and encourage entrepreneurship. They also improve air quality. “Most important for the Conservancy, the Greenway is helping us protect a lot of land along the urban Wolf River. And that will connect Memphians with nature and each other.”
S alute to Our Corporat e benef a cto r s We would like to thank our 2014 Sponsors for their continued support and commitment to the work and mission of the Wolf River Conservancy. If you are interested in learning more about how your company can partner with us in 2015, please contact the Development Department at 901-452-6500.
WRC Seeking Prestigious Land Trust Accreditation
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fter two years of arduous preparation, the Wolf River Conservancy has applied for accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. LTA Accreditation provides third-party assurance of a land trust’s quality and perpetuity. There are approximately 1700 land trusts in the United States preserving important natural places; 254 are of them are accredited. If approved as expected, the Wolf River Conservancy will be only the fourth Tennessee land trust awarded LTA accreditation. (Although based in Memphis, Ducks Unlimited is one of only three national land trusts to earn the distinction.) In order to qualify for the LTA seal, a land trust must prove its ability to adhere to the highest standards in its business practices — ethically, technically and legally. The application process requires the organization to
rigorously examine itself and be able to document a history of excellence. Some of the areas evaluated include a mission statement that serves the public interest; compliance with laws; accountability of board, staff and volunteers; fundraising practices; conservation projects; financial and asset management; transactions; recordkeeping; and land stewardship. “This is a really big deal,” said WRC Executive Director Keith Cole. “We’re not talking about a 2-page application, but a 4-inch binder of documentation. “Accreditation ensures excellence, which generates public trust and establishes an organization as permanent. We have transformed from a grass roots organization to a professional land trust. But that’s not to say we ever want to lose our grass roots DNA.”
Study Paves Way for Expanding River Access Encouraging people to experience the wonder of the Wolf is a long-held initiative of the Wolf River Conservancy. Naturally, that means providing greater access to the river. Paddling the Wolf is popular, but put-in and take-out, particularly in Shelby County, can be difficult to negotiate. Most launch sites are primitive, consisting of narrow dirt trails with steep embankments and no signage or visibility. With a shared vision for connecting diverse neighborhoods along the Wolf River, Mid-South Regional Greenprint (a division of Shelby County Government) partnered with the Wolf River Conservancy, engineering firm Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, and Fleming Architects to evaluate boat launch access to the Wolf. Community groups and individuals, many being WRC members and paddlers of varying skill levels, also participated by answering surveys and
offering suggestions at meetings conducted throughout the area. A HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant funded the multi-faceted study. Project team members assessed existing launch sites and proposed improvements. Then they identified locations for potential sites, designing conceptual plans for three of them. They also developed conceptual plans for the overall trail system, including parking, as well as signage featuring maps, distance and time allotment between launch
points, and information about water depth and boater safety. Mud Island, Midtown/ Frayser (N. Watkins, N. McLean or N. Hollywood), Summer Avenue, Walnut Grove, Germantown Road and Houston Levee were identified as good access options. Of paddlers surveyed, 78% use kayaks, 63% use canoes. The Ghost River in Fayette County was the most popular section, followed by the Germantown Road to Walnut Grove section in Shelby County. Those who had not paddled the Wolf River said it was because access was too difficult or unsafe. The most desired site amenities were parking (25%), trash/recycling receptacles (17%), and restrooms (13%); although everyone said it was important to maintain the natural beauty and primitive feel of the river. Results from the 9-month study can be viewed at www.wolfriver.org.
The river runs through us
WRC founders, past and present board members, leaders and other dignitaries were honored at a Leadership Luncheon, held in October at the University Club. The group reminisced about the Conservancy’s early days, celebrated their accomplishments and discussed exciting plans for the future.
In September, FedEx employees participated in a Privet Pull and cleanup project at the Lucius Burch Natural Area. The Conservancy offers opportunities throughout the year for businesses and community groups to participate in service projects, including riverbank cleanups, invasive plant removals and plantings of native wildflowers, shrubs and trees.
Volunteers are the WRC’s face and hands, as seen in the tireless efforts of our special event workers, river guides, land stewards, teachers, ambassadors and others. Among our many friends giving their time and talent in 2014, Dr. Valerie Arnold, above, helped children build birdhouses, while Celia Butler and her niece Mikayla Lynn Butler lent a hand with face painting.
One of the best ways to experience the “Wonder of the Wolf” is on a Paddling Trip. Our volunteer River Guides led over 50 trips in 2014, including First Saturday Membership Paddles offered each month for WRC members. There are paddling opportunities for every skill level. Information on kayaking or canoeing the Wolf and a list of upcoming trips can be found at wolfriver.org.
The WRC’s 9th Annual Tree Planting was held at Shelby Farms Park. Conservation-minded volunteers of all ages helped plant 7,000 native trees, including Loblolly Pine, Bald Cypress and Pecan, making it one of the biggest Arbor Day celebrations in the history of West Tennessee.
With an evening of delicious food, great wine and Ghost River Beer, plus dancing under the stars to live music, the Greenway Soirée, presented by Memphis Orthopaedic Group, was a huge success. Over 200 guests attended the September fundraiser benefiting the WRC, including, left to right, MOG representatives Michelle Brand, Joseph Brand, Dr. Jon VerHalen and Elaine VerHalen.
Thanks to the Wolf River Conservation Corps, more young Memphians learned the sport of paddling this summer. The WRC offered the weeklong day camps teaching safe canoeing and outdoors skills to kids ages 14-17. However, the bigger lesson learned was the importance of preserving the beautiful Wolf River.
Sponsored by International Paper and hosted by the WRC, the International Paper Eco Challenge offered middle school children an opportunity to take a rafting trip on the Wolf River, while learning about the river’s ecosystem, the source of their drinking water and how to be a good steward of the environment.
With 141 riders, this year’s Cycle the Greenway, presented by Memphis Orthopaedic Group, was the largest in event history. Three race distances of 27, 39 and 55 miles, plus a “Family Eco Ride” with conservation-themed activities for children, allowed bikers of all ages and skill levels to participate in the June fundraiser supporting the Wolf River Conservancy.
“A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mid-South” was the theme of the 2014 Summer Lecture Series presented by the Wolf River Conservancy and the Memphis Botanic Garden. Five different speakers covered a variety of topics related to native plants and wildlife, including author Rita Venable discussing butterflies of Tennessee.
wrc c on tr i but a r i es 2014 HONORARIUMS AND MEMORIALS The following list represents gifts received January 1 through October 17, 2014 Honorariums Honor of Jeanne Arthur
Honor of Mrs. Lynn Jones
Honor of Mr. Will Thinnes
Honor of Ms. Cathy Justis
Honor of Mr. Jeff Thorne
Honor of Stephen and Mary McIntosh
Honor of Mr. Bobby Wade
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Jones Dr. E. Jeff Justis
Coors, Shelley, Will, Charlie, and Wright Arthur
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Hood Mr. and Mrs. John M. Jones
Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart G. Austin
Honor of Miss Gwen Anne Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Keeney Honor of Charles Askew and Cynthia Hubbard Spangler
Robert and Rosie Cooper
Honor of Charles Askew
Dr. and Mrs. Robert F. Cooper, III
Dr. and Mrs. Stanton Thomas Honor of Ms. Esther Pearson
Mr. Brig Klyce
Honor of Annette Posa
Mr. Dermont Murray
Honor of Dale Sanders
Honor of Jere L. Crook, III
Memphis Garden Club, Memphis Garden Show
Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Pitt Hyde
Honor of Mrs. Katherine Ainsworth Schmidt
The Rev. Senter Crook
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Pontius
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schmidt
Mr. & Mrs. Hamilton Smythe, IV Buckman Laboratories International, Inc. Mrs. Peggy L. Monger
Honor of Mr. Alston Boyd Wade, III
Mrs. Peggy L. Monger Memorials
Memory of Mr. James Blackburn
Mr. Rowlett Scott
Memory of Mr. Chris Brown
Mr. Keith Kirkland
Memory of Ms. Margaret Clack Cooper
The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Mr. and Mrs. Hayden Lait
Memory of Dr. George A. Coors
Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Crockett Ms. Barbara Kabakoff Mrs. Paul M. Mercer, Jr. Memory of Kay Ellis
Keith and Katie Cole Mr. and Mrs. Lee Gibson
Memory of William F. Hughes
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Garrott Memory of Carolyn Kittle Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Crockett Memory of Dan Powell
Ms. Pamela Page
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Beaird Dinkelspiel, Rasmussen & Mink, PLLC Julie Ann and Cannon Doan Ms. Leigh Ann Dye Ms. Dale Engelberg Mr. Keith Kirkland Ms. Varna P. Love Minor Johnston Douglas, PLLC Ms. Gayle Moore Ms. Jane O’Donnell Ms. Denise Merideth Perry Mr. and Mrs. Woody Pierce Ms. Julian Jones Prewitt Ms. Patricia Primrose Mr. and Mrs. Scott Schoefernacker Mr. and Mrs. Houston Winbigler
Memory of Andrew Jackson Hays
Memory of Dr. Joseph Vandiver
Memory of Mrs. Doris Feder
Mr. and Mrs. David O. Smith
Memory of Mr. Jon Michael Fisher
Mr. and Mrs. Chip Greer and Family Memory of Mr. Donald Andrew Gardiner
Mrs. Betty Cole Ms. Barbara Kabakoff
Memory of Jason Hall
Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Crockett
Ms. Margaret Vandiver
Memory of Jean Waterbury
Ms. Lori Averill Ms. Leigh Blanchard Mr. Dixon Braden, III Bill and Deborah Craddock Matt, Susan, Kelsey and Kendall Cunningham Jeff and Tara Engelberg and Family Ross and Liz Glotzbach Suzanne and Kelly Lomax Mr. Andrew McCarroll Ms. Sharon Murtaugh Southeastern Asset Management, Inc. Jesse and Nancy Thompson Mr. and Mrs. James Earl Thompson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Wynn Ms. Glenda Yarbrough Memory of Dr. Thomas Doyle Weems
Ms. Angela C. Strain Dr. and Mrs. J. John Weems, Jr.
Tree Planting Honorariums and Memorials Tree Planted in Honor of Dr. George A. Coors’ 92nd Birthday
The Coors Girls
Tree Planted in Honor of Mr. John Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen McIntosh Tree Planted in Honor of Mrs. Emma Smith
Ms. Pamela Smith
Tree Planted in Honor of Mr. Micah Smith
Ms. Pamela Smith
Tree Planted in Memory of Corky Neale
Ms. Cathy Marcinko
Tree Planted in Memory of Annette Posa
Mr. Dermot Murray
Preserving the Wonder of the Wolf for future generations — The Cypress Society A bequest is one of the most meaningful legacies you can provide and will have a lasting impact on the Wolf River Conservancy’s future. You may make a bequest to the WRC by preparing a new will or adding a codicil to your present will. To include a bequest to the Wolf River Conservancy in your will, we suggest the following simple statement: “I give, devise, and bequeath to the Wolf River Conservancy in Memphis, Tennessee, ____% of remainder and residuary of my estate (or $ ____ if specific amount, or otherwise describe the gift) for the general purposes and uses of the Wolf River Conservancy at the discretion of the Board of Directors.” Please note that our incorporated name is the Wolf River Conservancy, Inc. and is tax exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our federal ID number is 62-1245975. The Cypress Society honors a special group of individuals who have remembered the Wolf River Conservancy in their estate or financial plans. Membership is open to anyone who has made provisions for the Wolf River Conservancy through any one of a variety of estate planning options including bequests, charitable trusts, gifts of life insurance and other gift planning vehicles. This special community of supporters shares a strong common bond of generosity and leadership. Through their gifts, they demonstrate their commitment to preserve the Wonder of the Wolf for future generations.
Other Ways to Give • • • • •
One-time Cash Contributions Securities Charitable IRAs / Retirement Plans Monthly Contributions Company Matching Gifts
Over the river and through the woods Wishing you and yours all the wonder of the season. Thank you for helping us preserve the Wonder of the Wolf.
William B. Clark Preserve in Rossville, TN Photo by Dale Sanders
WolfRiver.org | 901-452-6500