T
Directors Adrian Blackney Jody Brown Susan Bryan Robert Carson Richard Chotard Tyree Daniels Jerry Feinstone Kathryn Gilliland Carl J. “Skeet” Haag Ricky Heros Joe Jarratt Melvin Jones Barbara Keathley Dave Marrone Kirkwood McClintock James McDonald Bayard Morgan Jon Rich Tom Roehm Carol Seamons Brett Shanaman Josh White Office Location 2693 Union Avenue Extended Suite 205 Memphis, TN 38112 (901) 452-6500
Conservancy Acquires Long-Desired Cannon Tract
he Wolf River Conservancy has purchased 252 vation plan using a science-based ranking system to acres of high priority wetlands just east of where prioritize acquisitions. The entire Wolf River watershed TN-385 crosses the Wolf River. According to was assessed for conservation values, as well as land WRC Executive Director Keith Cole, the acquisition connectivity, size, and shape. All properties were also is the largest and one of the most important in the visited to confirm and expand the assigned values. organization’s 30-year history. The property was Then each was given a priority ranking. pursued strictly as a conservation effort. The prioritization system confirmed what the The Cannon tract straddles the Shelby-Fayette Conservancy had already suspected, by placing the county line, spanning both sides of the Wolf River in Cannon tract near the top of the list, ranking 8th out some parts. It also of 10,000 properties in the contains the confluence Wolf River watershed. of Shaw’s Creek with the “We recognized the Wolf. But the property’s importance of the Cannon most significant asset is its tract for a long time and location adjacent to two initially contacted the owner large Tennessee Wildlife in 1999, but could not afford Resource Agency properwhat they wanted,” said WRC ties. By bridging the gap Land Protection Associate between 1300 acres of Ryan Hall, who developed the TWRA land in Piperton Wolf River watershed land Threatened by encroaching development, a fragile wetland along the Wolf River near Collierville will now be preserved. and 2100 acres in Shelby prioritization strategy, then County, the Conservancy’s purchase of the Cannon identified and mapped all the properties. land provides permanent protection for a 3600-acre, WRC members are also familiar with the Cannon contiguous wildlife corridor along the Wolf River. property. They pass it regularly in canoes and kayaks, “Conservation is all about connectivity, reducing and they saw a timber company clear-cut most of its edge, bigger is better – and this piece does it all,” said trees in 2012. Despite having undergone a complete Cole. “Through our partnership with TWRA, the land timber harvest, including the riparian buffer zone manwill now be protected in perpetuity.” dated by state law, the land and its water are healthy To determine which lands are most critical for and teeming with wildlife. conservation, especially given limited resources, the Paddling down the Wolf River past the Cannon Land Trust Alliance recommends that land trusts adopt tract today, you will see the break in the property’s tree a strategy for evaluating the lands they want to protect. canopy. But the land will remain unbroken, connected, The Wolf River Conservancy developed a land conserand protected. Photo by Ryan Hall
Officers President, Jeanne Arthur Vice-President, Russell Smith Secretary, Sarah Prosser Treasurer, Chip Greer Past President, Stewart Austin
Summer 2015
Currents
Study Finds “A Corridor of Opportunity” in Wolf River Greenway
S
ome of the good that a greenway brings, although obvious, cannot be quantified. Beauty. Tranquility. Connectivity. Civic pride. Fun. And most
important, the preservation of precious natural resources. But other benefits can, as detailed research across the country has proven. To better understand how building out the remainder of the Wolf River Greenway will improve the quality of life for Memphis-area residents, the Hyde Family Foundation commissioned a study by Alta Planning and Design and the findings are inspiring. Alta researchers used socio-demographic and travel behavior estimates generated by the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as conversions based on factors from 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.
After 30 years our mission as a land trust remains the same… protecting
and enhancing the Wolf River and its watershed as a sustainable natural resource. Many of you have shared
various stories with me about your memories of the Wolf River or the Ghost River section and why it is imperative to continue protecting these important natural assets. Thank you. Our work as a land trust has always been about addressing threats and facing challenges. It has also been about making sure that together we are part of a larger discussion and are seeking solutions on how to protect our natural systems, while working individually in our community to deliver on-the-ground conservation wins. Unlike some other land trusts, we also have active environmental education and recreation outreach programs designed to increase the awareness of our mission and work and engage our members and supporters. Recently, the unfortunate news coming from the state of California about the severity of its drought emphasizes why everyone in the Mid-South should understand and support the Wolf River Conservancy’s land conservation program, which helps to protect strategically important floodplains and our aquifer recharge areas. In my opinion, the drought in California should be a “wake up” call for every community in the country that our water supplies cannot be taken for granted.
Here are some thoughts to consider…
Three Decades of Diligence Imagine a four-layer cake decorated with vines and leaves and flowers and the WRC wolf on the top.
1985
The base layer of the cake represents the founding
of Wolf River Conservancy in 1985 by a small group of dedicated conservationists determined to save the once vital Wolf River from years of neglect and pollution.
1995
The second layer represents saving the Ghost
River, a beautiful section of the Wolf River east of Memphis in Fayette County that was slated for clear-cutting and development. This feat was accomplished through volunteers, donations, perfect timing, and teamwork, which made an eleventh-hour, $4.2 million purchase of the irreplaceable natural resource possible.
2005
The third layer represents drafting plans for the
Wolf River Greenway, a goal held close to the heart of the Conservancy since its earliest days.
2015
The top layer represents TODAY and our impetus
to complete the Wolf River Greenway from the Mississippi River through Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville within the next five years. With that goal comes the opportunity to protect our source of drinking water FOREVER. Will it really happen? Yes! It will happen because of the dedication of today’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers; because of the enthusiasm of donors and supporters; because of the hopes and
• Memphis residents pay the least for their water at $36.12 per month versus an average $94.51 for the 30 largest cities in the U.S. • At 50 gallons per day, Europeans use about half of the water that Americans use. • Worldwide it is estimated that 750,000 million people do not have access to clean drinking water.
dreams of citizens from Memphis and the
So far in 2015, the Wolf River Conservancy has acquired approximately 350 acres of land in our watershed that will be permanently protected from development. At the Conservancy, we are aware of many more acres that have a high conservation value and should be protected, but it will require adequate financial resources to do so. We are very proud of our achievements during the last 30 years; however, I believe our greatest opportunities lie ahead of us. You can show your support for the Wolf River Conservancy’s important work and mission by your continued contributions and advocacy.
health, a more beautiful environment, and a more vibrant place
Keith Cole Wolf River Conservancy Executive Director
Mid-South area. Overwhelmingly people from all walks of life are encouraging, supporting, and asking for the Greenway. Imagine our city and the Mid-South united by visible paths that bring all of us together in invisible ways — all united in friendship, better to live. We can, and we will, accomplish this long-held dream with your help. Join the Wolf River Conservancy in creating a green future for tomorrow. Have a great summer!
Jeanne Arthur Wolf River Conservancy Board of Directors President
Celebrating 30 years of
Preserving the Wonder of the Wolf 1 9 8 5 - 2015
Continued from page1
other studies, in calculating the value of investing in the Wolf River Greenway. The final Wolf River Greenway Health and Economic Impact Report can be viewed online at www.wolfriver.org, but here are some highlights.
Improved Access:
Memphis currently falls behind most
other American cities on investing in trails, parks, and other recreational amenities, spending 74% less per resident than
100,000 people live within a
the other 50 largest metro areas in the country. When our 36-mile Greenway is complete, extending from Downtown Memphis to Germantown and Collierville, 100,000 people will live within a one-half mile or 10-minute walk; 238,000 people will live within a one-mile or 20-minute walk. 57,000 people living within a mile of the Greenway do not have access
10 minute walk of the proposed greenway.
to a trail now. Ultimately, the Wolf River Greenway will benefit all residents and visitors to the Memphis region.
Health and Environmental Benefits:
S a lute to Our Corporate be nefactors We would like to thank our Corporate Benefactors 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.
Data shows that physical activity reduces the risk
of heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Completion of the Wolf River Greenway will give inactive residents, often those living in poverty and seniors, easy access to a safe, inexpensive means of regular exercise. Proximity to a trail will generate 1 million more bike trips per year and 4.6 million more walking trips per year. The increased physical activity will boost wellness, which will save over $1.4 million in healthcare-related costs per year. By creating improved opportunities for non-motorized commuting, the Greenway will also save the region $2.8 million in transportation costs and remove 5 million pounds of pollutants from the atmosphere.
Economic Benefits:
Creating a major recreational resource like the Wolf River Greenway
will not only draw visitors to the area, but also help attract new businesses and retain a talented workforce by making Memphis a better place to live. Studies of similar trail systems show that nearby homeowners can expect a minimum increase of 3.75% in their property values. The total estimated increase in property value would top $129 million, with nearly $2.7 million gained in property tax revenue every year. By attracting traffic, the Greenway can be a catalyst for nearby retail development, dining, equipment rentals, and other entrepreneurial opportunities. Improving access to paddling the Wolf River and offering a top-notch biking trail from the Mississippi River to Shelby Farms Park
1,126,000 4,650,000 $44,987,000 $1,467,000 $2,842,000 $7,185,000 $2,920,000
MORE BIKE TRIPS PER YEAR MORE WALK TRIPS PER YEAR IN ONE-TIME, UP-FRONT CONSTRUCTION BENEFITS
IN HEALTH BENEFITS PER YEAR
IN TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS PER YEAR
IN ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS PER YEAR
IN ECONOMIC BENEFITS PER YEAR
over
$14 MILLION IN TOTAL BENEFITS PER YEAR
will help Memphis generate revenue as an ecotourism destination.
Overall, Alta research shows the Memphis region will gain more than $14 million in total benefits per year when the Wolf River Greenway is complete.
Subscribe to eblasts and enews at www.wolfriver.org Follow us on @WolfRConser v
“We know the Greenway will become a corridor of opportunity through improved recreation, transportation, exercise, and
/wolfriver @wolfriverconser vancy
jobs,” said Keith Cole, WRC Executive Director. “It will make Memphis safer and cleaner due to top of mind awareness and extra eyes on the trail. But I also believe
Currents is printed on
the Greenway will improve our lives in
Accent Opaque paper
ways we cannot even imagine today.”
courtesy of International Paper
Greenway Gets Moving Joining Greenline; Planting Roots in Raleigh, Downtown and Frayser
T
inner-city educational programs.
he Wolf River Conservancy is
fall launching the upcoming Greenway
finalizing plans to begin work
expansions. With 260 acres on the Wolf
on the next four sections of the
River, Kennedy Park is one of the largest
the east and south by the Wolf River. It
Wolf River Greenway. The additions will
parks in Memphis. It has fallen into
also has a 19.5-acre lake, majestic trees
include a loop connecting Walnut Grove
disrepair over the years, but community
growing in a remnant bottomland
Road with the Shelby Farms Greenline,
advocates want to restore it. The Wolf
forest, and agricultural land. One of its
loops at Epping Way Forest and Kennedy
River Conservancy and other volunteer
most distinct characteristics is the hilly
The 100-acre parcel is bounded on
Park in Raleigh, and a
terrain that will make it a
loop from Mud Island to
completely different hiking/
Second Street.
biking experience, offering plenty of panoramic vistas.
The Conservancy will also be involved
The Greenway will follow
with Greenway work that
the north side of the
is part of a larger City
lake and there will be an
of Memphis project in
unpaved trail on the river
Frayser.
side. “Epping Way is going
“We call these sections our ‘low hanging
to be an incredible trail,”
fruit’ because they can
said Bob Wenner, WRC
be started this year,” said
Greenway Coordinator.
WRC Executive Director Keith Cole. “We have
“Memphians will see areas
Epping Way has the potential to become a jewel in the middle of the Memphis portion of the Wolf River Greenway.
of the Wolf River they have
secured the land and trail easements we
groups have hosted multiple clean-up
never experienced before – it’s just
need and the funding is in place.”
events at the park. Having the Greenway
awesome!”
The Greenway segment connecting
trail with people hiking, biking, and
The Downtown segment of the
Walnut Grove Road to the Shelby
enjoying nature is a chance to energize
Greenway will start where the mouth of
Farms Greenline will provide
the park.
the Wolf River meets the Mississippi River
an uninterrupted, multi-use trail
The Epping Way property was
and extend east to Second Street. With
running from the Greenway’s existing
donated to the Conservancy by the
its iconic location, this section was to be
Germantown trail to the Greenline,
Shelby County Board of Education, who
the inaugural project for the Greenway,
through neighborhoods in East Memphis
inherited the property following its
but easements for the now open Walnut
and Binghampton, and joining Midtown
illustrious history as the estate of world-
Grove Road to Germantown Road
bike lanes. The forested setting of the
famous big-game
section became
Greenway’s Walnut Grove/Greenline
hunter Berry Brooks
available first. The
connection will also allow opportunities
and then as a country
initial phase of the
for secondary unpaved hiking trails and
club. Although the
Downtown project is
environmental education.
school system never
only to put in the trail.
used the land, the
Greenway designers
Conservancy has for
envision adding
John F. Kennedy Park will be the site of a groundbreaking ceremony this
The Greenway will begin Downtown at the Wolf’s confluence with the Mississippi.
Confluence Park at a later time, which will serve as the gateway to the Greenway and provide visitors with an overlook terrace to enjoy spectacular views of both rivers. As part of redevelopment work in Frayser, the City of Memphis has plans to repurpose Rodney Baber Park, including adding a trail head that will continue through adjacent land owned by the Wolf River Conservancy. Adding the Greenway trail provides an opportunity to inject some positive activity into the park. The City will also be working on the Greenway’s McLean to Hollywood segment. The Conservancy is hosting a series of community meetings that will continue throughout the summer focusing on Greenway planning and design. The gatherings give residents living near individual Greenway segments a voice in what the project will ultimately look like. Greenway architects have enlisted Pique Public Relations to help facilitate the meetings. Pique specializes in developing community support for growth and outreach initiatives. “We want people to Tarrin McGhee, founder of Pique
understand that the Wolf River Greenway is not
just asphalt on the ground, but a basis for what the neighborhood wants it to become,” said Keith Cole, WRC Executive Director. “It’s a longer term program. They may want a community garden or access to a revitalized park. There are things that can be done to improve the conservation value of land. We can revitalize urban areas through creative land use.” The 22-mile Greenway will protect the Wolf River watershed while making Memphis a better place to live. Wenner noted that trail easements donated by landowners will be an important factor in the success of the final project, which the Conservancy hopes to complete by 2020.
Bob Wenner: The Wolf’s Puzzle-Solving Guy
A
s a young entrepreneur in the mid-1980s, Bob Wenner opened his first video store in Dallas, leasing the space and completely renovating it in less than 6 weeks. “I just got after it and got it done,” Wenner recalls. The store was a success and he sold it within a year. Meanwhile in Memphis, a group of visionaries saw an opportunity of a different sort – a way to protect and enhance the badly abused Wolf River. They imagined creating a greenway along the urban Wolf and went after it by starting the Wolf River Conservancy in 1985. Wenner’s entrepreneurial instincts brought him to Memphis, where he served as CFO and Senior Vice President for Blockbuster franchisee Southern Stores Inc for almost 25 years. While Wenner was honing his skills in real estate, finance and development, the Conservancy was also growing from a grass roots organization to a professional land trust, and by 2010 had opened a small section of the Wolf River Greenway. But given the complexity of paving a trail from the mouth of the Wolf at the Mississippi River, across Memphis, all the way to Collierville, the Conservancy’s leaders recognized the need for expert problem solvers to shepherd the project to completion. Wenner remembers Conservancy Executive Director Keith Cole, a business acquaintance who was also a former video franchise owner with a different Blockbuster operation, calling him when Southern Stores was closing shop. “Keith said, ‘We are looking for someone with a real estate background, and need someone to head this big project, and need some financial expertise.’ Keith said he really saw it as two people until he thought of me.” “I have always had a love of real estate and a love of solving puzzles – especially business puzzles. In our Blockbuster franchise, I was the financial guy, the one to select sites, the dealmaker, the strategic acquisitions/dispositions/whatever-needed-to-be-done guy. In order for us to build out the Wolf River Greenway we are going to have to come up with solutions for obstacles. How to thread this trail through all these neighborhoods across challenging terrains is a puzzle.” In addition to heading the Greenway project, Wenner negotiates land deals and transactions for conservation purposes and has led the Conservancy’s effort to secure accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance. Preparing the LTA application was a 27-month project that involved reorganizing recordkeeping, rewriting bylaws and policy manuals, and developing a science-based land conservation strategy. “With his leadership and disciplined manner, Bob helped the board and staff through the grueling accreditation paperwork – which is not always the most popular job, but he has done a great job,” noted Cole. “The first part of the application was about good governance, good accounting records, conflict of interest policies – basic things a CPA knows about auditing a nonprofit,” said Wenner, “but when I got to the part about land conservation, it was new to me. “I joke that I am a recovering developer doing penance. A developer thinks you can just knock that tree down and plant another one; now I realize it is going to be 50 years before that tree we just planted is as nice as the one that was there. Frankly, somebody else had already done the main site work for most of my retail stuff, so I didn’t do a lot of tree tearing down, I say recovering because I am no longer a developer. Developer jokes aside, Wenner brings a lifelong passion for the outdoors WRC CEO Keith Cole and Chief Financial Officer/ to his work at the Conservancy, including Greenway Coordinator Bob Wenner numerous trips to national parks. “It’s a good thing when people who have business experience are involved with nonprofits and here is a good example,” noted Cole. “Bob is able to use his previous expertise in a way that he would never have dreamed of, and in a way that he is enjoying immensely.”
Native trees in the Wolf River Greenway Arboretum Eastern Redcedar Black Cherry Silver Maple Green Ash Sugarberry Sycamore Slippery Elm Boxelder Baldcypress Flowering Dogwood Yellow-poplar River Birch Red Mulberry Devils Walking Stick Black Tupelo American Sweetgum Black Locust American Hornbeam Shagbark Hickory Shumard Oak Swamp Chestnut Oak Cherrybark Oak Pignut Hickory Water Oak Willow Oak American Elm Bradford Pear Black Willow Swamp White Oak Honeylocust Eastern Cottonwood Sweetbay Magnolia Red Maple Common Persimmon Overcup Oak Loblolly Pine
T
Wolf River Greenway Achieves Arboretum Status
he Tennessee Urban Forestry Council has
we have the potential to make it a Level 2, which means
designated part of the Wolf River Greenway
60 different species. We can also go in and plant some more native species.”
as a Level 1 Arboretum.
Hall used the Arboretum project
Located near the corner of Walnut Grove and Humphrey’s Boulevard,
as a learning tool for the Shelby County
the Arboretum follows a one-mile
4-H Forestry program, allowing students
paved loop through bottomland
to practice identifying, measuring, and
hardwood habitats along the Wolf
cataloguing trees, as well as introducing them
River and around the adjacent West
to GPS tree mapping. He also hopes to offer
Pond. An arboretum must have 30
forester-led walking tours for WRC members
different species of trees identified
during the year. Longtime WRC volunteer and Urban
and labeled to earn the state’s Level 1 certification. It also must
Forestry Council member Jim Gafford made
have an associated map available
the tree labels for the Greenway’s Arboretum at the Memphis Botanic Garden, a Level 4
for self-guided tours. For Greenway walkers who stop to admire a tree and want to know
WRC volunteer Jim Gafford helped install tree ID labels in the Arboretum.
Arboretum, and helped with installation. Gafford, who is also a Lifetime Master
what it is, the certification means they can now find
Gardener and Tennessee Naturalist, will be serving as
the answer along the trail, where at least 36 species of
interim Director of Outreach at the Conservancy while
native trees are labeled with their scientific and common
Dale Sanders is out on his Source to Sea expedition this
names. For the Wolf River Conservancy, achieving
summer.
Arboretum status affirms its commitment to making the Greenway an education corridor for all Memphians. “The Greenway sets up perfectly for an arboretum,”
The Wolf River Greenway Arboretum is one of 20 certified Level 1 arboreta in West Tennessee. Parking for the Greenway Arboretum is located off Humphreys
said Ryan Hall, WRC Land Protection Associate, who
Boulevard, across from Semmes Murphey Clinic. The
headed the certification effort. “As the Greenway grows,
Arboretum map is available online at www.wolfriver.org.
DRINK A
SAVE A
BEER. RIVER. LET’S ALL STICK OUR NECKS OUT TO HELP
THE WOLF RIVER CONSERVANCY SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 5:00-8:00 P.M.
Ghost River Brewing is partnering with different restaurants to help preserve the Wonder of the Wolf. A portion of every Ghost River beer purchase will flow back to the Conservancy on Drink a Beer Save a River nights.
June 9 – Central BBQ, 147 E. Butler Avenue July 14 – Local , Overton Square August 11 – Aldo’s Pizza, 100 South Main ________ Thursday, July 30 –– Miss Cordelia’s Mud Island – 5:00-8:00 P.M.
For future locations check the Wolf River Conservancy website at www.wolfirver.org/activity-calendar.
Thanks to Memphis Orthopaedic Group, WRC Friends can Cycle and Soirée
T
he Wolf River Conservancy is
River Greenway and offers course
proud to announce that Memphis
routes from 27 to 55 miles in length.
Orthopaedic Group has once again
Check-in for the event will begin at
come on board as the presenting
6:30 a.m, and the ride will start at
sponsor for our two signature events,
7:30 a.m.
Cycle the Greenway and the Greenway
To register and learn more
Soirée. The
about Cycle the
success of these
Greenway, please
events would
visit our website at
not be possible
www.wolfriver.org/
without the
cycle-the-greenway. Cycle the Green-
support and commitment
way is presented by
from Memphis
Memphis Orthopaedic
Orthopaedic
Group with additional
Group!
sponsorship support
We hope you will join Memphis
from Orion Federal Credit Union,
Orthopaedic Group and the Wolf River
Outdoors Inc., and the Memphis
Conservancy for Cycle the Greenway
Hightailers Bicycle Club.
on Saturday, June 6, on the Wolf River
Stay up to speed on bike safety
Greenway. This environmental fund-
with these important tips from
raising ride takes cyclists on the Wolf
Memphis Orthopaedic Group.
Bicycle Safety Tips from Memphis Orthopaedic Group • Wear a helmet – wearing a helmet reduces head injury risk by 85% • Ride defensively – remember that many drivers do not see cyclists • Follow the rules of the road – familiarize yourself with all of the bicyclist rules • Choose bike routes carefully – avoid high traffic roads • Take precautions when cycling at night • Maintain your bicycle – check your bike’s mechanical components on a regular basis • Hydrate – take water and food on long rides • Supervise younger riders at all times These bicycle safety tips came from the Memphis Orthopaedic Group Blog. To find more tips, please visit http://memphisorthogroup.com/bicycle-safety/.
Please join us for our
2015 Greenway Soirée A magical night of food, wine, beer from Ghost River Brewery, and dancing – all to support the Wolf River Conservancy
Saturday, September 26 at Opera Memphis
Order Tickets online at www.wolfriver.org/greenway-soiree
Presented by Memphis Orthopaedic Group
Past Events
The WRC’s 10th annual Tree Planting March 28 was a great success, despite uncommonly cold weather. Over 350 volunteers planted 10,000 native trees at Shelby Farms Park during the event, which was presented by International Paper.
The upper Wolf River provides opportunities for bird watchers to see a variety of species. In April, Gary Edge, WRC Certified River Guide and birder, led an Early Birding Paddle through woods, wetlands, grasslands, the Ghost River, and Spirit Lake.
The Wolf River Conservancy named Buckman its 2014 Corporate Partner of the Year in recognition for outstanding support from the company and its Buckman Cares Team. Buckman’s Beth Bazar and Tadd Ridgill accepted the award. Photo by Dale Sanders
In March the WRC offered local educators the chance to attend a Project WET Workshop. Sponsored by Buckman, this award-winning program provides fun, hands-on activities for teaching important concepts about water, including the value of resources like the Wolf River watershed.
As a partner in the April Faith in Action Memphis Cleanup initiative, the WRC cleared trash from the north end of Mud Island along the Wolf River. The Downtown section of the Wolf River Greenway and the proposed Confluence Park will be located at the site.
As a sponsor of our 10th Annual Tree Planting, Brother International donated more than $6,000 to the WRC. A large group of Brother employees and their family members also came out to help with the planting. Keith Cole, WRC Executive Director, presented Vickie Berry of Brother International with a plaque to express appreciation for their generous sponsorship.
The WRC Board of Directors and Staff Family Outing took place April 26 in La Grange, Tennessee. Board members (from left) Stewart Austin, Adrian Blackney, Kirkwood McClintock, Kathryn Gilliland, Bayard Morgan, Jeanne Arthur, Tom Roehm, Jody Brown, and Jon Rich gathered at the Roy Tamboli monument dedicated to those who helped save the Ghost River.
On May 1, the International Paper Eco Challenge treated sixth graders from Soulsville Charter School to a memorable day on the Wolf River. Students joined IP and WRC staff for a hike, riverbank picnic, and rafting trip. Recording his thoughts about the experience, one young man wrote, “It was the best and coolest thing I have ever done.”
Upcoming Events JUNE 2
Summer Lecture Series Chuck Flink, Alta Planning + Design, on “The Wolf River Greenway – A Corridor of Opportunity.” Memphis Botanic Garden, 6:30-8 p.m. WRC members free, non-members $4. 6 Cycle the Greenway Starts at Wolf River Boulevard and Walnut Grove Road in the Boyle parking lot. Check-in/walk-up registration 6:30 a.m., ride begins 7:30 a.m. $45. 6 First Saturday Membership Paddle Ghost Section – LaGrange to Bateman Road, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. WRC membership required. 8-11 Paddling Program for Youth and Families 4-day canoeing session. Details and registration on our website. 9 Drink a Beer, Save a River Central BBQ, 147 E. Butler Avenue. 13 Volunteer Cleanup Paddle Ghost Section – LaGrange to Bateman Road, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. No membership or fee required. 15-18 Paddling Program for Youth and Families 4-day canoeing session. Details and registration on our website. 21 Father’s Day Paddle Training: Part I Learn tandem canoe paddling, basic seamanship skills, boating safety, equipment, boat nomenclature, and craft handling techniques. Pine Lake at Shelby Farms Park, 1-3 p.m. WRC members free, non-members $30. Additional fee for boat rental. 22-25 Paddling Program for Youth and Families 4-day canoeing session. Details and registration on our website. 27 Father’s Day Paddle Training: Part II Paddle on the Wolf – Houston Levee to Walnut Grove Road, 9 a.m.
19 Sunday Afternoon Paddle on the Wolf
Germantown Parkway to Walnut Grove Road, 1:30-4 p.m. WRC members free, non-members $25. 30 Drink a Beer, Save a River Miss Cordelia’s, Mud Island.
AU G U S T 1 First Saturday Membership Paddle
Ghost Section – LaGrange to Bateman Road, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. WRC membership required. 9 Sunday Afternoon Paddle on the Wolf Germantown Parkway to Walnut Grove Road, 1:30-4 p.m. WRC members free, non-members $25. 11 Drink a Beer, Save a River Aldo’s Pizza, 100 South Main. 18 Summer Lecture Series Rita Venable, author of Butterflies of Tennessee, on “Gardening for Butterflies.” Memphis Botanic Garden, 6:30-8 p.m. WRC members free, non-members $4. 22 Family Friendly Paddle, Picnic, and Swim Houston Levee Road to Walnut Grove Road, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. WRC members free, non-members $25.
J U LY
SEPTEMBER
4 Volunteer Cleanup Paddle
5 First Saturday Membership Paddle
Lost Swamp Trail – Bateman Road to Moscow, TN, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. No membership or fee required. 11 Wolf River Stream Stroll Cool off in the Wolf River and look for aquatic life. Bateman Bridge, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 13 Summer Lecture Series Dr. Allen Houston, Ames Plantation, on “White-tailed Deer Management and Biology.” Memphis Botanic Garden, 6:30-8 p.m. WRC members free, non-members $4. 14 Drink a Beer, Save a River Local, Overton Square.
Lost Swamp Trail – Bateman Road to Moscow, TN, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. WRC membership required. 13 Baker’s Pond Hike and Hummingbird
Migration Celebration
2 -mile trek to Baker’s Pond and historic Mount Pleasant Cemetery, hosted by WRC during Strawberry Plains Hummingbird Festival. Holly Springs National Forest, 10 a.m. 26 Greenway Soirée An evening benefiting the Wolf River Conservancy, with live music, dancing, food, wine, and Ghost River Beer, at Opera Memphis. Tickets available at wolfriver.org.
All paddling events require registration. For more information visit wolfriver.org/activity-calendar.
We Salute our Grey Beard Adventurer
CRUISING for a CAUSE
Dale Sanders, WRC Director of Outreach, is commemorating his 80th birthday by paddling the Mississippi River source to sea. If successful, he will be the oldest person on record to make the 2,350-mile journey solo in one continuous trip. After launching his 15-foot canoe at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, in June, Dale will paddle approximately 30 miles a day for 80 days before reaching the Gulf of Mexico in September. You can follow Dale’s Spot Tracker and Timeline to check our Grey Beard Adventurer’s status, as well as honor him with a birthday donation to the Wolf River Conservancy at http://www.wolfriver.org/dales-source-to-sea-expedition.
wrc co n tributaries – D o n ors , H O N O R A R I U M S A N D M E M O R I A L S This list represents the generosity of the Wolf River Conservancy’s 2014 supporters. We are deeply grateful to all our members and donors, who recognize the importance of conservation, education and recreation. BENEFACTOR $25,000+ Anonymous Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation Ghost River Brewing FedEx Services Hyde Family Foundations Memphis Orthopaedic Group Buckman International Paper Foundation GUARDIAN $1,000 $24,999 Anonymous Robert and Corinne Adrian Jeanne C. and Bill Arthur Charles Askew Stewart and Ellen Austin AutoZone Belz Foundation Adrian and Katherine Blackney Alex and Elizabeth Boyle Brother International Corporation Jody and Lisa Brown Mr. and Mrs. Norman Brown Larry and Susan Bryan The Canale Foundation Rob and Amy Carson George and Bena Cates Keith and Katie Cole Dr. Clair and Mrs. Clarice Cox Tyree Daniels Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John H. Dobbs Mr. and Mrs. Mike Douglass Mr. and Mrs. Fred Feder First Tennessee Foundation Glenn and Kirby Floyd William and Peggy Gann Jim and Lucia Gilliland Chip and Diana Greer Ricky and Lucia Heros Rita Hilgenhold and Linda Morris Joe Jarratt Kohl’s Kroger Lichterman Loewenberg Foundation Little Garden Club Loeb Properties, Inc.
Memphis Garden Club Jane Hart and Bayard Morgan Rose Johnston Roy and Barbara Keathley Phoebe Miller National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Charles Oates Orion Federal Credit Union Outdoors, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Phillips Plough Foundation John and Trish Pontius Niel and Sarah Prosser Bill and Lyn Reed Andrew and Carol Seamons Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Shanaman Brett and Shelley Shanaman Dr. Tom Shelton and Dr. Kay Jackson Tennessee Department of Agriculture Mr. and Mrs. Simon Wadsworth Dr. and Mrs. J. John Weems Bob and Edy Wenner Whole Foods Market Gary and Noell Wilson TRAILBLAZER $500-$999 Anonymous Big River Engineering and Manufacturing Mr. and Mrs. Larry L. Bomar Frederick Boop Jim and Martha Boyd Jim Brooks and Jewell Ward Dr. Hall Brunt and Buzzy Hussey Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Bob Craddock Bruce and Elise Crockett Rev. Senter C. Crook Bob and Liz Dinkelspiel Gary and Judy Edge Robert and Martha Fogelman Bill and Sondra Fondren Tom and Allison Garrott Jerry and Bobbi Gillis Phillip and Lori Goetz Mark Gries Ryan Hall David and Lisa Harris John and Susan Huffman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jones Hussey, III Mr. and Mrs. John M. Jones Bill and Peggy Carrington Jones Jim and Mary Keegan Keeler Iron Works, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Keeney Brig Klyce Mr. and Mrs. J. Davant Latham Kathy and Scott Ledbetter
Mr. and Mrs. Kent Alan Lee B. Lee and Susan Mallory Andrew McCarroll Medtronic Mr. and Mrs. Logan Meeks William and Paige Proctor Kirkwood and Murray McClintock Tom and LeeAnne Roehm Russell and Molly Smith Mike Schwartz Charlie and Maureen Smithers Dan and Maria Stringfellow Mr. and Mrs. Walker M. Taylor Boyd and Lucy Wade Jack and Cristina Ward Dr. Jeff and Katherine Warren Josh and Kym White Mr. and Mrs. Turner A. Wingo Winston Wolfe PATHFINDER $250-$499 Anonymous AAZK Memphis Zoo Chapter Mr. and Mrs. Coors Arthur Carl and Pan Awsumb Will Bladt and Katherine Collins Joshua and Katherine Brown Mark Chicoskie Rebecca Courtney Walter Cygan Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Engelberg John and Ann Fain Final Touch Security Gabe and Rachel Gabrielleschi Meegie Glass Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Gooch Mark and Linda Hamilton Emil William Henry Frank and Mimsy Jones Barbara Kabakoff Edward B. Lemaster, Jr. Don Levy Herman and Sally Markell Dave and Susan Marrone Lytle and Margaret Nichol Mel and Dusky Norsworthy James and Judy Perkins Jon and Jennifer Rich Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ruzicka Dale Sanders Phillip and Jeanne Sisneros Ron and Linda Sklar Teresa Sloyan Bruce and Jane Smedley Ralph and Lynn Smith Cynthia Spangler Tony and Jamie Stallsmith Jud and Susan Tepaske
Mr. and Mrs. James Earl Thompson Dr. Todd and Adrianne Tilmanns Dr. Alan and Jan Wentz Wally and Nora Witmer GUIDE $125-$249 Anonymous Dr. and Mrs. Lou Adams Bill and Dee Armstrong Richard and Stephanie Banks Mr. and Mrs. Albert Berthouex Mr. and Mrs. Stephen R. Bishop Mr. and Mrs. Derrel R. Blain Mr. Anthony Buntyn and Mrs. Kathryn Graves Laurie Burke Lila Beth Burke Susan Calhoun Marty and Candice Carr Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cates Richard Chotard Dr. Aimee Christian Mrs. Betty Cole William Crawford Mr. and Mrs. Ben Daniel Mr. and Mrs. Keith Detra Mr. and Mrs. Brian Dixon Doug and Judy Douglass Mr. and Mrs. Jon Ellen William Fain S.W. Farnsworth Mr. and Mrs. Jeb Fields Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Foehring Andrew and Alison Fondaw Hugh and Margaret Fraser Jim Gafford Neel and Kay Gammill Jerrold and Martha Graber Thomas F. Graves Reb and Mary Haizlip Kelsey Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. Thomas T. Hill Mr. and Mrs. Jason Hood Spence and Kristin Hope Mr. and Mrs. Bo Hormberg PZ and Selby Horton Teresa Howell Jasmine Hudgins Bette Hurdle JabberBlabber, Inc. Clay R. Keeler Mark L. Kirby Keith Kirkland Dorothy Kirsch Phillip and Carla Knapp Hayden and Kay Lait William J. Landers Mark Lindstrom
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Long June Mann Cathy Marcinko David Martin and Liza Knapp Charlie and Janie McCrary Eric McLaughlin John Minnick Minor Johnston Douglas, PLLC Janet Forbes Misner Kevin Morgan and Jill Albright Dr. Haavi Morreim Dr. and Mrs. Gibson Morris Mavis Negroni-Foosaner Mr. and Mrs. Eric Nielson Thad Nowak and Beth Andrew Spencer Register Jean Rittmueller and Francis Dohan David and Debbie Rosenthal Mike and Carol Ross-Spang Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Rowland Eugene Rura Dr. Joe and Ruth Samaha Mr. and Mrs. David S. Scher Mr. and Mrs. John Scruggs John Spaulding Shepherd John E. Shields Mr. and Mrs. Jay Short Ms. Nancy Simco and Mr. John Tienson Mr. and Mrs. James E. Slocum Lauren Smith Pamela Smith Darren and Deborah Smith Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Smythe Mr. and Mrs. Brad Snider Kevin Speed Spinolo Family Mr. and Mrs. David Stevens Bill and Susan Strong Barbara Jo Taller Justin and Lauren Taylor Tyna and Danny Tennyson Christina Troxler-Johnson James Tyus Mr. and Mrs. David Vitek Mr. and Mrs. David M. Ware Mike Watson Dr.and Mrs. Michael D. Weinberg Mr. and Mrs. James West John F. Whirley Mr. and Mrs. Steve Williams Sharon Williams Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Williams Barbara Wilson Sheffield Worboys
Remembering Bill Stubblefield The Wolf River Conservancy lost a dear friend, dedicated board member, and longtime volunteer on April 27, 2015, when William Howard “Bill” Stubblefield passed away after a brief illness. He was 65. Bill was a passionate outdoorsman who loved his family and friends. His sense of adventure awarded him many memories of sailing, fly fishing, and golfing. After serving in the U. S. Navy, Bill joined Holcomb Law Offices in Clarksdale, MS. In 1983, he moved to Dunavant Enterprises in Memphis, beginning as General Counsel and retiring as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2010. In fall of 2010, Bill graciously stepped off of the WRC Board to serve as Interim Executive Director for seven months, while assisting in the Conservancy’s search for a permanent Executive Director. This January he rejoined the Board and was eager to help lead Conservancy efforts to complete the Wolf River Greenway. Excited about retirement, he packed up his home in Memphis last year and moved to a lake house in Oxford, MS, where he enjoyed boating and fishing every afternoon. “To know Bill was to love him,” said Kimberly Thomas, long-tenured WRC Office Manager. “He always had the most amazing stories of his adventures and was a jokester at heart.” Bill is survived by his wife, Kathy; children Will, Sophie, and Andy; and sister Nina Stubblefield Tollison. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jefferson Orr Stubblefield. The Conservancy was very fortunate to have Bill as a part of us for so many years. He will be greatly missed by all.
NESHOBA CIRCLE Monthly Giving Keith and Katie Cole Dave and Susan Marrone The Neshoba Circle is a special group of donors, committed to making a meaningful and manageable monthly gift to support the Wolf River Conservancy. Beginning at $10 per month, you can help preserve the Wonder of the Wolf today and for future generations. It’s convenient, easy, efficient, greatly appreciated, and helps keep our work going, each and every day. For more information about the Neshoba Circle or for any other questions or concerns, contact the Development Office at 901- 452-6500 x109 or 110.
The following list represents gifts received October 18, 2014 through April 22, 2015 Honorariums Honor of Tonya Tittle and Abel Alvonette Ham and Julie Smythe Honor of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Boyle, Jr. Alex and Betty Boyle Honor of Keith Cole Nick Scully Honor of Dr. Steve Gadbois Steven Johanson Honor of David Glover Emmanuel United Methodist Church Greenlawn Garden Club Twentieth Century Home and Garden Club Shelby East Garden Club Honor of Edward Grinder Alex and Karen Wellford Honor of Ryan Hall Lance and Tina Hall Honor of Barbara Kabakoff Nick Scully Honor of Rachel Kesselman FedEx Honor of Mary Kyle Joe, Barb, and Robert Kyle Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Morgan Alex and Betty Boyle Honor of Charles F. Newman, Esq. William M. Gotten
Honor of Robert Propst Charlton and Diane Lyons
Honor of Bob Wenner Nick Scully
Memory of Wim Nouwen Gino and Diane Bauwens Charlotte E. Boggs Dale E. Engelberg Warren Scott and Claire Haun Mary Royer Hays Roger and Ann Knox Newton and Corrie Metcalf Joe and Carol Lee Royer Cynthia Hubard Spangler
Memorials Memory of Mrs. Jerry Billmeier, Sr. Cynthia Hubbard Spangler
Memory of Dan Powell Ms. Dale Engelberg Deborah Thomas
Honor of Larry Smith Thomas S. Graves Honor of Dan and Nicola Tupis Lee and Brooke Hoffman
Memory of Etna Smith Chambers Ray and Linda Biggs Memory of Allen Cohen Ron and Linda Sklar Memory of Bob Coleman Betty Cole Memory of Margaret Clack Cooper The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Mr. and Mrs. Hayden Lait Memory of Dr. George A. Coors Virginia O. McLean
Memory of Jean German Ray Betty Cole Memory of Trudy Reed Joshua and Katherine Brown Memory of Mary Underwood Betty Cole
Memory of June Hall Keith and Katie Cole Memory of Mary Catherine Hitchings Keith and Katie Cole Memory of Don Howdeshell Dr. Tom B. Shelton Memory of Louis Ingram Bluff City Canoe Club Jack Chambers and Everett Williamson Memory of Margaret Kirkland Rebecca Courtney Patricia E. Isham Memory of John Lamb Josh Hicks Memory of Howard Lammons Harry and Sylvia Gayden Memory of Elizabeth Billmeier Matthews Cynthia Hubbard Spangler Memory of Dan Miller Phoebe Miller Memory of Thomas H. Miller Thad Cockrill
Tree Planted in Memory of Andrea Loth Laura Loth
Memory of Ollie Yanick Betty Cole
Tree Planted in Memory of Johnny McGhee, Sr. Alexia Cummings
Tree Planting Honorariums and Memorials Tree Planted in Honor of Bill Dunavant Michelle Dunavant Tree Planted in Honor of Zhengzhen Zhou Qinlei Huang Tree Planted in Memory of Susan Leake Jones Francesca Tronchin
Tree Planted in Memory of Colonel James Nelson Sam Incardona Tree Planted in Memory of Keith Swolensky Karen Swolensky Tree Planted in Memory of Douglass Wassmer, Jr. Holly Clark Tree Planted in Memory of Angelina Wider Margaret Vandiver
Preserving the Wonder of the Wolf for future generations — The Cypress Society
Memory of John C. Dobbs Paul and Maryan Mercer Memory of Levira Harris Jennifer Marshall
Memory of Dr. Thomas Doyle Weems Jennifer L. Turner Kathy Hughes
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.
Memory of Virginia Miller Betty Cole
Other Ways to Give
Memory of James Paul Mulcahy Betty Cole Memory of Ed Murphy Keith and Cary Brown
• • • • • •
One-time Cash Contributions Securities Charitable IRAs / Retirement Plans Monthly Contributions (Neshoba Circle) Company Matching Gifts Real Estate
PO Box 11031 Memphis, TN 38111
Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
Memphis, TN Permit No. 1919
WolfRiver.org (901) 452-6500
Spring into Summer Thank you for helping us preserve the Wonder of the Wolf.
One of the most beautiful sand beaches on the Wolf, located a couple hundred yards down river from the Bateman Road Bridge. Photo by Dale Sanders