From our Director

Dear friends,

“For the New.” Everything we do, is for the New. Environmental. Cultural. Land. Water. Wildlife.

It is an honor to work for an organization protecting one of America’s finest gems, and the oldest river on our continent: our New River. And what makes New River Conservancy a unique organization is that all our programs and activities are directed to one interest: preserving and protecting the waters, woodlands and wildlife of our old friend, The New River.

Environmentally our restoration programs have expanded our signature “River Builder” program. This provides streambank restoration to private and public lands, and is now in both North Carolina and Virginia. We lift up our rich culture celebrating those river legends who fought against the building of a dam, and in doing so saved the New River, and founded our organization with the origin name of the National Committee for the New River. Because of support from The Old Store at Grassy Creek, we now have an annual event “Saved by a Salamander” to celebrate our history and educate citizens to create a better future. Our water quality analysis has expanded – nearly tripled the number of volunteers – and created an interactive map of data visualization for our work in West Virginia. With your support, we can expand this map of our river and tributaries throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Our wildlife maintains healthy habitats because of our work. And we have a new mascot: Stella Salamander.

Because of our generous donors, last year we acquired a forest, a river and a park.

We bought a forest. With the support from generous donors, we raised nearly 1 million dollars and purchased 174 acres, now called the New River Hill Forest, in Grayson County (VA) ensuring that land with 2530 linear feet of riverfront is permanently protected. Working with legal support, input from our donors and advice from our Land Protection Committee, we agreed on a shared covenant of restrictions and then donated the land to New River Soil and Water Conservation district, who will maintain the land and work with the public to enjoy… forever!

We bought a mountain. Again, generous donors stepped up to ensure the views of our watershed are protected. Adjacent to New River State Park (NRSP) Wagoner Road Access Area, we purchased 107 acres East Peak Mountain. This property extends the footprint of NRSP Wagoner Road Access Area. With your support future projects may include a river-to-peak trail with up to seven miles of hiking, backpacking campsites, bear-proof lockers, and picnic tables.

We were given land, and built a park. Through the generosity of two donors, we were given land, then received several grants and more support from donors to create a New River access park on Rt 163 in West Jefferson. Opening this summer, the park includes public beaches, parking lot, information kiosk and picnic shelter. Paddlers will now be able to traverse the New River from this location and takeout at New River State Park - Elk Shoals, 5 miles downriver.

Our staff has grown and this team continues to produce incredible work. We are a strong team – and we operate using our Staff Creed as our shared values. Our board of directors provides leadership and enthusiasm to help us accomplish our goals. We now have a Government Alliance Task Force that meets monthly over zoom, bringing collaborators together from towns, counties, cities and foundations. The river brings people together. And the New River attracts some of the most amazing people on this planet!

Policy advocacy has become a prominent function. This year I spent time at the North Carolina legislature and, and on Capitol Hill I had visits with Members and Staffers from each of our 3 states. With your support, we can continue the passion of Wallace Caroll and continue making trips to all state capitals.

Two years into this role, my husband Kristian and I have paddled a significant mileage of the New River in all three states, and our goal of all 320 miles is well underway. I hope to see you on the