Edmund Ivan Adams Legacy Society

By making a planned gift to the Edmund Ivan Adams Legacy Society, you, too, can play an important role in protecting and preserving this significant natural resource. Your gift will support the Conservancy in our work to safeguard the waters, woodlands, and wildlife of the New River watershed.

In 1970, Ed moved his young law practice to Sparta, NC, and began representing Ashe, Alleghany, and Grayson Counties in opposition to the Blue Ridge Project — twin hydroelectric dams that would have inundated more than 50,000 acres of the best farmland along the New River. Ed became devoted to the “dam project,” understanding its irrevocable impact on the economy, culture, and ecology of this remarkable landscape.

Ed and his allies prevailed and in 1976 Ed was present in the Rose Garden when President Gerald Ford signed the Bill designating the 26.5-mile segment of the New River as part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers system, halting the dam project.

In honor of his service, in 2008. Ed became the first recipient of the Wallace and Peggy Carroll Vigilance Award. Ed was a founder of the National Committee for the New River — now the New River Conservancy — with stints as Director and President. Over the years, he donated countless hours of pro bono work to the organization, establishing land trusts and other protections for property along the river.

Ed was named for the political theorist Edmund Burke, whose famous quote adorned his office desk.

Want to make a difference?

This is your opportunity to create your own legacy and ensure our conservation work continues for future generations.

Here’s how:

Bequest or Will: Designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a specific asset such as stock or real estate in your will or final directives.

Life Income Gifts: Charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts are examples of a life income gift and generally reduce or eliminate certain taxes and guarantee an income for life.

Life Insurance: Designate New River Conservancy as owner and beneficiary of an existing policy you no longer need or purchase a new policy and designate New River Conservancy as beneficiary.

Your gift will enable us to: Share and Foster Research Inspire & Educate Purchase a Forest, a Mountain or a Park Protect and Restore the New River Watershed

Join the Edmund Ivan Adams Legacy Society Reach out to: New River Conservancy PO Box 1480, West Jefferson, NC 28694 Phone: 336-846-6267

Email: info@newriverconservancy.org

Web: newriverconservancy.org

Directly Donate here

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors share the mission and goals of New River Conservancy - to preserve and protect the waters, woodlands, and wildlife of the New River Watershed. They are our ambassadors who provide governance, leadership and strategic direction for our organization. We could not do our work if they did not do theirs. We are grateful for their service and passion for the New River.

Mike O’Connor

Chair, Board of Directors

After a 24-year career in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps retiring as a Captain with assignments around the globe, Mike spent 12 years at Appalachian State University as the head of campus facilities where he helped the University garner national recognition as a leader in sustainability. Mike is a registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina and California. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast and loves skiing, cycling, hiking, and spending time on the New River.

Catherine Catrupi, Ph.D.

Chair-elect, Board of Directors

Catherine has lived in Virginia for most of her life. She moved to the New River Valley in 2009 and she and her wife now live in Radford, a 5-minute drive to the they enjoy kayaking, swimming, and boating with their dog, Hugo. Catherine worked for Virginia Tech for 10 years before recently leaving to complete a PhD in Higher Education.

Laura Waters

Past-chair, Board of Directors

Laura was born and raised in Galax and has lived in some part of Southwest Virginia all her life. She is currently serving NRC on 3rd term. Under Laura’s leadership as Chair, NRC became a “Three-State Organization”for the first time ever. Laura believes in giving back, having always done volunteer work. Laura serves as Chair of Pulaski County Board of Supervisors and numerous State and local Boards and organizations, including Friends of Claytor Lake and Friends of Peak Creek.