GRASSY CREEK — On Saturday, May 17 from 1:00 – 8:00 PM, the New River Conservancy and the Old Store at Grassy Creek, along with sponsors and partners, will present the 3rd Annual Saved by a Salamander,(SBaS) an event that celebrates the hellbender that purportedly was one of the ecological linchpins to the approval of, and subsequent status of “Wild and Scenic River” in North Carolina. This designation saved the town of Grassy Creek from inundation of 80’ of water by 2 proposed dams in the late 60’s and early 70’s.
Andrew Downs, New River Conservancy Executive Director, says, “Saved By a Salamander celebrates the persistence and resilience of a group of people that changed the world. This is especially poignant this year as we, along with many other groups, continue the restoration of the New River watershed after Helene. In addition, this is our birthplace, the birth of the New River Conservancy, and it’s always good to be home. ”
Saved by a Salamander Day is a family friendly day of events that not only share the story of the New River, but teach us about conservation efforts that will help us enjoy the New River and its wonderful wildlife for years to come. Carrie McClain, co-owner of The Old Store at Grassy Creek says “We are always excited about Saved By a Salamander. Whether you’re a local or visiting, Saved by a Salamander Day is a fantastic opportunity to learn about conservation, celebrate community, and enjoy a day of entertainment.”
From 1:00 to 5:00 PM enjoy an afternoon of fun and education with multiple vendors, speakers, and demonstrations. Some activities for kids of all ages include painting rocks, testing water, scavenger hunt bingo, and a fly fishing demonstration. Demonstrations and talks will happen every hour in and around the Old Store. Some of these, but not all, include Kelly McCoy from River Girl Fish Co who will regale us with stories of the illusive hellbender, Dr. Tuberty from App State with his ever popular counting critters workshop, Jessica Janc from Blue ridge Resource Conservation and Development talking about riparian buffers and Andrew Cole from the Museum of Ashe County History talking about conservation and recreation in Ashe County, NC.
In addition, food trucks and refreshments will be available with our popular Bier Garden serving amazing local brews and beverages, plus Boondocks (West Jefferson, NC) will once again have their food truck onsite with delicious dinners and treats. To round out the day, the Jeff Little Trio will perform live from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
Once again this year, NRC will host a special “Salamander dinner” the night before at the River House Inn and Restaurant on Friday, May 16 at 6:00 PM. River House is renowned for its elegant but unpretentious ambiance and delectable food. River House is the first choice for fine dining in the Ashe County High Country area. Tickets for this dinner are $100 per person, with proceeds going towards NRC and can be purchased HERE For more information, or to purchase tickets, please contact Lisa Stansell-Galitz at lisa@newriverconservancy.org
Saved By a Salamander Day is a fundraiser for New River Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Featured image: Dr. Shea Tuberty, from App State, leads a hands-on workshop to identify and count macroinvertebrates in Grassy Creek.
Below: Kelly McCoy tells tales of the hellbender on the front porch of The Old Store at Grassy Creek.
