Your support makes a difference — take it from the source.
We never see the New as just a river. The New is the waters, the watershed and everything within them. The woodlands, the wildlife, the way we live. It is our responsibility and privilege to protect the river and its tributaries, and we hope you feel inspired to join us.
Volunteer for the 41st Annual New River Canoe Race
The New River Conservancy is honored to take over the annual New River Canoe Race & Family Float! The New River Canoe Race has been a tradition in Ashe County for decades and is a cherished community event that could only be made possible through the contributions of volunteers like you!
The New River Canoe Race will take place on Saturday, September, 2023. The race will begin at Zaloo’s Canoes in Jefferson, NC, and finish the five mile course at the New River State Park Wagoner Access. Boats begin entering the river at 9am, and the awards ceremony takes place at 3pm.
Volunteers are needed at both Zaloo’s and NR State Park to help set up, assist with registration, timekeeping, and boat launching.
Sign up here
River clean-ups
Students, families and individuals who want to help in an effective, hands-on way can participate through river clean-up days. Keep an eye on our calendar for opportunities throughout the year. The NRC also can host river clean-ups on demand for youth groups, work teams, neighborhood groups and more —have fun on the river while supporting the environment!
Learn More
New River Water Watchers and the Riverbuilder Program
Do you have a background or interest in ecology and a desire to support the health of the river through special projects and volunteer opportunities? Participate in water quality testing (New River Water Watchers) and riverbank restoration (Riverbuilder Program) and join with your fellow river enthusiasts in programming that is critical to the health of our water and watershed. You can learn more about being a Water Watcher here, and the Riverbuilder Program here.
