New River Conservancy

Saved by a Salamander
2024-05-18 13:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Old Store at Grassy Creek, 710 Grassy Creek Rd, Grassy Creek, 28631, United States
Raising Awareness. Celebrating Success.
Conservation of the New River in Ashe County has a rich and successful history, one that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
On Saturday, May 18th, 2024 the New River Conservancy, The Old Store at Grassy Creek, and many other partners will host a day of events that not only share the story, but teach us about conservation efforts that will help us enjoy the New River and its wonderful wildlife for years to come. View full event details HERE.
Why the name “Saved by a Salamander”? What does it mean?
The Old Store is located in Grassy Creek, North Carolina on the northern border of Ashe County. One of the legends floating around Grassy Creek is that when the American Electric Power Company made plans to dam the New River and flood the Grassy Creek valley in the 1970s, the obstacle that finally prevented them from doing so was a salamander. James Watson, a member of The Old Store staff and avid herpetologist, decided to dig into this story a little more. And what he learned was fascinating! The Salamander in question was a hellbender and it might have played a role in saving Grassy Creek….. To read what James wrote about it, visit The Old Store website.
The rest of the story includes the designation of the New River as a scenic water way and the origins of the New River Conservancy.
The story of the conservation of the New River is an amazing one, involving whole communities of people, and one that we believe deserves to be celebrated. Saved by a Salamander Day tells the story and raises awareness of ways we can continue to support the conservation of this historic watershed for future generations.

Also, join us Friday night for a special dinner at The River House. Full information HERE

New River Clean Up: In the Gorge
2024-05-12 09:00 - 12:00 | ACE Adventure Resort, 1 Concho Road, Oak Hill, WV, United States
New River Clean Up with Ace Adventure Resort

After a fun weekend of the New River Gorge Race and Rodeo, stick around Sunday and join us for a river cleanup with the New River Conservancy. We will be rafting a class III section of the New River while working to clean up trash.

It’s ever important that we come together to help restore our favorite playground to the pristine condition it should be in. Every piece of trash removed is one less on the river after all! Plus what’s not to like about spending a few hours on a fine spring day to root through the woods and rocks to clean them of garbage?

Sign Up – Email Dave Bassage at dave@newriverconservancy.org to secure your spot

New River Clean Up: Glade Creek
2024-04-28 | New River Watershed
Join us for a New River Clean Up on Sunday, April 28 on the New River from Glade Creek to Grandview Sandbar.
We will be rafting quite possibly the easiest section of the New River while working to clean up trash.
Sign Up – Email Dave Bassage at dave@newriverconservancy.org to secure your spot.

Earth Day
2024-04-22
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by Earthday.org (formerly Earth Day Network) including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics.”

Join us this year in a DIY Clean Up where you live and play. Gather some friends, some trash bags, maybe some gloves and head outdoors to help clean up your neighborhood, park or nearby trail. Every bit help. Every person matters. Send us your photos of your clean up and tag us on social media @newriverconservancy or use this hashtag#itsallonewatershed

You can also check out our 25 Things to do to help the New River Watershed

New River Symposium 2024 - Rivers Cubed: Reconnect, Restore, Recreate
2024-04-11 12:00 - 2024-04-12 19:00 | Radford University Student Rec & Wellness, 200 Jefferson Street, Radford, 24142, United States
APRIL 11 – 12, 2024
Registration Closed
New River Symposium 2024 will once again celebrate the social, economic, and
scientific value of the New River, bringing together the river’s diverse constituents
and providing a forum forpartnership, research, and policy development.
This year’s theme is “Rivers Cubed – Reconnect, Restore, and Recreate”
New River Symposium will be held at
Radford University in Radford, Virginia.
Schedule HERE
ALL ABSTRACTS HERE

The New River Symposium is a multi-disciplinary conference and celebration of the New River watershed, open to anyone with a professional or amateur interest in the New River. Anthropologists, artists, teachers, students (undergraduate and graduate), historians, researchers, community leaders, government officials, stewards, river keepers, planners, boaters, birders, anglers, and friends from up and down the New are all welcome.

Organized and presented by the New River Conservancy and a diverse array of partners, the biennial New River Symposium celebrates the ecological, economic, and cultural values of the New River, brings together the region’s diverse constituents, and provides a forum for partnership, research, and policy development.
Previous presenters have included teachers, researchers, community leaders, government officials, stewards, river keepers, planners, boaters, birders, and anglers.
Who should attend: Teachers and students, researchers, community leaders and volunteers, government officials and their staff, scientists, engineers, stewards, outfitters, river keepers, planners, boaters, birders, swimmers, anglers, friends and their friends from up and down the New River and throughout the New River Watershed.
Thursday AM Field Trip: 9:45 – 12:00 Visit historic Ingles Ferry Tavern (circa 1772),
part of the ancestral home of Mary Draper Ingles
Preregistration required.

Thursday afternoon Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bret Danilowicz, Radford University President
Friday morning Keynote Speaker: Chief Jamie Poteat Harris of the New River Catawba Nation
Presentation Schedule
2024 Symposium Theme: “Rivers³: Reconnect, Restore, Recreate”
A limited number of student scholarships are available.
First come, first serve.
Please contact Lisa at info@newriverconservancy.org

Keep Ashe Beautiful Spring Sweep
2024-04-06 09:00 - 12:30 | 184 Campus Dr, West Jefferson, NC
Join us for the Ashe County Litter Sweep! Let’s come together to clean up, beautify, and transform our community into a cleaner, greener space. Your involvement is crucial – every pair of hands helps make Ashe County shine brighter! Bring along your friends, family, and neighbors, and let’s tackle litter together and create something truly remarkable. Let’s make Ashe County sparkle.

Spread the word, share the excitement, and let’s make Ashe County the cleanest and greenest corner of North Carolina.

For inquiries, contact us at keepashebeautiful@gmail.com
RSVP https://forms.office.com/r/GkbCA3XrK3
Supply pickup info: https://www.keepashebeautiful.org/events

South Fork of the New River Clean Up
2024-04-06 09:00 - 12:00 | South Fork of the New River, United States
Join us for the first 2024 New River Clean Up! (Please be advised! This event has been postponed to April 6)

We have partnered with Stone Mountain Trout Unlimited to clean the South Fork of the New River in Watauga County.
Participants should wear appropriate clothing and be prepared to get wet. To register and for more info please email info@newriverconservancy.org

River CleanUps are crucial to protecting the waters, woodlands, and wildlife of the New River Watershed. Pollution in the New can harm physical habitat, transport chemical pollutants, threaten aquatic life, and interfere with human uses of the river. However each year we get help from our River Cleanup Volunteers, to remove trash from the river.

With your help we have cleaned over 1,500 miles of river and removed over 14,000 tires.

With your help we have cleaned out and disposed of 500,000 pounds of trash. That’s the equivalent of 250 ’79 Volkswagen Beetles! OR. 40 African elephants! In trash.

ReNew the New: Ramps 'n' Roads
2024-03-23 08:30 - 12:00 | Eastern Elementary School, 6899 Virginia Avenue, Pembroke, VA, 24136, United States
It’s Spring! Which mean it’s time for Ramps ‘n’ Roads! Volunteers will gather together at Eastern Elementary School, at 8:30am and be divided into groups.
There will be no buses running this year. Each volunteer will take their own car or carpool and convoy to one of the planned cleanup areas. Gloves and bags will be provided, as well as a boxed to-go lunch upon your return to Eastern Elementary School.
37 miles of the New River flows through Giles County, Virginia. Since 2007 the focus of ReNew the New has been to keep it clean and healthy for generations to come. ReNew the New sponsors 2 annual river clean-ups. “Ramps ‘n’ Roads in the spring, and “Fall into the New” in the Fall.
New River Conservancy is proud to partner with ReNew the New in these endeavors.

The Big Plant
2024-03-16 10:00 | Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States
The Big Plant is a community event hosted by the Environmental Coalition at Virginia Tech where thousands of trees are planted on Virginia Tech’s campus and surrounding Blacksburg area to initiate ecological restoration. The event is open to the public, which brings in hundreds of students and community members of all backgrounds and ages to volunteer.
The Big Plant strives to enable positive environmental change for individuals who may think they have no power over their macro-environment. The original cause for the Big Plant was to combat climate change, and while that is still a primary focus, trees can serve as an ecological answer for more than one environmental issue.
This event is primarily funded by New River Conservancy and is a joint partnership between NRC, Virginia Tech, and the Environmental Coalition at VT.

This year will be a big project site at the center of VT’s campus. Base camp will be about 1/4 mile from the outlet of the VT Duck Pond. We will be planting the riparian habitat along Stroubles Creek from Duck Pond outlet extending nearly a mile downstream on both banks. We will also have several other reforestation projects occurring scattered around VT’s central campus.
To register to volunteer and register, please click REGISTER
You will need to fill out this waiver at the event: WAIVER

Carroll County Listening Session/Luncheon
2024-02-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Carroll County Public Library, 101 Beaver Dam Rd, Hillsville, VA, 24343, United States
We invite you to the upcoming New River Conservancy Luncheon in Carroll County, Virginia, where we will come together to discuss our shared interests regarding the New River Watershed. Lunch will be provided.
We will bring together individuals who are passionate about the New River and its conservation. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow community members, share insights, and voice concerns you may have regarding the river’s well-being.
Agenda:
o Welcome and Introductions
o Overview of New River Conservancy’s Initiatives
o Open Discussion: Sharing Interests and Concerns
o Networking and Lunch
Your presence and input are highly valuable to us as we work together to protect and enhance the New River for current and future generations. Your participation will contribute to our collective efforts to safeguard the New River’s natural beauty and ecological integrity.
Date: February 21, 2024
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: Carroll County Public Library
101 Beaver Dam Rd., Hillsville, VA 24343
RSVP by Friday, February 9th, 2024 by replying to this email or to brooke.love@carrollcountyva.gov
*If you have any dietary restrictions for lunch, kindly let us know in your RSVP.
We look forward to having you join us for this important gathering.
If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to brooke.love@carrollcountyva.gov
Thank you for your commitment to the New River’s conservation.
The New River at Onion Cliffs in Carroll County, Virginia is located between Byllesby and Buck Dams.

Giving Tuesday
2023-11-28
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.
YOU can help the New River Conservancy in so many ways this year and every day.
SHARE the “Unselfie” – Download the Unselfie. Fill it out. Take a selfie. Share it on your social media and tag us like this @Newriverconservancy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or send it to us in an email with to events@newriverconservancy.org
TELL your New River story – When did you meet the New River? How did you get involved with NRC? Take a short video and share it on social media! Tag us!
VOLUNTEER for a river clean up, a riparian plant, at an event. Boots on the ground are invaluable to us!
VISIT the New River with your friends and family. Your love of the New River is contagious!
CLEAN up litter wherever you are on the planet. Litter always ends up in the watershed.
INSPIRE others to care for the New River as you do. Inspiration comes every moment, every day.
JOIN us by becoming a New River Conservancy member.
DONATE any amount at all. Every dollar counts towards river clean ups, restoration and preservation.

41st Annual New River Canoe Race
2023-09-23 08:00 - 16:00 | Zaloo’s Canoes, 3874 NC Hwy 16 S, Jefferson, North Carolina, 28640, United States
The 41st Annual New River Canoe Race and Family Float will be held Saturday, September 23, in Jefferson, NC. This Ashe County tradition is sponsored by generous donations from community sponsors. Proceeds from the race support the restoration work at the Wagoner Access being done by the New River Conservancy . Whether you compete, float for fun, or just spectate, come enjoy a beautiful day on the banks of the New River!
Bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one from Zaloo’s for a discounted rate. Zaloo’s also provides a free shuttle on the day of the race. The average time for new paddlers on this 5 mile stretch of river is around 1 hour. Many contestants with advanced skills have completed the race in less than 45 minutes. The race will take place rain or shine!
2023 Categories List
Novice (friends who are new to boating, have not previously won the New River Race)

Men Kayak
Women Kayak
Man canoe 2 person
Women canoe 2 person
Mixed canoe 2 person (adult + youth &/or male + female)
Mixed canoe 2 person (adult coed)
Youth (solo or tandem must all be 13 and under)

Expert (friends who have previously raced or are experienced paddlers)

Men Kayak
Women Kayak
Man canoe 2 person
Women canoe 2 person
Mixed canoe 2 person (adult + youth &/or male + female)
Mixed canoe 2 person (adult coed)
Youth (solo or tandem must all be 13 and under)

Special Class

Family Float
Special Craft (long boat, solo canoe, air mattress, oversized unicorn, etc)
Best Costume (individual) (friends who are extra-enthusiastic about having fun and want to add this to their Novice or Expert category, or simply participate in the festival. Note, if you enter the costume category, you need to be at Wagoner Stage by 1:30 pm.)
Best Costume theme (group) (same rules as above)

FEES

$20 per adult, per category
$5 each additional race category
$5 per child under 12
$25 per Family Float Boat (up to 6 people in a canoe)

TIMES

8 am Registration opens at Zaloo’s (3874 NC Hwy 16 S
Jefferson, NC 28640)
9 am Earliest Race Time
9 am – 1 pm Staggered Race Start Times m
10:30 am – 3:00 pm Festival at New River State Park – Wagoner Access. Music + Food Trucks + Festival Activities + Family Activities + Merch
3:00 pm Award Ceremony (All boats must be off the water by 2:45)

Online Registration closes at 5pm on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023.
In person registration will begin at 8:00 am on Race Day.
Preference will be given to pre-registered guests to begin the race.
Click here to register
Click here to Support
Click here to Volunteer

The It's T.I.M.E. Todd, NC Dinner
2023-08-26 18:00 - 21:00
T.I.M.E.
Todd.Impromptu.Moveable.Experience
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What makes dining great?
We believe it’s more than just the food.
It’s the atmosphere, people, setting,
​conversations, presentation, entertainment,
​the experience…

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The T.I.M.E. dinner will be held IN the New River itself with the exact location only revealed 2 days before the event to confirmed guests. The event will be held near Todd, NC.

Chef Renata Dos Santos originally hails from the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. She has also lived in Canada, England and Holland, while working in some form or another in either the culinary or hospitality field. As a result, she has brought an international perspective and global experience to the High Country. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of Charleston, she has won several culinary awards, including the 2009 Laura Hewitt Culinary Legend Award. ​
Wanting to bring her top class dining experience within a family kitchen table environment to the High Country, she launched It’s T.I.M.E. Todd. Impromptu. Moveable. Experience.
The cost of this incredible meal is $150.00 with 100% of all proceeds from the auction will be donated to New River Conservancy.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW HERE
TICKET PORTAL OPEN UNTIL AUGUST 18, 2023

An auction with some incredible experiences will be ongoing before and during the event. AUCTION WILL GO LIVE AUGUST 18, 2023

REGISTER HERE

New River CleanUp/ReNew the New Pulaski County, VA
2023-08-26 08:30 - 12:00 | Claytor Lake Dam Boatramp, State Road 605, Radford, VA, 24141, United States
Volunteers will gather LIVE once again!
Claytor Lake Dam Boat Ramp
State Rte. 605, Radford, VA 24141
Registration opens at 8 am. Event kicks off at 9 am.
Volunteers will have snacks and collect their “Fall Into The New 2023” T-shirts after event. This year we are strongly encouraging, those who can, to bring their own vessels to the cleanup. Sign up and help ReNew the beautiful New River!

Gloves, bags, water and a t-shirt will be provided.
You are welcome to bring your own boat.

Registration Options:
On the water – first come first served
On the water – bring your own boat and PFD
Land Crew

Waivers can be signed on site the morning of or print here and bring it with you.

Please wear appropriate shoes, bring sunscreen, water and bug repellent as needed.
Snacks provided

Register for Pulaski County HERE

New River CleanUp/ReNew the New Giles County, VA
2023-08-26 08:30 - 12:00 | Glen Lyn Town Park, Campground Drive, Glen Lyn, VA, 24093, United States
Join us again for ReNew The New’s “Fall Into The New” on Saturday, August 26. This year we are headed into West Virginia too!
Volunteers are asked to gather at the Glen Lyn Park, Campground Drive, Glen Lyn, Va. 24093 by 8:30 that morning. We are cleaning the river from Rich Creek, VA to Shanklin’s Ferry, WV.
Volunteers will be shuttled back to the park by 1:00 for a Giles County-provided lunch and to collect their “Fall Into The New 2023” T-shirts. This year we are strongly encouraging, those who can, to bring their own vessels to the cleanup. Sign up and help ReNew the beautiful New River!

RSVP with your first and last name, email address, and phone number .
MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE CLICK ON THE “DOWNLOAD WAIVER
Gloves, bags, water and a t-shirt will be provided. You will return by 12:00 and lunch will be served there.
If bringing your own boat, please provide your own shuttle.

Register for Giles County HERE

NRC Paddle Days with Zaloo's Canoes
2023-08-20 13:00 - 17:30 | Zaloo’s Canoes, 3874 NC Hwy 16 S, Jefferson, North Carolina, 28640, United States
Join us for our annual Splash for Cash Paddle Day with Zaloo’s Canoes as we raise funds for River Cleanups.
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This four hour float and lunch is bound to be one of the highlights of summer for our participants and New River Conservancy.
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We will paddle from Zaloo’s Canoes to New River State Park-Wagoner Access.
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Prepare to be captivated by the ever-changing landscape as you embark on our 5-mile paddling adventure along the pristine New River in North Carolina. From peaceful stretches of meandering waters to small rapids, this journey offers a diverse range of scenic wonders that will leave you in awe. Every paddle stroke unveils a new vista of breathtaking beauty. As you navigate the cool and calm waters, surrounded by lush forests, you will create lasting memories of tranquility and fun.
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Cost is $25.00 per person with lunch, drinks and shuttle included! Rent a craft from Zaloo’s if you need it. A portion of every craft rental goes towards River Cleanups.
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All proceeds directly support future River Cleanups.
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If you have questions, please contact Lisa Stansell-Galitz at Lisa@newriverconservancy.org
Click here to register

New River Park Ribbon Cutting, NC
2023-08-18 11:00 - 12:30 | New River Park, 8237 NC-163, West Jefferson, 28694, United States
The New River Conservancy and Ashe County invite you to join them for the ribbon cutting of the New River Park on Highway 163, West Jefferson, North Carolina. The ribbon cutting will begin at 11:00 am with representatives from Ashe County, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and New River Conservancy (NRC). Following the ceremony, there will be opportunities to tour the new park with Foggy Mountain Nursery and NRC. Swimming in the New River will be encouraged, or bring your boat for a relaxed paddle to Elk Shoals. Please RSVP at EVENTS@NewRiverConservancy.org if you are planning to attend.
After the Conservancy purchased and transferred Elk Shoals (270-acre former Methodist camp) to the New River State Park, it was evident that a public river access upstream would enhance the river experience. Elk Shoals is 5 miles downstream of this new park and there are no bridges in this section of the river. Not long after the Elk Shoals acquisition, a new opportunity arose, and in the fall of 2021 NRC received donated land adjacent to the HWY 163 bridge where there was no public access. This project was born of that need for a new recreational access and has resulted in an incredible resource for West Jefferson, Ashe County, North Carolina (NC) and the New River Watershed in general.
Through the generosity of our donors and several grants NRC created the New River Park on Highway 163 in West Jefferson, North Carolina. By restoring the river buffer with native shrubs and trees, the Conservancy stabilized the river bank, minimizing erosion and preventing further sedimentation of the headwaters of the New River. This restoration work will endure as the New River remains a resilient and healthy attraction for both residents and visitors alike.
Officially opening Friday, August 18 at 11:00 am, the park now includes a new river access ramp, parking lot, information kiosk, picnic shelter and portajohn. Paddlers will now be able to traverse the New River from this location and takeout at the Elk Shoals 5 miles downriver. This is a beautiful paddle or float as there are no low water bridges to worry about, nor any difficult rapids.
Huge thanks go to Ashe County of North Carolina, State of North Carolina, North Carolina Land and Water Fund, High Country Association of Realtors, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Foggy Mountain Nursery and all our donors, both big and small. Please RSVP if you are planning to attend the ribbon cutting at EVENTS@NewRiverConservancy.org. There are still opportunities to contribute to the park.
Please contact Elizabeth Underwood at elizabeth@newriverconservancy.org or donate at https://newriverconservancy.org/donate/ We couldn’t protect the New without you.
New River Conservancy is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to protecting the New River watershed in Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, and is based in West Jefferson, N.C., near the river’s headwaters.
Photo courtesy Kelley Germain, Germain Media LLC

New River CleanUp Grayson County, VA
2023-08-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Farmers Fish Camp, 1314 Farmers Fish Camp Rd, Sparta, NC, 28675, United States
Join New River Conservancy, New River Wildlife and Conservation Club and Grayson Landcare for a New River CleanUp on Saturday, August 12. We will be cleaning up from Farmers Fish Camp in Alleghany County, VA into Grayson County, VA.

Note: Boats will NOT be provided. You will need to bring your own boat, paddle, and PFD.
Please bring with you: Sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, and dry clothes to change into in case you get baptized!
Jack will have extra water in the likely case that you need to refill your water bottle.
Wear shoes that grip your feet. No flip flops, crocs, or high heels!
Jack will have waivers for you to sign before we get on the water.

For more information or if you wish to volunteer to help pull tires and other debris from the New River to help us keep it clean, please contact Jack Jordan at jack@newriverconservancy.org or call Terry Dunlevy at (276-773-8002 or send an email to tdunlevy@graysoncountyva.gov. You may also contact Info@newwriverconservancy.org

Blueway Trail: Experience Wildlife from the New River
2023-08-05 09:00 - 17:00 | 349 Methodist Camp Road West Jefferson, NC, 349 Methodist Camp Road, West Jefferson, NC, 28694, United States
2023 NC Year of the Trail
Join the New River Conservancy on a guided paddle trip to celebrate our NC Trails!
2023 NC Year of the Trail celebrates North Carolina’s vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways which showcase our diverse landscapes – grand mountain vistas, quiet rivers, vibrant urban greenways, coastal forests, and the rolling hills of the piedmont.NC Year of the Trail is the largest statewide celebration of trails and outdoor recreation in North Carolina history.
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We will lead two trips on Saturday, August 5. Both trips will be the same section, and different times are offered to accommodate the capacity and different options of the day. The first trip will meet at New River State Park – Elk Shoals at 9 am and plan to return by approximately 12:30 pm. The second trip will meet at New River State Park – Elk Shoals at 1:00 pm and plan to return by approximately 5:00 pm.
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We will leave most cars at New River State Park – Elk Shoals, and then be shuttled to the Highway 163 Access Park to put-in. From Ashe County’s newest river access park, we will paddle approximately 5 miles and back to the take-out at New River State Park – Elk Shoals.
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Please bring your own boat (canoe or kayak) or make arrangements from a local outfitter to rent your own boat. Please do not arrive with an inner tube as they are much slower than boats. You MUST fill out a waiver if you want to participate.
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Please bring a waterproof container that can be secured to your boat, that will include: water, sunscreen, lunch &/or snacks, and anything you would need while out on the river for roughly 4 hours. You may want to leave dry clothes and a towel in your vehicle at the takeout.
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Register for MORNING PADDLE

Register for AFTERNOON PADDLE
SOLD OUT! THANK YOU!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO
Events@newriverconservancy.org

New River Scavenger Hunt
2023-07-30 08:00 - 2023-08-31 23:30 | New River Watershed
25 years ago, on July 30, 1998, President Bill Clinton traveled to the Severt family farm, along the banks of the New as it carves through the lush green mountains of Ashe County in western North Carolina, to designate the New River, along with 14 other rivers in the United States, as an American Heritage River.
The New River Conservancy (NRC), who will celebrate their 50th anniversary next year, works every day to protect the waters, woodlands and wildlife of the New River Watershed. NRC encourages residents in the watershed to appreciate, take care of, and enjoy the New River every day. With this in mind, they created a scavenger hunt that will surely highlight much of what the watershed has to offer.
Rules for Scavenger Hunt
Fans will take pictures of our scavenger hunt list and post them to social media with the hashtag #NRC25. They must (1) Follow the New River Conservancy page on their respective social media of your choice: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter; (2) Tag New River Conservancy and (3) Use the hashtag of #NRC25
Hunt will begin on the 25th Anniversary of the New River named as a National Heritage River on July 30, 2023 and run throughout the month of August, ending on August 31, 2023.
Anyone finding at least 15 will receive a new NRC Stella decal.
Anyone finding all 25 will win a swag bag of NRC merch.
5 Bonus points to anyone sending a video of them kayaking, boating, tubing on the New River.
Photo Hunt List:

Any view of the New River
New River Gorge Bridge, WV
People tubing down the New River or any tributary in the watershed. (Must name body of water)
People boating
People paddle boarding
People fishing from a boat in the New River (Name location in post)
People fishing from the shore of a river or stream
Any state park or national park sign within the watershed
A kayak or canoe paddle
Any trail sign within the watershed
Your picnic on the banks of a river or creek
Toes in the water, sandals not required
A river cleanup in the watershed
Cliffs along the New River
Jackson Ferry Shot Tower
A biker on a trail within the New River watershed
A blue heron
A river otter
Mary Draper Ingles Statue in Radford, VA
Personal Floatation Device
Todd Island Park sign in Todd, NC
Any waterfall within the New River Watershed (must name location)
A pet boating with you
A drybag
A rainbow

*Contestants agree that New River Conservancy may use images from contest on any and all of their social media sites, website or printed material with photo credit given to photographer/contestant.

Annual Meeting
2023-07-23 13:00 - 17:00 | Independence, Va, 2456 Gold Hill Road, Independence, VA, 24348, United States
We invite you to join us for an afternoon of live music, conversations, and good food at our annual meeting on July 23rd (1:00 – 5:00 pm) in Independence, VA.
This annual meeting is open to everyone. Please feel free to bring your family, partner/spouse, or even the kid next door! We look forward to seeing everyone there.
For those that wish to purchase a meal ticket, this year we are charging $20 for adults and $5 for children under 10 years of age. Our rationale is to break even with this event, which allows us to focus our resources on the watershed and critical programs. A meal ticket includes entree, sides, dessert, beverages and beer and wine. We will also offer a door prize!
If you have questions, please contact Stella Cybulski at stella@newriverconservancy.org
Register here by July 18.

Click here to register

3rd Annual In the Creek CleanUp/ Peak Creek
2023-07-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Duncan Bridge in Pulaski, Virginia, Pulaski, Virginia, 24301, United States
Join us for the Annual In The Creek Cleanup on Tuesday, July 18 at 10:00am. *THIS IS A WADING CLEAN UP*
Co-sponsored by the New River Conservancy and Friends of Peak Creek (FOPC), volunteers are promised to get wet and dirty while making a difference
We will meet at 10AM and put in at the intersection of Duncan Bridge and First Street NE in Pulaski.
The group will wade 2 miles to Heritage Park for take out. It is important to note this is a wading clean up. Because volunteers will be wading, appropriate footwear is encouraged.
Lunch will be provided.
Canoes will be used to carry trash

Email Cathy Hanks for more information.

Grayson Landcare July Meeting
2023-07-17 19:00 - 20:30 | 1908 Courthouse, 107 E Main Street, Independence, 24348, United States
August is Clean River Month in Grayson County, and to kick off early, Grayson Landcare is pleased to announce Elizabeth Underwood, executive director of New River Conservancy, as their special guest speaker at the Tuesday, July 17, 2023 meeting at the Baldwin Auditorium of the 1908 Courthouse in Independence at 7:00 PM.
Underwood will update the community on the New River Hill Forest, purchased by the New River Conservancy. The New River Hill Forest, near the New River Hill Farm, purchase ensures that 174 acres and 2,530 feet of riverfront are permanently protected. The New River Conservancy raised nearly 1 million dollars to purchase this land with support from Fred and Alice Stanback, Charlotte Hanes, the Jack M Matthews Foundation, and many other donors. The Conservancy then gifted it to the New River Soil and Water Conservation District, which encompasses Grayson and Carroll Counties, and the city of Galax in Virginia, who will maintain it in perpetuity.
Now, old logging roads have been upgraded into hiking trails for locals and visitors, and river boat access is nearing completion. Once this work is completed and sufficient parking and signage are in place, New River Hill Forest will be open to the public.
Grayson LandCare and New River Conservancy have been partners since New River Wildlife & Conservation Club persuaded Grayson County to declare August River Cleanup Month 3 years ago. Grayson Landcare is partnering with New River Wildlife & Conservation Club and the New River Conservancy in a planned river clean up on Saturday August 12th, with more cleanups throughout the month.

Peak Creek Family Fun Day
2023-07-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Heritage Park, 1300-1318 Dora Hwy, Pulaski, 24301, United States
Get knee deep with Friends of Peak Creek and celebrate their 10 year anniversary!
Meet & Greet some of our rescued wildlife and check out our butterfly garden!
Staff from New River Conservancy will be hosting some fun workshops for the kids like a water filtration activity and a very cool River Clean Up “Operations-style” game.
Join us for the whole day, or just part of the day. Learn how you can make a difference in keeping Peak Creek and the New River Watershed healthy and clean.

Friends of Peak Creek is a community-based, all volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving and protecting the environs of the Peak Creek Watershed. Our mission is to enhance and preserve a valuable headwater of the New River, improve water quality and ecological habitat in the creek, foster environmental awareness, help develop sustainable recreational and economic resources for all to enjoy.

Downtown West Jefferson Gallery Crawl
2023-07-14 17:00 - 19:00 | West Jefferson, NC
ENJOY WEST JEFFERSON’S ARTS DISTRICT

Stop by and see our new office at 8C S. Jefferson Avenue, downtown West Jefferson on Friday, July 14th between 5:00 – 7:00pm. Meet photographer Carl Bailey, who took our extraordinary photographs of the New that fill our office. Chat with our Executive Director, Elizabeth Underwood, about our current projects and how you can help.
Have a glass of wine and some cheese and relax in our beautiful new space overlooking downtown.

Enjoy the opportunity to see new, creative and innovative works by Ashe County’s leading artists. Crawlers are invited to stroll the streets, visit the galleries, view the downtown murals, enjoy the many outdoor art pieces and take advantage of the downtown restaurants.

The West Jefferson Arts District is full of art, color and wonderful items to grace your home and garden. Art lovers will find one-of-a-kind paintings and photography, pottery, stained glass, quilts, fiber arts, jewelry, wood turned art, and much more.

New River Paddle Day w/RiverGirl
2023-07-11 10:00 - 13:30 | RiverGirl Fishing Company, 4041 Todd Railroad Grade Road, Todd, NC, 28684, United States
Summer Fun begins with a paddle trip with our New River partner RiverGirl Fishing Company!
**PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE**
Meet at RiverGirl Fishing Company at 10:00am.

Cost is $20 and includes: 1) a kayak from RIverGirl (or you can bring your own boat), 2) lunch at the takeout, 3) RiverGirl will also provide shuttle to the put-in.

If you have a kayak or canoe, you are encouraged to bring it. Also bring your PFD! If you don’t have a kayak or canoe, just let us know and Kelly McCoy with River Girl will provide you a kayak.

Bring with you: Sunscreen, water, snacks, dry clothes to change into in case you get baptized! Wear shoes that grip your feed. No flip flops, crocs, or high heels!

We will have waivers for you to sign before we get on the water.
Space is limited. Be sure to sign up for this event!
PLEASE NOTE – TIME IS 10:00 AM

Click here to register

For questions call: (336) 846-6267 or email events@newriverconservancy.org
**If you have already registered, you do not need to do so again. **

New River CleanUp/ South Fork of the New
2023-07-04 08:00 - 17:00
Join us for a New River CleanUp on Monday, July 10. We will be cleaning up from New River State Park – Kings Creek access to the confluence of the North Fork.

Jack Jordan will be the NRC Staff Contact, bringing Oak Hill Academy faculty and students.
Volunteers, please email Jack Jordan at Jack@newriverconservancy.org for more information and time.

Note: Boats will NOT be provided. You will need to bring your own boat, paddle, and PFD.

Please bring with you: Sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, and dry clothes to change into incase you get baptized!

Jack will have extra water in the likely case that you need to refill your water bottle.

Wear shoes that grip your feet. No flip flops, crocs, or high heels!

Jack will have waivers for you to sign before we get on the water.

New River CleanUp/ Ashe County, NC
2023-06-28 10:00 - 13:00
Join us for a New River CleanUp on Wednesday, June 28, 2023!
**PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE**

We will meet at the junction of Deep Ford Road and Parker Eller Road and take out just past N Fork New River Road bridge on Silas Creek. This is about a 2 – 3 hour trip. BYO craft if you have it. BYO PFD. Snacks and drinks provided.

Greater Lansing Area Development invited New River Conservancy and Keep Ashe Beautiful to participate in this clean-up. Shout out to our partners and we’ll be there to help!

River CleanUps are crucial to protecting the waters, woodlands, and wildlife of the New River Watershed. Pollution in the New can harm physical habitat, transport chemical pollutants, threaten aquatic life, and interfere with human uses of the river. However each year we get help from our River Cleanup Volunteers, to remove trash from the river.
With your help we have cleaned over 1,500 miles of river and removed over 14,000 tires.

With your help we have cleaned out and disposed of 500,000 pounds of trash. That’s the equivalent of 250 ’79 Volkswagen Beetles! Or 40 African elephants!

Please register your attendance at events@newriverconservancy.org

Learn about PFAS in our water
2023-06-21 12:00 - 13:00
Join WV RIVERS for a PFAS Lunch & Learn event on June 21 at 12pm where we bring together a panel of experts to shed light on the extent of PFAS contamination in drinking water. We’ll provide information on this emerging threat and the implementation of the new law, the PFAS Protection Act, which takes the initial steps to address the issue. With a focus on PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), we aim to address the public’s concerns and provide valuable insights into this widespread environmental challenge.

Our presenters include:

Jenna Dodson, Staff Scientist, West Virginia Rivers Coalition
Dr. Alan Ducatman, Professor emeritus, West Virginia University
Delegate Evan Hansen, West Virginia House of Delegates and Principal at Downstream Strategies
Scott Mandirola, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

Each presenter will give a ten-minute overview of the topic and how their work relates to this issue, followed by a Question & Answer session.
To learn more about PFAS in untreated drinking water, watch our previous PFAS Lunch and Learn.

RSVP Today!

New River CleanUp/ Wythe County, VA
2023-06-17 13:00 - 17:00 | https://www.google.com/maps?q=36.822336,-80.949442
Join us for a New River CleanUp on Saturday, June 17, 2023!
We will meet at the Ivanhoe ramp in Carroll County and take out at Austinville in Wythe County, covering almost 5 miles of river.
**Please email lisa@newriverconservancy.org to register.
River CleanUps are crucial to protecting the waters, woodlands, and wildlife of the New River Watershed. Pollution in the New can harm physical habitat, transport chemical pollutants, threaten aquatic life, and interfere with human uses of the river. However each year we get help from our River Cleanup Volunteers to remove trash from the river.
With your help we have cleaned over 1,500 miles of river and removed over 14,000 tires.
With your help we have cleaned out and disposed of 500,000 pounds of trash. That’s the equivalent of 250 ’79 Volkswagen Beetles! Or 40 African elephants!
