Meet Will Sowards

NRC Clean Up Coordinator

Contact: will@newriverconservancy.org

Will Sowards  was born in Virginia. Since he was a young boy, he has been fascinated by the natural world and how it works. One of his earliest memories is time spent on the river, smallmouth fishing and camping with his dad. He has always recognized the true value of the outdoors and never misses an opportunity to share that with other people.

Sowards spent 3 years working with American Climate Partners, cleaning and assessing the Rappahannock and Clinch Rivers before going to school at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). While there, he learned reasons people interact with their environment the way they do, and how to find sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. He was also a trip leader for the Outdoor Adventure Program at VCU. Sowards has lead whitewater kayaking and backpacking trips throughout Virginia.

He also worked for the James River Park System as a Programs Assistant empowering and educating underprivileged youth about the benefits of getting involved in your community.

Sowards now makes his home in Sparta, NC, just a stone’s skip away from the New River. He spends his free time kayak fishing and sweeping the banks for trash, and enjoys exploring along the New River Trail and capturing the beauty of the New and the communities along the way.

 

“Well I never could figure what the sky was thinking, but the water, she don’t keep too many secrets. Just surprises.”