June 10, 2021
Some good news on the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that was severely damaged during the previous administration! coastalreview.org/2021/06/agencies-to-reverse-rollback-of-water-quality-protections/
And also, on pipelines, no more Keystone XL! https://www.npr.org/2021/06/09/1004908006/developer-abandons-keystone-xl-pipeline-project-ending-decade-long-battle
Some good news on the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that was severely damaged during the previous administration! coastalreview.org/2021/06/agencies-to-reverse-rollback-of-water-quality-protections/
And also, on pipelines, no more Keystone XL! https://www.npr.org/2021/06/09/1004908006/developer-abandons-keystone-xl-pipeline-project-ending-decade-long-battle
July 5, 2020
It was a hard fought battle to protect landowners and the environment, but today both won! Duke Energy and Dominion Energy have announced they are cancelling construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Announcement from Duke Energy is here.
Edit - July 6, 2020
More on the ACP cancellation from NC Policy Watch's Lisa Sorg.
www.ncpolicywatch.com/2020/07/06/pw-exclusive-the-death-of-a-pipeline/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=be354b71-986e-472a-bbd9-3f51b7c6eb5b
It was a hard fought battle to protect landowners and the environment, but today both won! Duke Energy and Dominion Energy have announced they are cancelling construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Announcement from Duke Energy is here.
Edit - July 6, 2020
More on the ACP cancellation from NC Policy Watch's Lisa Sorg.
www.ncpolicywatch.com/2020/07/06/pw-exclusive-the-death-of-a-pipeline/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=be354b71-986e-472a-bbd9-3f51b7c6eb5b
April 23, 2020
“This decision is a huge victory for clean water,” See the March 8, 2020 post below for the background. As reported in The Hill:
"The Supreme Court on Thursday sided with environmentalists by giving a broad reading to the types of water-borne pollution covered by the Clean Water Act.
In a 6-3 decision, the justices held that a permit is required for either a direct discharge of pollutants into federally regulated rivers and oceans or its “functional equivalent.”
“Suppose, for example, that a sewage treatment plant discharges polluted water into the ground where it mixes with groundwater, which, in turn, flows into a navigable river, or perhaps the ocean,” Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for the majority.
“Must the plant’s owner seek an EPA permit before emitting the pollutant?” he continued, referring to the Environmental Protection Agency. “We conclude that [a permit is required] if the addition of the pollutants through groundwater is the functional equivalent of a direct discharge from the point source into navigable waters.”
“This decision is a huge victory for clean water,” See the March 8, 2020 post below for the background. As reported in The Hill:
"The Supreme Court on Thursday sided with environmentalists by giving a broad reading to the types of water-borne pollution covered by the Clean Water Act.
In a 6-3 decision, the justices held that a permit is required for either a direct discharge of pollutants into federally regulated rivers and oceans or its “functional equivalent.”
“Suppose, for example, that a sewage treatment plant discharges polluted water into the ground where it mixes with groundwater, which, in turn, flows into a navigable river, or perhaps the ocean,” Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for the majority.
“Must the plant’s owner seek an EPA permit before emitting the pollutant?” he continued, referring to the Environmental Protection Agency. “We conclude that [a permit is required] if the addition of the pollutants through groundwater is the functional equivalent of a direct discharge from the point source into navigable waters.”
March 8, 2020
A decision from the U.S. Supreme Court that will have major implications on clean water across the country may be rendered any day now. This case, Hawai'i Wildlife Fund v. County of Maui, could allow industry to freely pollute U.S. waters as long as the pollution isn’t directly discharged into a water source. Read about the case here.
A decision from the U.S. Supreme Court that will have major implications on clean water across the country may be rendered any day now. This case, Hawai'i Wildlife Fund v. County of Maui, could allow industry to freely pollute U.S. waters as long as the pollution isn’t directly discharged into a water source. Read about the case here.
February 5, 2020
A big step toward stopping the plastic industry from poisoning communities and polluting our air, water and climate is in the works: the Break Free from Plastics Act of 2020 is a comprehensive bill to combat the plastic pollution crisis.
The Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act would pave the way for an economy driven by reusable products and recycled material rather than throwaway plastics made from fossil fuels. It would phase out single-use plastic products, crease producer responsibility and put a stop to the construction of new plastic manufacturing plants. It would also direct the EPA to update existing Clean Air and Clean Water Act emission and discharge standards to prevent further pollution.
This bill will be introduced in the coming weeks by Senator Tom Udall and Representative Alan Lowenthal. You can find an outline of the bill language here.
A big step toward stopping the plastic industry from poisoning communities and polluting our air, water and climate is in the works: the Break Free from Plastics Act of 2020 is a comprehensive bill to combat the plastic pollution crisis.
The Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act would pave the way for an economy driven by reusable products and recycled material rather than throwaway plastics made from fossil fuels. It would phase out single-use plastic products, crease producer responsibility and put a stop to the construction of new plastic manufacturing plants. It would also direct the EPA to update existing Clean Air and Clean Water Act emission and discharge standards to prevent further pollution.
This bill will be introduced in the coming weeks by Senator Tom Udall and Representative Alan Lowenthal. You can find an outline of the bill language here.
February 4, 2020
Our friends at Food and Water Watch have released a comprehensive report on fracking that is well worth reading. If you haven't kept up with the arguments against fracking and the damage done check it out here! A bill has also been introduced in the US Senate and a House companion bill will be introduced soon to ban fracking nationwide. The Senate bill is S. 3247, see more on Congress.gov here. Let your senators and congressmen know you support this ban!
Our friends at Food and Water Watch have released a comprehensive report on fracking that is well worth reading. If you haven't kept up with the arguments against fracking and the damage done check it out here! A bill has also been introduced in the US Senate and a House companion bill will be introduced soon to ban fracking nationwide. The Senate bill is S. 3247, see more on Congress.gov here. Let your senators and congressmen know you support this ban!
January 23, 2020
The Environmental Protection Agency is dramatically reducing the amount of U.S. waterways that get federal protection under the Clean Water Act. The biggest change is a controversial move to roll back federal limits on pollution in wetlands and smaller waterways. The definition of "waters of the United States," applies to about 60% of U.S. waterways.
The rule changes will become effective sixty days after publication in the Federal Register, which is expected any day now. Lawsuits are expected, and will most likely put a "stay" on implementation until the cases are decided.
Read more about the history of the rule and the proposed changes, which will negatively impact wetlands and protection of water quality, at https://www.npr.org/2020/01/23/798809951/trump-administration-is-rolling-back-obama-era-protections-for-smaller-waterways
The Environmental Protection Agency is dramatically reducing the amount of U.S. waterways that get federal protection under the Clean Water Act. The biggest change is a controversial move to roll back federal limits on pollution in wetlands and smaller waterways. The definition of "waters of the United States," applies to about 60% of U.S. waterways.
The rule changes will become effective sixty days after publication in the Federal Register, which is expected any day now. Lawsuits are expected, and will most likely put a "stay" on implementation until the cases are decided.
Read more about the history of the rule and the proposed changes, which will negatively impact wetlands and protection of water quality, at https://www.npr.org/2020/01/23/798809951/trump-administration-is-rolling-back-obama-era-protections-for-smaller-waterways
January 11, 2020
The final report for the Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Study is now available online. This report has interesting implications for a new nutrient strategy for Jordan Lake, and could possibly guide the direction taken for future changes to the Falls Lake Rules.
This final report, along with the final reports of each of the individual research teams is available at the following website:http://nutrients.web.unc.edu/
The final report for the Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Study is now available online. This report has interesting implications for a new nutrient strategy for Jordan Lake, and could possibly guide the direction taken for future changes to the Falls Lake Rules.
This final report, along with the final reports of each of the individual research teams is available at the following website:http://nutrients.web.unc.edu/
January 9, 2020
More disturbing news - changes in the works for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA, among the first environmental laws passed by Congress and signed by President Richard Nixon, requires comprehensive studies into the potential environmental impacts of "major" federal actions or projects—with an analysis of alternatives. The sweeping language of the statute asserts the federal government's duty to "use all practical means. ... To fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding generations."
The proposed changes would stop federal agencies from considering climate impacts by specifying that agencies are only required to analyze impacts that are immediate, local and direct. The rule also would relieve agencies of any duty to consider cumulative environmental impacts. Read more about this rule change here: insideclimatenews.org/news/09012020/trump-nepa-environmental-review-changes-climate-change-infrastructure-pipelines
Comments may be submitted until 11:59PM on March 10, 2020. Here's a link to the docket folder and where to provide comments. www.regulations.gov/docket?D=CEQ-2019-0003
More disturbing news - changes in the works for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA, among the first environmental laws passed by Congress and signed by President Richard Nixon, requires comprehensive studies into the potential environmental impacts of "major" federal actions or projects—with an analysis of alternatives. The sweeping language of the statute asserts the federal government's duty to "use all practical means. ... To fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding generations."
The proposed changes would stop federal agencies from considering climate impacts by specifying that agencies are only required to analyze impacts that are immediate, local and direct. The rule also would relieve agencies of any duty to consider cumulative environmental impacts. Read more about this rule change here: insideclimatenews.org/news/09012020/trump-nepa-environmental-review-changes-climate-change-infrastructure-pipelines
Comments may be submitted until 11:59PM on March 10, 2020. Here's a link to the docket folder and where to provide comments. www.regulations.gov/docket?D=CEQ-2019-0003
April 1, 2019
Duke ordered to excavate all remaining coal ash ponds in North Carolina (see article here). Great news for North Carolina's environment and also to the thousands of people who live near coal ash ponds. Thank you Secretary Michael Regan and the staff of the NC Department of Environmental Quality for making the right decision.
Duke ordered to excavate all remaining coal ash ponds in North Carolina (see article here). Great news for North Carolina's environment and also to the thousands of people who live near coal ash ponds. Thank you Secretary Michael Regan and the staff of the NC Department of Environmental Quality for making the right decision.
Come visit with the River Guardian Foundation at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area on April 7, 2019 from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Family Fishing Fiesta. We'll be making personal fishing line collection containers to help keep monofilament line out of the environment. More info here.
March 19, 2018
Pictures from Sunday's Swift Creek Week event "Get Geeked For Creek Week". Thanks to the 70+ adults and kids that participated, learned about the Swift Creek Watershed and how they can help protect and enjoy it.
There are many more events and activities still to come. See the full agenda here.
Pictures from Sunday's Swift Creek Week event "Get Geeked For Creek Week". Thanks to the 70+ adults and kids that participated, learned about the Swift Creek Watershed and how they can help protect and enjoy it.
There are many more events and activities still to come. See the full agenda here.
February 2, 2018
Swift Creek Week 2018 updates have been added to the Swift Creek Week tab. Check out the additional events and fun things to do this March 17-24!
Swift Creek Week 2018 updates have been added to the Swift Creek Week tab. Check out the additional events and fun things to do this March 17-24!
January 16, 2018
Swift Creek Week 2018 is only 3 months away! More information will be coming soon under the Swift Creek Week tab above. More events, more fun and more ways to help promote and protect Wake County's Swift Creek.
Swift Creek Week 2018 is only 3 months away! More information will be coming soon under the Swift Creek Week tab above. More events, more fun and more ways to help promote and protect Wake County's Swift Creek.
Join the NC Watershed Stewardship Network at a new daylong workshop this fall. "Sustainably Funding your Watershed Efforts" is designed to help you learn about and discuss strategies for obtaining funds and leveraging resources to support watershed protection and restoration efforts. Workshops will be held in Newton on September 27, 2017, New Bern on October 23, 2017 and Fayetteville on November 9, 2017.
For more information and to register, click here.
For more information and to register, click here.
August 7, 2017 - From the Environmental Working Group - an important report (here) about drinking water and children's health. Picture courtesy of EWG. More environmental information produced by EWG may be found on their website here.
Monofilament Fishing Line Disposal Container Installation - January 31, 2017
Partnering with Knee Deep Adventures and Keep Greenville Beautiful, we installed a new collection device to help protect wildlife in this segment of the Tar River. See the video here: http://wnct.com/2017/01/31/fishing-line-recycling-tube-installed-at-greenville-town-common/
Partnering with Knee Deep Adventures and Keep Greenville Beautiful, we installed a new collection device to help protect wildlife in this segment of the Tar River. See the video here: http://wnct.com/2017/01/31/fishing-line-recycling-tube-installed-at-greenville-town-common/
River Guardians Program - September 1, 2016
Schools are back in session and our River Guardians are already hard at work collecting water samples and making observations in area creeks and rivers. This school year we have sampling locations in the Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, Roanoke, and Yadkin River Basins with many of the locations on water bodies that have never been sampled consistently prior to the program. This popular program continues to expand!
Schools are back in session and our River Guardians are already hard at work collecting water samples and making observations in area creeks and rivers. This school year we have sampling locations in the Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, Roanoke, and Yadkin River Basins with many of the locations on water bodies that have never been sampled consistently prior to the program. This popular program continues to expand!
Canoes For A Cause - June 18th
Canoes For A Cause is looking for volunteers to clean Lake Johnson, by boat or on foot, on Sat., June 18th as part of Wake County Big Sweep. Volunteers park off-site where they'll check-in to sign waivers between 9AM-10AM, then walk 1/4 mile to the park. Litter cleanup runs from 10AM-12PM, followed by a special Volunteer Appreciation Party (lunch) sponsored by Leinenkugel's Brewing Company of WI. Adults must accompany all children age 16 and under.
Do not park at Lake Johnson Park. Please park and check-in at the Athens Drive County Library parking lot (enter from Avent Ferry Road- look for the tents). Volunteers will park here, sign two liability waivers, and walk 1/4 mile to the park for the cleanup. Once at Lake Johnson Park, stop by the Leinenkugel's tent to sign up for the raffle and other volunteer appreciation gifts. Then make sure to grab your cleanup supplies near the park office, which includes gloves, trash bags, recycle bags, and Big Sweep data cards.
What to wear and what to bring: Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and old clothes that can get wet and muddy. Don't forget your sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat!
Additional instructions will be sent to all those who register. To register go to https://canoesforacauseraleigh.eventbrite.com.
Do not park at Lake Johnson Park. Please park and check-in at the Athens Drive County Library parking lot (enter from Avent Ferry Road- look for the tents). Volunteers will park here, sign two liability waivers, and walk 1/4 mile to the park for the cleanup. Once at Lake Johnson Park, stop by the Leinenkugel's tent to sign up for the raffle and other volunteer appreciation gifts. Then make sure to grab your cleanup supplies near the park office, which includes gloves, trash bags, recycle bags, and Big Sweep data cards.
What to wear and what to bring: Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and old clothes that can get wet and muddy. Don't forget your sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat!
Additional instructions will be sent to all those who register. To register go to https://canoesforacauseraleigh.eventbrite.com.
Please join the River Guardian Foundation on March 19, 2016 from 9AM to 12PM for our fall cleanup of the streams, lakes and trails of Umstead State Park in Raleigh NC.
Gloves, trash bags, water, and data cards will be provided. Volunteers 6 years and up are welcome (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Contact George@riverguardfdn.org for more information.
Gloves, trash bags, water, and data cards will be provided. Volunteers 6 years and up are welcome (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Contact George@riverguardfdn.org for more information.
Just another valuable contribution to the wildlife community that the River Guardian Foundation provides!
Robertson Millpond Preserve December 9, 2015 at 6:31pm · Thank you River Guardian Foundation for the fishing line recycling bin! https://www.facebook.com/robmillpond/photos/pb.945011958911166.-2207520000.1452180236./966325200113175/?&theater
Robertson Millpond Preserve December 9, 2015 at 6:31pm · Thank you River Guardian Foundation for the fishing line recycling bin! https://www.facebook.com/robmillpond/photos/pb.945011958911166.-2207520000.1452180236./966325200113175/?&theater
September 11, 2015 - State Farm Youth Advisory Board Announces Grant Recipients
We're proud to announce that today our sister agency Love A Sea Turtle was awarded a continuation/expansion grant for our Neuse River Guardians program, including an expansion into the Tar River Basin. We'll be working with more kids as they learn how to be environmental stewards and leaders!
We're proud to announce that today our sister agency Love A Sea Turtle was awarded a continuation/expansion grant for our Neuse River Guardians program, including an expansion into the Tar River Basin. We'll be working with more kids as they learn how to be environmental stewards and leaders!
Statewide Gathering of Communities Affected by Coal Ash - Saturday, July 25th!
Make plans to join us on Saturday, July 25th at 12:00 PM in Stokes County, NC for the first ever statewide gathering of concerned parties to discuss the impact of coal ash on our state. Please RSVP via Eventbright (coalashmeeting.eventbrite.com) to receive specific location information. Sorry, no industry or media representatives at the meeting itself!
Make plans to join us on Saturday, July 25th at 12:00 PM in Stokes County, NC for the first ever statewide gathering of concerned parties to discuss the impact of coal ash on our state. Please RSVP via Eventbright (coalashmeeting.eventbrite.com) to receive specific location information. Sorry, no industry or media representatives at the meeting itself!
Please join us Saturday, May 16th, at 11:30 AM at Seaforth Recreation Area at Jordan Lake as our community gathers to call on local, state, and federal leaders to protect our communities by rejecting offshore oil drilling, fracking, coal ash, and more — and instead accelerate the shift to clean, renewable energy like offshore wind and solar power. Following the gathering there will be a BYO picnic, birdwatching, kayaking (free use of kayaks courtesy of River Guardian Foundation and Love A Sea Turtle!), and community building.
Now is the time to join hands and transition our energy policy away from our dependence on fossil fuels and into the light of clean energy and renewables! We hope you and your family will join us for this special opportunity. This is part of the national demonstration, “Hands Across the Sand”, and is co-sponsored by the River Guardian Foundation, NCIPL, the Capital City group of the NC Sierra Club, 350 (Triangle), and FrackFreeNC.
(Directions for Jordan Lake: The park address is not listed on any GPS system. If you attempt to use this method it will misdirect you. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is located in Chatham County, 21 miles southwest of Raleigh off US 64, and can be reached via NC 751 or US 15-501 from Durham and Chapel Hill. Here is a link to a map of Seaforth. Notice the sandy cove area is to the right of the beach. Traveling west on US 64, go over the bridge on Jordan Lake. The Seaforth entrance is on the left.)
Now is the time to join hands and transition our energy policy away from our dependence on fossil fuels and into the light of clean energy and renewables! We hope you and your family will join us for this special opportunity. This is part of the national demonstration, “Hands Across the Sand”, and is co-sponsored by the River Guardian Foundation, NCIPL, the Capital City group of the NC Sierra Club, 350 (Triangle), and FrackFreeNC.
(Directions for Jordan Lake: The park address is not listed on any GPS system. If you attempt to use this method it will misdirect you. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is located in Chatham County, 21 miles southwest of Raleigh off US 64, and can be reached via NC 751 or US 15-501 from Durham and Chapel Hill. Here is a link to a map of Seaforth. Notice the sandy cove area is to the right of the beach. Traveling west on US 64, go over the bridge on Jordan Lake. The Seaforth entrance is on the left.)
Earth Day 2015!
The River Guardian Foundation was honored to be a part of Vance Granville Community College's Earth Day Celebration by arranging for several organizations to provide table exhibits and speakers, as well as conduct Stow-It Don't Throw-It monofilament fishing line container construction. An Earth Day poster contest, edible bugs!, Franklin County Soil and Water, Adopt-A-Stream, as well as many other organizations were present to educate students and the public alike in environmental and conservation issues. More photos from the celebration below.
The River Guardian Foundation was honored to be a part of Vance Granville Community College's Earth Day Celebration by arranging for several organizations to provide table exhibits and speakers, as well as conduct Stow-It Don't Throw-It monofilament fishing line container construction. An Earth Day poster contest, edible bugs!, Franklin County Soil and Water, Adopt-A-Stream, as well as many other organizations were present to educate students and the public alike in environmental and conservation issues. More photos from the celebration below.
April 20, 2015
Today, along with our partners Love A Sea Turtle, the River Guardian Foundation hosted the Neuse River Guardians 2015 Environmental Symposium at River Park North in Greenville, North Carolina. Following a personal welcome video from Wendy Benchley, Ocean Conservationist, Co-founder of Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, over 250 students and teachers from our 6 Neuse River Guardian schools located across the Neuse River Basin heard presentations from various experts in water quality and conservation including Dr. Jamie DeWitt (ECU Dept of Pharmacology & Toxicology), Assistant Professor Dr. Eban Bean (ECU Dept of Engineering, Assistant Professor, Institute for Coastal Science & Policy), Dr. Mike O’Driscoll (ECU Dept of Geological Sciences, Assistant Professor), and Mark Vander Borgh (NC DENR, Algal Ecologist). Teachers were also provided in-service training with NC DENR's Project WET coordinator Holly Denham. Numerous other table presenters such as the US EPA and NC DENR eagerly engaged students in discussions. We were also fortunate to have as honored guests NC DENR Secretary Donald vanderVaart and DENR Assistant Secretary Tom Reeder who took great interest in discussing environmental issues with students, teachers and other attendees.
Following lunch, our Neuse River Guardians explored the park with Love A Sea Turtle volunteers staffing outdoor activities - kayaking, trail biking, hiking/letterboxing, fishing and water testing. The Greenville Utilities Commission also hosted Earth Day tours at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for our students to learn more about the science of wastewater reclamation prior to their departure.
We're looking forward to working with our Neuse River Guardians the remainder of this school year and into 2016, with an expanded network of schools, and of course, another enjoyable and educational environmental symposium.
Check out the slide show below to see more from the Symposium.
Today, along with our partners Love A Sea Turtle, the River Guardian Foundation hosted the Neuse River Guardians 2015 Environmental Symposium at River Park North in Greenville, North Carolina. Following a personal welcome video from Wendy Benchley, Ocean Conservationist, Co-founder of Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, over 250 students and teachers from our 6 Neuse River Guardian schools located across the Neuse River Basin heard presentations from various experts in water quality and conservation including Dr. Jamie DeWitt (ECU Dept of Pharmacology & Toxicology), Assistant Professor Dr. Eban Bean (ECU Dept of Engineering, Assistant Professor, Institute for Coastal Science & Policy), Dr. Mike O’Driscoll (ECU Dept of Geological Sciences, Assistant Professor), and Mark Vander Borgh (NC DENR, Algal Ecologist). Teachers were also provided in-service training with NC DENR's Project WET coordinator Holly Denham. Numerous other table presenters such as the US EPA and NC DENR eagerly engaged students in discussions. We were also fortunate to have as honored guests NC DENR Secretary Donald vanderVaart and DENR Assistant Secretary Tom Reeder who took great interest in discussing environmental issues with students, teachers and other attendees.
Following lunch, our Neuse River Guardians explored the park with Love A Sea Turtle volunteers staffing outdoor activities - kayaking, trail biking, hiking/letterboxing, fishing and water testing. The Greenville Utilities Commission also hosted Earth Day tours at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for our students to learn more about the science of wastewater reclamation prior to their departure.
We're looking forward to working with our Neuse River Guardians the remainder of this school year and into 2016, with an expanded network of schools, and of course, another enjoyable and educational environmental symposium.
Check out the slide show below to see more from the Symposium.
Spring Umstead State Park Cleanup a Big Success!
On March 21, 2015 57 volunteers converged on Umstead State Park and collected a large amount of trash and recyclables, including some unusual objects.
A BIG thank you to our volunteers and supporters for this important effort. Watch for an announcement for our annual Fall Umstead State Park Cleanup in the coming months.
On March 21, 2015 57 volunteers converged on Umstead State Park and collected a large amount of trash and recyclables, including some unusual objects.
A BIG thank you to our volunteers and supporters for this important effort. Watch for an announcement for our annual Fall Umstead State Park Cleanup in the coming months.
The River Guardian Foundation is proud to have been a sponsor for the A.B. Combs Leadership Magnet School - Science & Engineering Fair. A.B. Combs is the #1 Magnet School in the US, and it showed in the depth and quality of the many projects that were presented for judging. Two of these students were awarded certificates of achievement by our organization for their water quality related projects entitled "Want Clean Streams?" and "River Health Begins With You".
December 22, 2014 - Our Neuse River Guardians have been busy since the beginning of the school year! Water quality sampling and biota examination has been completed weekly and has provided immense amounts of data to analyze to provide a better picture of the overall health of the Neuse River and tributaries, much of it coming from areas not typically examined. We're proud of our students and teachers at Kinston High School (Lenoir County), Chicod Middle School (Pitt County), Riverwood Middle School (Johnston County), Greene County Middle School (Greene County) and St. David's Middle School (Wake County)!
Congratulations to Chicod (Pitt County) 8th grade Science Teacher Jody Paramore, one of our Neuse River Guardian teachers, for being selected WNCT's STEM Teacher of the Month! Jody will be featured tonight (November 18th) on the 6pm news - WNCT-TV Channel 9. One of his students was interviewed and also shares her experience with the Neuse River Guardian project.
Neuse River basin water quality data is "pouring" in from all 6 schools, including Chicod, that should help considerably in pinpointing areas of concern for this troubled river basin and offer some clues as to how to address current and future problems.
Thanks to all 80+ participants at the Umstead State Park Fall 2014 Cleanup on October 4, 2014. We filled a trailer with both trash and recyclable materials. A special shout-out to the Umstead Coalition, NCSU Student Fisheries Society, the YMCA of the Triangle Y-Guides and all the other participants for an awesome job!
Watch this website or Facebook page for updates on the Spring 2014 cleanup.
Watch this website or Facebook page for updates on the Spring 2014 cleanup.
Love A Sea Turtle and the River Guardian Foundation are pleased to announce the receipt of a $99.9K grant from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board to expand STEM focused water conservation practices and hands-on environmental service learning experiences to a diverse group of students who attend schools in the Neuse River Basin. Our Neuse River Guardians and their teachers will receive the necessary training and equipment to monitor weekly water quality conditions in several segments along the Neuse River, practice and engage others in the 40 Gallon Water Challenge water conservation effort, and plan and participate in one river/land cleanup per semester for the 2014-2015 school year.
We’re excited to be able to work with these students and teachers as we develop a new generation of environmental stewards. Check back frequently and on our Facebook page for specifics about the schools involved and what they are accomplishing!
We’re excited to be able to work with these students and teachers as we develop a new generation of environmental stewards. Check back frequently and on our Facebook page for specifics about the schools involved and what they are accomplishing!
Highlights from River Quest 2014...... scroll down to see a day-by-day accounting of this adventure and service-learning project.
June 14, 2014
Today marks the end of our journey for this year. Pleasant weather today and an easy paddle, highlighted by the appearance of an alligator! Photos and more video to be uploaded soon.
June 14, 2014
Today marks the end of our journey for this year. Pleasant weather today and an easy paddle, highlighted by the appearance of an alligator! Photos and more video to be uploaded soon.
June 13, 2014
A good day on the Neuse River. More water sampling and biological identification. Today's list of wildlife included a bald eagle, several hawks, two species of herons, a mink, a huge river carp, and a water moccasin, among other critters. A lot of clear cutting along the banks in this stretch of the river, and at least one area where the riparian buffer was compromised. More trash islands that need to be addressed.
Video of days 4, 5 and 6 here.
Tomorrow is the last day of River Quest 2014. All in all a great experience, but the real work begins soon with data analysis and evaluation of overall river condition. We'll release a report in the near future. Watch for updates.
A good day on the Neuse River. More water sampling and biological identification. Today's list of wildlife included a bald eagle, several hawks, two species of herons, a mink, a huge river carp, and a water moccasin, among other critters. A lot of clear cutting along the banks in this stretch of the river, and at least one area where the riparian buffer was compromised. More trash islands that need to be addressed.
Video of days 4, 5 and 6 here.
Tomorrow is the last day of River Quest 2014. All in all a great experience, but the real work begins soon with data analysis and evaluation of overall river condition. We'll release a report in the near future. Watch for updates.
June 12, 2014
Today was officially River Awareness Day, proclaimed by City of Kinston Mayor BJ Murphy, as we worked with kids from the Kinston Boys and Girls Club on water quality science, Stow It Don't Throw It canister construction and a little kayaking instruction in one of the ponds at the Neuseway Nature Center in Kinston. A great time that a little rain could not hamper! Working with youth is a priority since they will be our future environmental stewards and hopefully, scientists that will continue to solve the world's environmental problems.
More video and a link to an article about River Quest 2014 in the Goldsboro News-Argus will be posted soon.
Back to paddling the Neuse again tomorrow, bright and early!
Today was officially River Awareness Day, proclaimed by City of Kinston Mayor BJ Murphy, as we worked with kids from the Kinston Boys and Girls Club on water quality science, Stow It Don't Throw It canister construction and a little kayaking instruction in one of the ponds at the Neuseway Nature Center in Kinston. A great time that a little rain could not hamper! Working with youth is a priority since they will be our future environmental stewards and hopefully, scientists that will continue to solve the world's environmental problems.
More video and a link to an article about River Quest 2014 in the Goldsboro News-Argus will be posted soon.
Back to paddling the Neuse again tomorrow, bright and early!
June 11, 2014
Similar to yesterday, we got started early, this time about 6:30AM. We covered another 12-13 miles, paddled past the confluence of Contentnea Creek with the Neuse River, and spotted more areas to further investigate. One of the pleasures of today's segment was witnessing a goose family on the move (see picture below). Sampling went well and we're looking forward to analyzing the data to determine the true "state of the river".
Similar to yesterday, we got started early, this time about 6:30AM. We covered another 12-13 miles, paddled past the confluence of Contentnea Creek with the Neuse River, and spotted more areas to further investigate. One of the pleasures of today's segment was witnessing a goose family on the move (see picture below). Sampling went well and we're looking forward to analyzing the data to determine the true "state of the river".
June 10, 2014
River Quest started early today to avoid the afternoon heat and possible storms, but we still got in all 8 miles and collected even more samples and identified areas needing trash cleanup and further investigation of potential discharges. Wildlife was more spotty today, only saw a few blue herons, a muskrat, a LARGE catfish, and some other critters. So far water conditions don't appear to be so bad, so maybe some of the past efforts to keep the river clean have paid off. We'll know more once we analyze all the results. More video will be posted soon. Thanks to our support team for a great chili lunch at the end of today's journey, cooked on the banks of the Neuse River.
River Quest started early today to avoid the afternoon heat and possible storms, but we still got in all 8 miles and collected even more samples and identified areas needing trash cleanup and further investigation of potential discharges. Wildlife was more spotty today, only saw a few blue herons, a muskrat, a LARGE catfish, and some other critters. So far water conditions don't appear to be so bad, so maybe some of the past efforts to keep the river clean have paid off. We'll know more once we analyze all the results. More video will be posted soon. Thanks to our support team for a great chili lunch at the end of today's journey, cooked on the banks of the Neuse River.
June 9, 2014
The segment paddled today proved to be the longest run yet, approximately 17 miles, with sometimes a head wind to paddle against, and a few light rain showers. Sampling, science, awareness of the diverse Neuse Watershed Ecosystems and even a few large trash islands to mark for future cleanups made the trip just as enjoyable as the previous day's journeys.
Video from the past three days, compressed into a time lapse format may be viewed here.
More to come!
The segment paddled today proved to be the longest run yet, approximately 17 miles, with sometimes a head wind to paddle against, and a few light rain showers. Sampling, science, awareness of the diverse Neuse Watershed Ecosystems and even a few large trash islands to mark for future cleanups made the trip just as enjoyable as the previous day's journeys.
Video from the past three days, compressed into a time lapse format may be viewed here.
More to come!
June 8, 2014
Today's run down the Neuse was a little shorter (8 miles), but we still saw lots of wildlife (muskrats, blue herons, deer, and a hawk catching a large snake, to name a few), took samples for in-situ analyses as well as formal lab analyses and made more ecosystem observations. We also have some video from the last few days from the Go-Pro camera that will be posted on You Tube soon.
Today's run down the Neuse was a little shorter (8 miles), but we still saw lots of wildlife (muskrats, blue herons, deer, and a hawk catching a large snake, to name a few), took samples for in-situ analyses as well as formal lab analyses and made more ecosystem observations. We also have some video from the last few days from the Go-Pro camera that will be posted on You Tube soon.
June 7, 2014
The hardcore paddling began today, with a put-in at Price's Landing in Wayne County. Similar to yesterday, we collected physical, chemical and biological samples as well as inventoried plant and animal species observed along the journey. We enjoyed seeing the Cliffs of the Neuse from the water and even had time to chat with some park visitors about River Quest. Guests for today's journey included Chuck Smithwick from Contentnea Metro Sewerage District and Dawn Higgins. We're making lots of friends along the way. Twelve miles from put-in at the Seven Springs boat ramp it was time to call it a day. Tomorrow the Turtle Crew and River Guardians will begin again from Seven Springs and make our way towards Kinston.
The hardcore paddling began today, with a put-in at Price's Landing in Wayne County. Similar to yesterday, we collected physical, chemical and biological samples as well as inventoried plant and animal species observed along the journey. We enjoyed seeing the Cliffs of the Neuse from the water and even had time to chat with some park visitors about River Quest. Guests for today's journey included Chuck Smithwick from Contentnea Metro Sewerage District and Dawn Higgins. We're making lots of friends along the way. Twelve miles from put-in at the Seven Springs boat ramp it was time to call it a day. Tomorrow the Turtle Crew and River Guardians will begin again from Seven Springs and make our way towards Kinston.
June 6, 2014
Day 2 of River Quest started out with a departure from the planned itinerary - instead of starting in the Neuse we put in on the Little River, a tributary to the Neuse north of Goldsboro and paddled to the City of Goldsboro Water Treatment Plant Intake, just north of US 70. Quite a few discharge pipes, a golf course and many snags along the 15 miles we covered today, taking samples for nutrients, chlorophyll a, algae and aquatic vegetation identification, and other parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen and temperature. Lots of video via Go-Pro, GPS coordinates for later mapping and ecosystem habitat recording to make sure we can provide the best possible data for a stretch of river not usually examined. More tomorrow!
Day 2 of River Quest started out with a departure from the planned itinerary - instead of starting in the Neuse we put in on the Little River, a tributary to the Neuse north of Goldsboro and paddled to the City of Goldsboro Water Treatment Plant Intake, just north of US 70. Quite a few discharge pipes, a golf course and many snags along the 15 miles we covered today, taking samples for nutrients, chlorophyll a, algae and aquatic vegetation identification, and other parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen and temperature. Lots of video via Go-Pro, GPS coordinates for later mapping and ecosystem habitat recording to make sure we can provide the best possible data for a stretch of river not usually examined. More tomorrow!
June 5, 2014
Day 1 of River Quest 2014 was spent in Goldsboro instructing kids how to kayak, scuba dive and conducting some water science involving macroinvertebrate identification and water quality sampling in the morning, and touring the City of Goldsboro's Water Treatment and Reclamation facility in the afternoon. Thanks to Rum Runners Dive Shop, the City of Goldsboro Parks and Recreation and Public Utilities Departments, the Goldsboro YMCA, and Longhorn Steak House for a wonderful meal to end the day.
Tomorrow begins the kayaking, water sampling and ecosystem inventory along the Neuse River. Come join along with us, enjoy the beauty of the Neuse River and learn a little watershed ecology at the same time!
Day 1 of River Quest 2014 was spent in Goldsboro instructing kids how to kayak, scuba dive and conducting some water science involving macroinvertebrate identification and water quality sampling in the morning, and touring the City of Goldsboro's Water Treatment and Reclamation facility in the afternoon. Thanks to Rum Runners Dive Shop, the City of Goldsboro Parks and Recreation and Public Utilities Departments, the Goldsboro YMCA, and Longhorn Steak House for a wonderful meal to end the day.
Tomorrow begins the kayaking, water sampling and ecosystem inventory along the Neuse River. Come join along with us, enjoy the beauty of the Neuse River and learn a little watershed ecology at the same time!
June 2, 2014
Today the following letter was delivered by George Matthis and John Little on behalf of 19 other citizen and environmental organizations to Gov. Pat McCrory's office. Please call the Governor's office at (919) 814-2000 and ask that the Governor veto this bad legislation!
Today the following letter was delivered by George Matthis and John Little on behalf of 19 other citizen and environmental organizations to Gov. Pat McCrory's office. Please call the Governor's office at (919) 814-2000 and ask that the Governor veto this bad legislation!
Join the River Guardian Foundation and Love A Sea Turtle on a 10 day/100 mile kayak journey beginning on June 5, 2014 on the Neuse River, led by a teenage service-learning leadership group, to draw attention to the need to conserve and protect our fresh water resources. Our actions on land create reactions in the ocean and the watersheds in between – good and bad.
We will serve as stewards of nature and the community as we challenge ourselves kayaking 100 miles of the river system. Community involvement and awareness are imperative as we seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint in nature with hopes that this will lead to a cleaner river system.
We will host river awareness events, tour water treatment facilities, and engage students and adults throughout the journey. Documentation of the flora and fauna along with water testing will be analyzed by our team and results will be presented in a “State of the River” address to local civic leaders, state politicians and the public.
Come along with us, or if you can't make any or all of the segments of the journey, you can still follow along via daily photo and some video uploads to the River Guardian Foundation and Love A Sea Turtle websites. We're even giving out free event t-shirts that proudly depict the cool River Quest logo art work by California artist Heather Ritts to anyone who joins us for part of the journey (or as long as the t-shirts last!). See our detailed agenda below!
We will serve as stewards of nature and the community as we challenge ourselves kayaking 100 miles of the river system. Community involvement and awareness are imperative as we seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint in nature with hopes that this will lead to a cleaner river system.
We will host river awareness events, tour water treatment facilities, and engage students and adults throughout the journey. Documentation of the flora and fauna along with water testing will be analyzed by our team and results will be presented in a “State of the River” address to local civic leaders, state politicians and the public.
Come along with us, or if you can't make any or all of the segments of the journey, you can still follow along via daily photo and some video uploads to the River Guardian Foundation and Love A Sea Turtle websites. We're even giving out free event t-shirts that proudly depict the cool River Quest logo art work by California artist Heather Ritts to anyone who joins us for part of the journey (or as long as the t-shirts last!). See our detailed agenda below!
April 20, 2014 - Saturday's service learning, fishing/kayaking and Stow It - Don't Throw it container construction with our friends at Love A Sea Turtle was lots of fun - even with the rain and cooler weather!
A new short video about personal choices
and fracking has just been released by our friends
No Fracking In Stokes.
Very well done. Watch it here.
Thanks to all the volunteers who joined the River Guardian Foundation and the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District on Saturday March 29, 2014 in cleaning up the lakes and trails of Umstead State Park. Over 120 pounds of litter and recyclables were collected.
Join us for another Umstead Park cleanup during the Fall 2014 Big Sweep cleanups.
Join us for another Umstead Park cleanup during the Fall 2014 Big Sweep cleanups.
March 14, 2014
Interviews and media coverage from the forum "Is the State Doing Enough to Protect your Water" are located here. Excellent turnout and press coverage! Thank you for being there and contributing to the discussion. More video clips from the forum to come soon.
Interviews and media coverage from the forum "Is the State Doing Enough to Protect your Water" are located here. Excellent turnout and press coverage! Thank you for being there and contributing to the discussion. More video clips from the forum to come soon.
"Is the State Doing Enough to Protect Your Water?" a forum hosted by the NC Chapter of the Sierra Club will be held at the North Carolina Central University School of Law, Albert Turner Building, Room 202, 640 Nelson Street, Durham NC on Thursday March 13th, 2014. The doors open at 6:30pm and the program starts at 7pm for this free event. Please attend and join the discussion! More info here.
February 3, 2014
On Sunday February 2, 2014 a stormwater pipe that runs underneath one of two coal ash ponds and discharges to the Dan River at Duke Energy's retired Dan River coal fired power plant ruptured, sending possibly as much as 22 million gallons of coal ash into the river. Coal ash is known to contain various toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.
In recent years, environmental organizations including the River Guardian Foundation have called for the State of North Carolina's Department of Environment and Natural Resources to require Duke Energy to properly close coal ash ponds, dispose of the liquid and sediment residue and remediate any contaminated soil and water that has leaked into adjacent surface and ground water (see copy of one such letter and DENR's reply here). To date that has not happened at any of the 14 existing coal ash ponds in North Carolina.
We will learn more in the coming days of the extent of this environmental disaster, and how many North Carolina and Virginia residents may be at risk. Follow updates
at https://twitter.com/RiverGuardianFd.
Photo credit - Southern Environmental
Law Center
On Sunday February 2, 2014 a stormwater pipe that runs underneath one of two coal ash ponds and discharges to the Dan River at Duke Energy's retired Dan River coal fired power plant ruptured, sending possibly as much as 22 million gallons of coal ash into the river. Coal ash is known to contain various toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.
In recent years, environmental organizations including the River Guardian Foundation have called for the State of North Carolina's Department of Environment and Natural Resources to require Duke Energy to properly close coal ash ponds, dispose of the liquid and sediment residue and remediate any contaminated soil and water that has leaked into adjacent surface and ground water (see copy of one such letter and DENR's reply here). To date that has not happened at any of the 14 existing coal ash ponds in North Carolina.
We will learn more in the coming days of the extent of this environmental disaster, and how many North Carolina and Virginia residents may be at risk. Follow updates
at https://twitter.com/RiverGuardianFd.
Photo credit - Southern Environmental
Law Center
February 1, 2014
At a recent town hall meeting with Rep. Chris Malone (R-Wake), George Matthis, president of the River Guardian Foundation, posed several questions about Jordan Lake Rule suspension and what that change might mean for Falls Lake nutrient rules, and the future of fracking in North Carolina. View the videos here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuzadWVLC3M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL-nj-TR3LA
At a recent town hall meeting with Rep. Chris Malone (R-Wake), George Matthis, president of the River Guardian Foundation, posed several questions about Jordan Lake Rule suspension and what that change might mean for Falls Lake nutrient rules, and the future of fracking in North Carolina. View the videos here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuzadWVLC3M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL-nj-TR3LA
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