Protecting the waters, woodlands, and wildlife of the New River Watershed
for 50 years! 1975-2025
| | | A note from our Executive Director, Andrew Downs | | |
Friends of the New,
Your support has made a difference. It’s been one year since hurricane Helene, and the New River Conservancy has been able to dramatically reshape our programs to meet the moment because of your support. More clean-ups, more land protection, more restoration. The New River needed more from us, and you delivered. While we’ve been shifting from cataclysm to catalyst in North Carolina and Virginia, we’ve continued to grow our river-clean ups, water quality monitoring and restoration work in West Virginia. Across the three-state watershed, we are leading the charge in caring for the New River – and you made it happen, and I thank you.
We aren’t done yet – as we look to the future, growing our work on the New River Water Trail, on improved protections for the New River’s most vulnerable stretches, and protecting the wildlife that make the New so special, you’ve made a bright future possible for the river.
I got to experience a little bit of that future over the past month taking my friends and family out to enjoy the river on my “New River Expedition,” and next week I will finish up my 50 miles. I hope you get a chance to get out on the river soon and get a first-hand look at the work you made possible. It’s nothing short of astonishing.
I’ll see you on the River,
Andrew
| | Downs makes last leg of his New River Expedition | | |
Executive Director, Andrew Downs, will end his New River Expedition next week in West Virginia paddling the last 15 miles through Monroe and Summers Counties ending at Bluestone Lake.
The New River Expedition is a paddling adventure and peer-to-peer fundraising event that gives paddlers a way to protect the New River watershed while having an adventure on the New. We are each doing 50 miles on the New River for our 50th Birthday, and hope you do too! Each paddler that completes 50 miles receives a special edition paddle medallion.
The New River Expedition runs through October 25.
To support Andrew, or sign up for your own 50 Mile Expedition
| | Stella Cybulski named Director of Development | | |
New River Conservancy (NRC) is proud to announce Stella Cybulski as the Director of Development, where she leads efforts to strengthen donor relationships, build meaningful partnerships, and grow the organization through strategic planning and fundraising. She first joined NRC in 2023 as an intern, quickly transitioned to Operations Coordinator, and in July 2025 stepped into her current role.
Her connection to the Conservancy began years earlier, in 2021, when she led a group of high school students on a two-week canoe trip from the headwaters of the New River to the Virginia state line. NRC staff supported the journey by teaching her students about protecting downstream communities—and even surprised them with donuts after a long, rainy day on the river. That experience left a lasting impact on Stella and her students, sparking her dedication to the Conservancy’s mission.
Stella earned her Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from Appalachian State University in 2024 and is now pursuing her PhD at Clemson University. With more than eight years of experience in the nonprofit sector, her career is guided by a commitment to uplifting organizations that create lasting change.
As Director of Development, Stella would love to connect with you about how your support can protect and restore the New River for generations to come. Reach her directly at Stella@newriverconservancy.org.
| | Water Watchers expand scope | | Our August 16 Water Watcher training certified 3 new Water Watchers, including 1 for Watauga County, 1 for Ashe County, and 1 for Grayson County. We will train 4 new Water Watchers on September 13, including 1 for Alleghany County, 2 for Ashe County, and 1 for Grayson County. Our thanks to all our volunteers! To learn more about our Water Watchers please visit HERE. | | |
We currently have two positions open sponsored by NCWorks, North Carolina's official statewide system for workforce development, providing both an online portal, NCWorks Online, and a network of physical NCWorks Career Centers to connect job seekers with resources and employers with talent.
Positions include a Clean Up Crew Member and a Volunteer Program Administrator. These positions are both part time.
Please visit the links above or HERE to apply.
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FREE EVENT!!
Conservation Day w/ The Lorax @ Grandview
Saturday, September 20 5:30 - 9:00 PM
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Join the New River Conservancy and West Virginia Rivers for Conservation Day at Cliffside Amphitheater in Beaver, WV on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Children of all ages are welcome.
Meet the Lorax! By special arrangement, the Lorax will be attending our event and will be talking to folks about the importance of conservation. (The Lorax will also be available for photos before the film begins.)
Over a dozen partner watershed associations and environmental organizations such as Greenbrier River Watershed Association, Piney Creek Watershed Association, National Parks Conservation Association & WV Explorer will offer fun activities and how to be a kid scientist.
Watch the film The Lorax in the iconic Grandview Theatre, West Virginia's fabulous amphitheater atop the New River Gorge.
Activities run from 5:30 PM - 7:15 PM.
The Lorax film will begin at 7:30 PM.
If you plan to attend, please register online HERE. Registration is not necessary, it will just help us be better prepared. We look forward to seeing you at this special event.
Cliffside Amphitheater is located at 4700 Grandview Road, Beaver, WV
| Paddling Film Festival - September 25 @The Lyric Theater | |
New River Conservancy is proud to help sponsor the 20th Paddling Film Festival at The Lyric Theater in Blacksburg, Virginia on Thursday, September 25.
Several staff members will be on hand including Kathleen Armstrong, our new Director of Trails, to discuss the New River Water Trail expansion throughout the watershed. Stop by our booth and say "Hi," grab some decals, become a member or enter for a chance to win a brand new Astral Personal Flotation Device!
| We have been asked to share a survey hosted by Recreation Resources Service at NC State University seeking to learn more about the paddling community across the state. Questions include paddling habits, the places visited, boating access areas, and spending on trips. Take survey HERE | Cheers to 50 years! Save the dates! | |
We're hosting three different "Raise a toast" events throughout the New River watershed
to celebrate 50 years of protecting the New with YOU and
GIVING AWAY A FREE ESQUIF CANOE AT EACH!
We have three very special canoes, chosen for their performance on the different
sections of the New River. We have the Canyon, Prospector 16 and the Ocoee.
Check them all out at Esquif Canoes
Stop by and see the canoes at each location next month!
The rules are simple:
Must be present to win.
Must be a member of NRC to win.
Save these dates:
Thursday, October 16 at Eastern Divide Brewing Company, Blacksburg, VA 4:30- 6:30
Friday, October 17 at New River Brewing Taproom, West Jefferson, NC 5:30 - 7:30
Saturday, October 25 at Secret Sandwich Society, Fayetteville, WV 4:00 - 6:00
** Enter to win at each location at Raise a Toast event by becoming a member that night online. If already a member, Scouts Honor, get a ticket at event. Must be present at drawing to win. Must take possession of canoe night of event. **
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Harvest Festival, VA : October 11, 2025 New River Trail State Park, Foster Falls
Naked Creek, NC Volunteer Planting Day : November 8, 2025 REGISTER HERE
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NEW DECALS & 50th ANNIVERSARY
FLOW STATE TEES AVAILABLE
NOW ON OUR WEBSITE!
(WOMEN'S V-NECK STYLE IN ALL SIZES OF 50TH TEE)
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Membership has its benefits!
Join online today, and you’ll qualify for these exciting Members-only benefits:
- Members Only Stella decal
- Special Volunteer rate of $25 per year
- Tributaries, monthly newsletter
- Valentine’s Day and Gratitude postcard
- Hands on Volunteer Opportunities
Check out our different membership levels and benefits and join us today!
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