New River Currents, the newsletter for the New River. | | Rufus Edmisten Bridge naming in Boone, NC | | |
On September 11, 2026 we had the honor of celebrating Rufus Edmisten, J.D., by renaming the new Lower Hardin Creek Bridge the “Rufus Edmisten Bridge.” This bridge, built along the Boone Greenway Trail on land that was formerly part of Rufus’s family property, crosses Hardin Creek, an extremely important tributary of the South Fork of the New River.
Mr. Edmisten has held many titles throughout his distinguished career, including North Carolina Attorney General and North Carolina Secretary of State. As a lifelong conservationist, Edmisten was instrumental in the campaign to save the beautiful New River from damming and development in the 1970's.
At the event, we had the opportunity to learn more about Mr. Edmisten’s fascinating life and meet so many of his close friends and family members. Hearing his first hand account of historic wins was fascinating and inspiring. We want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate this very special occasion!
The bridge is part of a wider creek restoration and flood-mitigation project along the greenway designed to protect local infrastructure.
We hope that when you’re walking, biking, or running across this bridge, you’ll take a moment to think about all those who fought for, and continue to fight for, our beautiful river.
Below: Rufus Edmisten speaks to the crowd, while showcasing one of the original bumper stickers from the National Committee for the New River (Now NRC) from 1975.
| | A New Partnership for a Wild and Wonderful River | | |
New River Conservancy Teams Up w Adventures on the Gorge
There are few places in the country quite like the New River Gorge. Its whitewater, sandstone cliffs, and endless miles of forest draw adventurers from all over, but that beauty doesn’t take care of itself. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a new partnership between New River Conservancy and Adventures on the Gorge, bringing together a shared commitment to protecting the river and lands that make this region so special.
| | Welcome to NRC Kat Diersen! | | |
The New River Conservancy is incredibly pleased to announce our new Director of Conservation, Kat Diersen, who begins her tenure with us this month.
Conserving biodiversity and wild places is Kat’s personal and professional passion, and she loves pursuing it here in the oldest mountain range in the world. Kat brings 20 years of experience in environmental policy and partner-driven habitat conservation to her role of Director of Conservation at New River Conservancy.
Her early career was spent as a conservation planner at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, where she guided the development of state and federally supported incentive-based habitat conservation efforts and pioneered innovative non-regulatory approaches to wildlife conservation.
| New River Expedition filmette online now | |
We were pleased to cohost the Paddling Film Festival at the Lyric Theatre, which boasted a full house that night. The Paddling Film Festival has been showcasing the very best paddling films since 2006. Watch and be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, appreciate wild places and embrace the paddling lifestyle.
As part of the festival, New River Conservancy was able to showcase the New River Expedition filmette, compiled by Abbey Mays, one of our intrepid crew members. Our thanks to Howard & mark Carmen for the song, Ameriprise for our sponsorship, and Blacksburg Parks and Rec for being the hosts with the most.
Please enjoy. Then go get on the river.
We promise it will make you smile.
| |
What you think matters to us
To help us create a stronger organization, please take a few minutes to share what aspects of New River Conservancy’s work are most important to you, as well as how you first connected with us.
Four survey respondents will be randomly selected to receive a FREE Hydro Flask tumbler. You must provide a valid email address to be eligible for the drawing.
| |
Land Trust Reaccreditation input needed
Through the Accredited Land Trust Program, New River Conservancy (NRC) has helped to protect over 10,000 acres of land and over 100 miles of New River and tributaries through land conservation, permanent sustainable management plans, and conservation easements. We have worked closely with the New River State Park to add over 1,700 acres of land to the park to be permanently protected and accessible to the visitors and local community. Acquisitions like this help us protect areas in and around the New River by donating them to a government entity that will protect them in perpetuity.
The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. New River Conservancy (NRC) is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open. Comments received before March 19, 2027 will be most useful.
More information on how to submit comments can be found at the link below.
| |
Walmart SparkGood lets supporters round up to New River Conservancy
Did you know that every time you shop on Walmart.com you can round up your change and donate it to the New River Conservancy?
New River Conservancy is happy to announce we have joined the SparkGood program with Walmart to make donating to your favorite charity easy as one click. Think about it. Extra change adds up pretty quick and will make a big impact to our work in the New River Watershed. An extra quarter, or dime, or more, could make a huge difference if lots of people are donating.
Small acts can lead to big impact at #WalmartSparkGood.
Choose the New River Conservancy to round up and donate your change.
Walmart launched Walmart Spark Good Round Up so customers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the change to their favorite charity. We would love for you to choose us as your charity to receive these donations every time you shop on Walmart.com.
| | October Clean Up at Fries, VA | | |
Please join us for a New River Clean Up in Fries, Virginia on October 17, 2026. We will meet at Fries River Park at 10:00 AM.
Dress to get dirty and come to have some clean fun!
| | Ways to Give to the New River Conservancy | | |
Whether you make a one time or monthly donation; legacy or memorial gift; include NRC in your will or donate stock, you are making a stronger, healthier New River possible.
We are proud to continually earn a 4-Star rating on Charity Navigator and Platinum Transparency on Candid.
Lyda Adams Carpen, a lifelong supporter of the New River Conservancy, has this to say:
"When I visit the New River now, these places soothe my soul. I take deep, deep breaths without reminding myself to do so. As my grandmother would say looking out across the green, “I rest my eyes upon it.” Like my dad, I also pay attention to all the things that have changed since the last time. Some of them are worrisome. Thank god for the New River Conservancy and all their work to restore, preserve and connect. I will be there for them so they can be there for all of us.”
If you have questions or would like to discuss ways to include New River Conservancy in your legacy giving, please contact Andrew Downs at Andrew@newriverconservancy.org
For further information on a variety of ways to give, please click the link below.
| | |
NOTICE ON OUR MAILING ADDRESS:
WE CAN ONLY RECEIVE MAIL AT OUR PO BOX IN WEST JEFFERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SEND MAIL TO OUR PHYSICAL ADDRESS.
** PLEASE USE: PO BOX 1480, WEST JEFFERSON , NC 28694 **
| | The staff, board of directors, and volunteers of the New River Conservancy have been dedicated to protecting the waters, woodlands, and wildlife of the New River Watershed for over 50 years. We're here for 50 more. Join us! | | | | |
