Paddling the Neuse River to Promote Water Quality Awareness

As North Carolina’s population continues to increase, the need for adequate protection of its water resources become more acute. Riparian zone restoration, land trusts, enforcement of environmental regulations, and sustainable development are all key components to providing clean water for generations to come. Elevated nitrogen and phosphorous loads from runoff and development and numerous Pfiesteria outbreaks helped put the Neuse on American River’s Ten Most Endangered Rivers List as recently as 2007.

I’ll be paddling the 193 miles from the Fall’s Lake Dam (Raleigh, NC) to New Bern to raise awareness of water quality issues within the Neuse River watershed. The trip will begin August 27, 2009, and I plan to take about 10 days to reach New Bern and the beginning of the Pamlico Sound. On September 6, I’ll also be working with the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation with a public paddling session in New Bern. Details will be posted to the website as they are finalized.

Along the way, I’ll be posting podcasts, photos, and journals to our website. To receive these up-to-the-minute updates of the trip, make sure to subscribe to our website by email or RSS.

Education and Outreach

A number of agencies and organizations will be involved in this effort. If your agency, group, media outlet would like more information, participate in the expedition, or schedule a slideshow after the trip, please feel free to Contact Us.We are also available to talk to your school and organization about water quality issues, our expedition down the Mississippi River, or John’s thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.