Annual NC WRRI Conference

rick.savage • March 30, 2024

Carolina Wetlands Association Makes an Impacts at the Annual NC WRRI Conference

The NC Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) was in full swing March 20-21, 2024. Carolina Wetlands Association was again a sponsor and an exhibitor at the conference location. In addition to myself, Chase Bergeson and Aaron Ellis attended the conference. In addition to staffing our exhibit booth, Chase judged student posters. Thank you, Chase!

There was a special conference section on Nature Based Solutions that was very interesting. The Plenary session was a panel discussion with Dr. Ryan Emanuel (Duke University), Samantha Krop (Sound Rivers), and Colleen Karl of the Chowan Edenton Environmental Group about community engagement and partnerships. I had a nice conversation with all three at the end of the panel discussion; Dr. Emanuel about our wetland restoration planning at the Lumbee cultural center, Samantha about coordinating more programming with Carolina Wetlands Association, and Colleen about a particular project they may need help with.

The highlight of the conference was probably the panel discussion on WOTUS (Waters of the US) sponsored and moderated by Carolina Wetlands Association. The session was entitled The ever changing world of the waters of the US: How can we deal with it, how can we change it, what can we do. The "all star" panel consisted of Julie Youngman (Southern Environmental Law Center and Carolina Wetlands Association Board member); John Dorney (Axiom Environmental); Bailey Recktenwald (Climate Policy Advisor to NC Governor Cooper); Phil May (an independent environmental consultant); and Norton Webster (wetland mitigation consultant and Carolina Wetlands Association Board Treasurer). The session was well attended and helped to explain the current state of wetland protection in North Carolina.

More Information on US Clean Water Acit

You might also like

Celebrating a Decade of Conservation

By kim.matthews • October 25, 2025
Join Our 10-Year Anniversary Celebration! We are incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished together over the last decade, and we can’t wait to celebrate this anniversary with the entire Carolina wetlands community. From advocating for critical policies to advancing wetland science and engaging thousands of volunteers and supporters, our work is only possible because of your dedication. 10 Years of Impact: Our Guiding Mission Since the beginning, Carolina Wetlands Association has been driven by a set of core principles that guide our work across four key program areas: Outreach: Promoting widespread understanding of and engagement in wetlands. Advocacy: Encouraging policies and programs that promote wetland conservation and protection. Science: Encouraging the advancement of wetland science and practices. Sustainability: Ensuring a viable organization for the long term to protect, promote, and restore wetlands. Whether it’s protecting our saltmarshes as nature’s climate protectors (a topic we explore in depth in our recent white paper ) or coordinating hundreds of volunteers to monitor wetlands, our commitment remains the same: protecting and preserving the vital wetlands of the Carolinas. Mark Your Calendar: Sunday November 16th Join us for a relaxed and festive evening to toast a decade of wetland conservation, education, and advocacy! Enjoy local brews, connect with fellow supporters, and celebrate the incredible impact we’ve made together. Whether you've been with us from the start or are just getting involved, we'd love to see you there! Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025 Location: Hi Wire Brewing Company, Address: 800 Taylor St #9-150, Durham, NC 27701 [ Directions ] Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM We look forward to celebrating this incredible milestone with you and kicking off the next decade of protecting the Carolina Wetlands!
Volunteer Appreciation day is October 12, 2025

Join us for Volunteer Appreciation Day!

By aaron.ellis • September 12, 2025
Please join us as we celebrate volunteers of our wetland monitoring program on October 12, 2025. Our event will take place in Roxboro, NC and start with a paddle tour of living shoreline and mixer at Black Creek Brewery. All are welcome but please RSVP.

Why Your Support Matters: Protecting Carolina’s Wetlands Together

By rick.savage • August 10, 2025
At Carolina Wetlands Association, we work every day to educate, advocate, and restore these critical ecosystems across the Carolinas — but we can't do it without your support.