Our Work
The Catawba Riverkeeper protects, advocates for, and educates about the Catawba River through a variety of programs administered by CRF staff and a network of volunteers. Information about these programs is provided below.
There are three primary components to the activities of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation: protection, education and advocacy. We have received numerous Awards for our programs and Accomplishments.
PROTECTION
The Catawba Riverkeeper and Staff
David Merryman is the current Catawba Riverkeeper and he is the primary person responsible for responding to reports of threats to the Catawba River, as well as the primary advocate and educator for the Catawba River. The Upper Catawba Advocate assists the Catawba Riverkeeper and focuses on issues in the upper Catawba River basin, including the headwaters of the Catawba River such as the Linville River, Johns River and Wilson Creek. Other staff assist as needed; however, it is not always possible for CRF staff to respond to every issue affecting the River throughout the approximately 300-mile long Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Thus, CRF relies on volunteers to carry out the mission of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.
Covekeeper, Covewatcher & Water Watcher Programs
The Catawba Riverkeeper has networks of volunteers on five lakes along the CatawbaRiver. These volunteers undergo extensive training so that they can serve as the eyes, ears and voice of the Catawba Riverkeeper. Volunteers patrol the lakes, take water 
quality samples, respond to complaints about threats to the River, sponsor fundraising events, monitor the work of public bodies affecting the River, conduct lake cleanups, and advocate for greater protection of the lakes. In general, the volunteers on each of the lakes with Covekeeper programs (Lake Wateree, Lake Wylie, Mountain Island Lake, Lake Norman and Lake Hickory) meet monthly. These meetings are open to the public. For more information about the Covekeeper and Covewatcher programs, click on the following link: Covekeeper Programs/Lake Communities.
Muddy Water Watch
Sediment carried by stormwater runoff from construction sites has been documented as the leading source of non-point pollution to rivers throughout the region, including the Catawba River. This sediment can cause severe water quality degradation. We depend on good water quality for our drinking water, assimilation of waste, recreation, wildlife habitat and fishing. 
The Catawba Riverkeeper is working with other Waterkeepers in North Carolina and South Carolina to address this problem. The Muddy Water Watch project (MWW) is an initiative to reduce stormwater runoff from construction sites by providing training workshops and materials developed specifically for citizens on the legal requirements associated with construction activity. Volunteers are trained to properly identify sedimentation and erosion violations from active construction sites, as well as poorly maintained Best Management Practices (BMP's). Trained volunteers will help increase the frequency of routine BMP maintenance and, most importantly, be proactive in keeping mud and sediment out of NC rivers and streams by working with local inspectors and developers to oversee enforcement of the SPCA/the General Permit on NC construction sites. For more information about the program, click on the following link: Case Study. For information about upcoming Muddy Water Watch classes, click on the following link: Muddy Water Watch. To file a report about sedimentation or muddy water, go to http://muddywaterwatch.org/.
Clean-Up Days
The Catawba Riverkeeper sponsors and/or participates in various stream, river and lake cleanup efforts. For more information about the annual Riversweep event on Lake Wylie, click here. For more information about the annual Riversweep event on Lake Norman, click here. For information about the Islandkeepers and Adopt-an-Island cleanup program, click here.
EDUCATION
The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation seeks to educate the public and public officials about issues affecting the Catawba River through a variety of activities ranging from field research & publication of reports to one-on-one meetings, press conferences, and on-the-water educational programs.
Group Presentations
The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation is happy to provide a speaker to groups to talk about issues relating to the Catawba River. Depending upon the topic requested and the size of the group, the speaker may be a seasoned volunteer or a member of the Foundation staff. Although we do not charge for presentations, we request that groups consider making a donation to the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation. To request a speaker, please contact our office (704-679-9494) or email either Rick Gaskins (rick@catawbariverkeeper.org) or David Merryman (david@catawbariverkeeper.org). For an example of a presentation about CRF and current issues, Click Here.
Youth Kayaking Program & Family Eco-Tours
The Catawba Riverkeeper believes that it is essential to the future of the Catawba River to bring as many people as possible into contact with the Catawba River. People who come into contact with the River will have a greater understanding of the River and care more about protecting the River. 
Thus, the Catawba Riverkeeper recently began a Youth Kayaking Program and conducts periodic
Eco-Tours in different parts of the Catawba Basin. The Youth Kayaking program was made possible by a grant from REI, which enabled the purchase of 20 kayaks and related equipment. The Riverkeeper takes groups of youths paddling on the water throughout the summer months. More information about the Youth Kayaking Program is available at Youth Kayaking River Expedition. The Catawba River Eco-Tours include the Spider Lily Eco-Tour through the world's largest collection of spider lilies in late May or early June, as well as a fall leaf eco-tour. These trips are suitable for all ages and abilities as long as the participants are in reasonably good health. Information about the eco-tours are available by clicking on the following links: Fall Leaf Tour, or Spider Lily Eco-Tour.
Newsletter
We periodically publish a printed newsletter and we send out electronic newsletters approximately twice a month. Past newsletters can be viewed by clicking on the following link: Newsletters.
Secchi Dip-In Project
The Secchi Dip-In is a "demonstration of the potential of volunteer monitors to gather environmentally important information on our lakes, rivers and streams." Over the years, it has grown to encompass numerous waterways throughout the United States and Canada and has encouraged the participation of over 2,000 volunteers. This project provides local, regional and international insights into the water quality of our region's drinking water resource. Learn more about this project and how to participate here.
ADVOCACY
As an advocate for the Catawba River, Catawba Riverkeeper uses various tools to try to affect public and private actions that affect the River. These tools include commenting on proposed public actions, participating in new rulemaking, testifying at public hearings, organizing community meetings, meeting with public officials, reporting illegal activity, recognizing companies and individuals that are examples of responsible environmental behavior, and litigating against individuals and entities that take actions to harm the Catawba River.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Catawba Riverkeeper organizes and participates in various other events ranging from environmental film festivals to tree planting days. Please monitor the calendar section of our website for more information about upcoming events.
More information about CRF:
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Eco-Tours: Fall Leaf Tour or Spider Lily Eco-Tour
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP PROTECT THE CATAWBA RIVER AND WATEREE RIVER, CLICK HERE.
