Catawba Quest

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Catawba Quest

Greg Nance • Dec 27, 2022

The Catawba Quest has been finished!

So, what is Catawba Quest?

Ever since I started working for Catawba Riverkeeper, I have dreamed of exploring the Catawba and Wateree Rivers from the source to its confluence with the Congaree River. In 2021, I set the wheels in motion to make this dream a reality and started the planning process. I intentionally gave myself a year (2022) to complete the goal to allow time to document and connect with the river recreationally, environmentally, and historically. It shouldn’t be a race to the finish line, it should be a chance to really get to know our basin and all its glory. Throughout the trip, I experienced geographical changes, weather conditions, wildlife, environmental concerns, and incredible scenery. From pristine water and wilderness at the headwaters, to cypress forests and bird sanctuaries at the tailwaters. From exhilarating whitewater raging through Great Falls to stagnant fog covering lakes, quiet and motionless as far as the eye could see, I saw it all.

Something else that I took away from this experience was just how important Catawba Riverkeeper's work in protecting and preserving our waters really is. By taking my time traveling the river, I was able to document areas where litter collects for future cleanups and exciting new paddles for future engagements. I was able to locate, sample, and report HABs (Harmful Algae Blooms), turbid waterways, discharge sites, illegal construction practices within the riparian buffer, and much more. As most of you know, Catawba Riverkeeper offers various recreational programs to explore different sections of the river, so whenever possible, I tried to incorporate these into my quest days.

There were so many wonderful people who made this trip possible. To all the staff, guests, dedicated members, partners, and friends of the river that accompanied me on the water or picked me up from a strange destination in the middle of nowhere, thank you. Nothing we do is possible without your support.

Keep an eye out in the future for more of our discoveries from Catawba Quest!

Greg completes the Catawba Quest!

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Celebrate Earth Month With Us!

05 Apr, 2024

Happy Earth Month! While every month is Earth Month here at Catawba Riverkeeper, we’re excited about the extra attention and enthusiasm for protecting our local environment that comes every April! Throughout this month, we're amplifying our efforts to spread awareness and provide a variety of options for you to get out and learn from, engage in, or advocate for the preservation, protection, and restoration of our shared waterways. Because of that, our calendar is jam-packed with public and private cleanups, guided tours, education programing, outreach events, and fun activities at Confluence & The River Room all month long. Just take a look at some of the events we have going on! In honor of Earth Month, we hope that you engage with us in some of these events by volunteering your time to clean up our water, learning more about issues affecting our water, and sharing our work and mission with other people as ambassadors. If you'd like to make an Earth Month contribution to Catawba Riverkeeper, you can give to our Spring Education Appeal, help us purchase a new Catawba Riverkeeper vehicle, or attend our Ambassador Training and represent us at events throughout the year. Our work is not possible without the support of people like you. We are only a drop in the bucket of worldwide water conservation efforts, but with the support of people like you, we can make mighty waves of change! Thank you in advance for your support, and happy Earth Month!