Be a Champion for the Places You Love!

Looking Back at 2026

From cleanups to the Floating Classroom to the statehouse, 2026 has been an exciting and impactful year for Catawba Riverkeeper. Here's a look at what we've accomplished together:

• 1,882 volunteers removed over 94,000 pounds of trash from our waterways.
• 907 water samples helped families decide where to swim, with Swim Guide results viewed over 180,000 times.
• 1,700 students learned watershed science aboard our Floating Classroom.
• 5,000 rocky shoals spider lilies were propagated to help grow a new population of this rare native flower.
• 1,525 live stakes were planted to prevent erosion.
• 2 NC bills passed with near-unanimous support to reduce stormwater pollution and promote recreation.

Where We're Headed in 2027

Millions of Carolinians rely on the Catawba River for drinking water, power, and recreation. As our region grows, so do the demands on the river. From fast-paced development and data centers to questions about sharing water between basins, decisions in 2027 will shape the river for decades.

With your support, we'll continue testing water quality, restoring eroding shorelines, protecting native species, cleaning up our waterways, and inspiring the next generation of Riverkeepers. Through education, advocacy, and engagement, we’ll make sure the river has a voice at every step.

Will You Be a Champion for the Places You Love?

Maybe you hauled trash during Riversweep, took a trip on the Floating Classroom, advocated for our waterways in your community, enjoyed a Saturday on the lake, or gave a gift to keep our work going. However you showed up, you stood with us through a year of change for our organization and for the river itself. Thank you.

Your year-end gift, no matter the size, helps us start the new year ready to speak up for the river we rely on and protect the waters that connect us all.

For the River,

The Catawba Riverkeeper Team