News

When Sound Rivers Program Director Clay Barber wasn’t in the field surveying stormwater projects in the works, he was on the water, leading conference participants on a kayak tour down Tar River.

The North Carolina chapter of the American Planning Association Conference took place in Greenville this week, an opportunity for planning professionals to network with peers and explore the future of planning. Some of its participants took to the river to experience the history and community assets mapped out by the Blue Economy Corridor, in itself a project designed to increase sustainable tourism. After City of Greenville Parks Planner Mark Nottingham introduced the group to an ongoing city project (Wildwood Park) and an upcoming one (a $22-million bulkhead replacement at Town Common), Clay led kayakers on an education tour of the Tar from Town Common to Wildwood.

In addition to pointing out Blue Economy Corridor assets such as the educational resource of River Park North, the recreational resource of the Tar River Greenway, historic and natural resources of a bald cypress swamp and fossil hunting on Greens Mill Run, Clay talked about the work he does for Sound Rivers.

“There was plenty of interest in the Water Trail and our Litter-Free Rivers and Campus Stormwater programs, along with the development issues we’ve encountered,” Clay said. “These people were planners from all over the state who value the environment and know they play an important role in sustainable development. … It was a great event, all around.”

Like the work Sound Rivers’ program director is doing? So do we! Donate today to support Sound Rivers’ programs!