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Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop is a new graduate of the Environmental Justice Leadership Academy.

Sam graduated alongside Haw Riverkeeper Emily Sutton and Cape Fear Riverkeeper Kemp Burdette. The North Carolina Conservation Network program began in Spring of 2023 and culminated in a graduation ceremony held last weekend at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh.

“This past Saturday’s commencement ceremony was the culmination of months of work digging into environmental justice issues around the state,” Sam said.

During online and in-person sessions, the group tackled environmental issues in North Carolina that disproportionately impact marginalized communities, including factory farming and landfills, and what those communities are doing to fight for clean water and resiliency.

“It was a truly inspiring experience, and I made some very meaningful relationships along the way,” Sam said of the academy.