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Sound Rivers was named a Community Hero at an Earth Day celebration in New Bern.

Executive Director Heather Deck was on hand to receive the award from Stewards of the Earth, an initiative created by Faith Connection, and inter-congregational organization that promotes community-wide environmental action.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Stewards of the Earth for our work to protect the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico rivers,” Heather said. “And we are grateful for the efforts of volunteers, institutions of faith, businesses, nonprofits and the City of New Bern to work to keep our environment healthy.”

The Earth Day celebration, held at Martin Marietta Park on Saturday, was themed “Water: A Precious Resource,” and brought together the 2026 honorees: Sound Rivers, First Presbyterian Church, The Old Pinnix Restaurant, the stormwater division of the City of New Bern and Web Slaughter, a Trent Woods resident.

Numerous groups manned tables providing educational resources, plants and more. Heather was asked to give a five-minute presentation about Sound Rivers’ work to those gathered at the park.

In addition to the Community Heroes honors, Stewards of the Earth presented Jhaniyah Green, a “super-senior” at Craven Early College slated to graduate in May with a high school diploma and an associate degree in science, with a $1,000 scholarship.

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