News

Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop went to summer camp this week to talk about the importance of protecting our waterways.

Sam was invited to speak to campers at Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center in Four Oaks by camp directors through Alan Capps, a Sound Rivers ally and owner of Down East Kayak Outfitter.

“There were about a baker’s dozen of kids present. The camp is a nature-focused camp where the kids spend lots of time spent exploring the 2,800-acre Howell Woods campus owned and operated by Johnston Community College. The kids explore the creeks that feed into the Neuse River and when I arrived, they were just getting back from an afternoon fishing trip,” Sam said.

It was an ideal opportunity to make the connection between their fishing adventure and the health of the river — the importance of protecting the watershed so the river can continue to be used for fishing, swimming and drinking. She also introduced them to a couple of threatened species that only live in the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds: the Neuse River waterdog and the Carolina Madtom catfish.

“They were also enthusiastic and eager to help when I told them that they can help us keep the river clean by keeping a lookout and letting us know if they see water quality concerns,” Sam said. “When I left, one adorable little boy said, ‘See you on the river!’”