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Thank you for your ongoing interest, support and investment in RiverLink. We are honored to carry founder Karen Cragnolin's legacy forward and to continue her commitment to the French Broad River and the communities living alongside her. Below we share reflections on the past year and highlight the impact of our work in 2023. Tremendous gratitude to each and every one of you for being part of RiverLink's journey.

Lisa Raleigh | Executive Director

 

Conserving Urban Lands -- As a land trust, RiverLink works to conserve and protect properties within the French Broad River watershed. Our wonderful volunteers have helped us maintain and improve these lands through invasive plant removals, stream repairs, native plantings, and more. 

 

Karen Cragnolin Park Dedication -- 2023 saw the long-awaited opening of Karen Cragnolin Park, now providing a vital connection for thousands of greenway users. A dedication for the park was held in August and--thanks to 123 donors and public grants committing over $1.1 million to this phase--truly reflected the love and support this project has received since 2015. Check out photos from the event here, courtesy of Paul King.

 

Southside Community Stormwater Project ribbon cutting

Southside wetland from above

Stormwater at Southside -- This past year we completed the Southside Community Stormwater Project and held a ribbon cutting! This was a collaborative effort to address water quality issues and the needs of a marginalized community. The project constructed green infrastructure features that capture and filter runoff before it reaches Nasty Branch and the French Broad River and provided community amenities at Erskine Apartments.

 

Teaching the Next Generation -- This past year, we forged many impactful partnerships with some outstanding schools and educational organizations, collaborating to eliminate barriers to outdoor experiences. We introduced a new Out-of-School program, designed to bring social and emotional outdoor learning into afterschool and summer school. Our educators continued to deliver interactive, curriculum-aligned environmental science activities to classrooms throughout the region. All of our educational work, in and out of school, remains completely free for everyone.

 

It Was an Exceptional Year! -- Reflecting the generosity and ongoing investments by grantmakers and individual donors. Thank you for underwriting this essential work — for believing that we all have a role to play in protecting our rivers and streams, as you energize the effort to ensure that everyone can experience the opportunities present in the restoration of this ancient river. For all who are depending on the well-being of the French Broad River — thank you.

* including the future Gateway Park, ongoing Karen Cragnolin Park investments, and the Woodfin Greenway Blueway partnership 

 
 

We are excited for new and expanded projects coming in 2024!

With deepest gratitude for your support.

RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality
of the French Broad River and its watershed. Please join us with a gift today!

Contact Us

information@riverlink.org | 828-252-8474

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