News

Monday, September 18, 2017

Project WET Workshop Set for Nov. 21!

Registration is open for the Project WET Water Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 21st!  The workshop is especially for formal and informal educators, but is open to all interested adults and is offered at no cost to participants. For more details and registration, please visit the event link HERE . Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, September 18, 2017 | 0 comments
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Wednesday, September 13, 2017

August 2017 Enewsletter

August 2017 ENEWSLETTER About Us Events & Activities Conservation Education Greenway Get Involved ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Wednesday, September 13, 2017 | 0 comments
Featured

Monday, August 28, 2017

Thanks to Our Lausanne Interns!

A group of 10 students from Lausanne Collegiate School spent four days with Wolf River Conservancy in August, learning about our work, doing outdoor service projects, and having fun on the Wolf River. Our thanks to Andre, Trey, Bryant, Andrew, Whit, Stephen, Rafaela, Jim, Marino, Drew and their teacher, Mr. Chase Kearl, for their hard work, good humor and enthusiasm, and a special thanks to Mr. Columbus (Stephen's dad) for his help shuttling vehicles before and after our Wolf... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, August 28, 2017 | 0 comments

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Natural Highlights: Bryozoans

Have you ever found a big, brown, gelatinous blob in a pond or a lake - or a slow-moving section of the Wolf River - and wondered what the heck it was?  Bryozoans, also called moss animals, are among the wierdest aquatic creatures both in the Midsouth and in the world, so ancient that their exact place among other living things is still a mystery to science.  Colonial, filter-feeding animals which superficially resemble corals, nearly all bryozoans live in marine... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 0 comments

Monday, August 7, 2017

July 2017 Enewsletter

July 2017 ENEWSLETTER About Us Events & Activities Conservation Education Greenway Get Involved ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, August 7, 2017 | 0 comments

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Project WET Wrap-up: Learning to Teach About Water

A group of 31 local educators and administrators attended an all-day workshop focused on water on July 25th.  Everyone left with a copy of the award-winning Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide 2.0 after trying out a number of the activities themselves - which meant they had fun, too! They also learned more about the Wolf River, the Memphis Sand Aquifer, a variety of water issues, and local water education resources including Wolf River Conservancy, CAESER, Clean Memphis and Memphis... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Wednesday, July 26, 2017 | 0 comments

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Natural Highlights: Pistolgrip Mussel

  Pistolgrip ( Tritogonia verrucosa ) Budding paddler and naturalist, Cooper Blevins, all of 3 years old and the  grandson of Jeff and Eileen Sojourner, found several large living native mussels during the annual Stream Stroll at Bateman Bridge.  The largest was a beautiful Pistolgrip Mussel ( Tritogonia verrucosa ), one of the easiest mussels to identify because of the distinct ridge on its shell. Unlike some of our native mussel populations, Pistolgrips seem... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Wednesday, July 26, 2017 | 0 comments

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Meet Our Summer Interns, Grace and Jessica

 Jessica Martin        Grace Sammarco   Jessica Martin: Growing up in the Alabama wilderness, I developed a deep love of nature from an early age. I would spend countless hours roaming the woods behind my grandparent's house, climbing trees with my cousins to see who could make it the highest, collecting insects in jars simply to gain a closer look, and sharing sunflower seeds with my dog in a field of grass as the days wound to an end. I... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Wednesday, July 26, 2017 | 0 comments

Thursday, June 29, 2017

June 2017 ENewsletter

June 2017 ENEWSLETTER About Us Events & Activities Conservation Education Greenway Get Involved ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Thursday, June 29, 2017 | 0 comments

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Remembering Wayne Roberts

  Wayne Roberts leading volunteers. We are saddened to report that one of Wolf River Conservancy’s most devoted volunteers has passed away.  Wayne Roberts, a Navy veteran, husband, father, grandfather, avid community leader, and good friend, always brought energy and a worker’s mentality to the countless service projects he led and meetings he attended.  A recipient of Wolf River Conservancy’s “2015 Outreach Volunteer of the Year”... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Tuesday, June 27, 2017 | 0 comments

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Cycle the Greenway Surpasses Fundraising Mark

The 11th Annual Cycle the Greenway, presented by Orion Federal Credit Union, was a huge success, raising over $45,000 for the Conservancy. We had 150 cyclists enjoy our scenic ride on the Greenway and throughout Germantown and Collierville on Saturday, June 3rd. Congratulations to Don Campbell, the top individual fundraiser, and to the top fundraising team, Memphis Hightailers. Thanks again to presenting sponsor, Orion Federal Credit Union, platinum sponsors Buckman,... Read More
Posted by Kelsey Hamilton at Tuesday, June 27, 2017 | 0 comments
Featured Walking and Biking Enews Special Events Greenway

Monday, June 26, 2017

Welcome to Bob Rogalski, Our New CFO!

We are very excited to announce the appointment of Bob Rogalski as the Chief Financial Officer for the Wolf River Conservancy. Bob  has many years of financial leadership experience in both the non-profit sector and also private industry, having been associated with BRIDGES and Time Warner Cable.  Bob has a degree in Accounting from Michigan State University and an Executive MBA from the University of Memphis.  Besides work, Bob's priority is his family;... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, June 26, 2017 | 0 comments

Monday, June 26, 2017

A Good Night for Frogs

    June 3rd was a busy day for Wolf River Conservancy, with both Cycle the Greenway and a First Saturday paddle trip during the day, and our annual Frog Chorus Walk that night at the Mineral Slough boardwalk near LaGrange. This was actually the second frog walk of the year.  The first, on May 20th, took place despite a high chance of storms, and was a pleasant evening after all, with several adventurous participants and a few glimpses of frogs among the leaves.... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, June 26, 2017 | 0 comments
Natural Highlights

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Natural Highlights: Whirligig Beetles

              Whirligig Beetles (Gyrinidae) are very common on the surface of all kinds of water in the Midsouth, often seen in large groups gyrating and spinning crazily around each other, somehow without ever colliding.  There may be a method to this madness, however. Apparently the tiny waves produced by moving in circles are more effective at helping the beetles detect prey items at the surface.  A whirligig beetle's club-like... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Thursday, June 22, 2017 | 0 comments

Monday, June 5, 2017

Currents (Fall 2016)

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Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, June 5, 2017 | 0 comments

Monday, June 5, 2017

Read Currents, Our Biannual Newsletter

Currents (Spring/Summer 2017) Currents (Fall/Winter 2016) Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, June 5, 2017 | 0 comments

Friday, June 2, 2017

Currents (Spring 2017)

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Posted by Cathy Justis at Friday, June 2, 2017 | 0 comments
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Friday, June 2, 2017

May 2017 Enewsletter

May 2017 ENEWSLETTER About Us Events & Activities Conservation Education Greenway Get Involved ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Friday, June 2, 2017 | 0 comments

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

May Service Project Recap: Thank You Students and Volunteers!

Many thanks to the following groups for their contribution to our mission during the month of May! May 5th, Grace St. Luke's 6th Graders and Teachers, at Lucius Burch Trailhead in Shelby Farms Park; clearing privet and maintaining pollinator beds.       May 5th, Girl Scouts, at Lucius Burch Trailhead in Shelby Farms Park; planting young trees in area newly cleared of privet, and visiting the river.       May 10th, Kirby High... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Tuesday, May 30, 2017 | 0 comments

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

2017 IP EcoChallenge Trips Bring Smiles to Students

     Two small groups of students from Winridge Elementary and Soulsville Charter Schools boarded buses on May 16th (Winridge) and 17th (SCS) for an exciting IP=sponsored trip out to Fayette County and the wildlands of the Wolf River.  First stop was the William B. Clark Preserve in Rossville for a walk on the boardwalk and a look at a real bottomland hardwood swamp.  From there the students traveled on the Bateman Bridge to board the shuttle which took them... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Tuesday, May 30, 2017 | 0 comments

Friday, May 26, 2017

Natural Highlights: Lizard Tail

  Lizard Tail Lizard Tail is a common and abundant wetland plant that is blooming right now in the bottomlands along the Wolf River.  Those frequenting W.C.Johnson Park in Collierville can see several large colonies along the boardwalk there, as can visitors to the Kennedy Park wetland trail in Memphis and the Mineral Slough boardwalk in LaGrange, in addition to many other locations. Saururus cernuus , also called Lizard’s Tail or Water Dragon, is an... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Friday, May 26, 2017 | 0 comments
Natural Highlights

Thursday, May 11, 2017

April 2017 Enewsletter

April 2017 ENEWSLETTER About Us Events & Activities Conservation Education Greenway Get Involved ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Thursday, May 11, 2017 | 0 comments

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

2017 Summer Lecture Series Begins June 19th

Here's who will be speaking at our Summer Lecture Series at the Memphis Botanic Garden: June 19 - Jack Kenner, Photographing Nature in Your Backyard and Beyond. July 10 - Dr. Dwayne Estes, Our Native Grasslands August 7 - Heather Holm, Native Bees September 11 - Dr. Jason Hoeksema, Wild Mushrooms Lectures are held at Memphis Botanic Garden at 6:30pm and are free to members of Wolf River Conservancy and Memphis Botanic Garden.  $4 admission for non-members helps... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Wednesday, April 26, 2017 | 0 comments

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Thanks to Earth Day Volunteers at Dogwood Elementary!

     Dogwood Elementary School has a new garden in the Tennessee-shaped bed in front of the school - thanks to some wonderful volunteers who refused to let the rainy weather stop them on April 22nd.  The volunteers removed weeds in preparation for new plants, and then planted a selection of Tennessee native perennial plants which will attract butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife. The plants included coneflower, coral honeysuckle, smooth aster, blazing star,... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Wednesday, April 26, 2017 | 0 comments

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

100 FedEx Volunteers Improve Outdoor Classrooms at Kingsbury Schools

      On the morning of April 10 th , purple shirts swarmed the courtyard at Kingsbury High School and the playground at Kingsbury Elementary School as 100 FedEx volunteers spent their morning helping the schools improve their outdoor classrooms. WRC Education Director Cathy Justis has been working with both schools for a long time as part of the Five Star Restoration Program funded by FedEx through the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation.   Volunteers... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Wednesday, April 26, 2017 | 0 comments

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

TDEC and WRC Hold Dedication Ceremony for Elder Tract

      A small crowd gathered in the LaGrange town square on Wed., April 26th, to dedicate the newly acquired Elder tract as part of the Ghost River State Natural Area       Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Wednesday, April 26, 2017 | 0 comments

Monday, April 24, 2017

Natural Highlights: Ghost River Bird Songs

Perhaps you're planning to join the early morning Spring Birding Paddle Trip this Saturday, or you would simply like to identify some of the birds you might hear the next time you paddle the Wolf.  Here are 10 bird species frequently heard along the Ghost River section of the Wolf River. If you're lucky, you'll get a glimpse of these beauties in the foliage, too! Cornell Lab's All About Birds website and the Macaulay Library are both great resources... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, April 24, 2017 | 0 comments

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

March 2017 Enewsletter

March 2017 ENEWSLETTER About Us Events & Activities Conservation Education Greenway Get Involved ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Tuesday, March 28, 2017 | 0 comments
Enews

Friday, March 24, 2017

Drink A Beer, Save A River Series Kicks Off with Memphis Green Drinks

Thank you to all who joined us for our first Drink A Beer, Save A River series at the Ghost River Tap Room on Wednesday, March 22nd from 5-8 pm! We had a great turnout, and we were excited to announce our collaboration with the Memphis Green Drinks moving forward. The event was held on World Water Day, and we had the unique opportunity to celebrate the great work of many local organizations who are committed to sustainable practices in our community that evening. Thank you to the Center of... Read More
Posted by Kelsey Hamilton at Friday, March 24, 2017 | 0 comments
Featured Enews Special Events

Friday, March 24, 2017

Registration & Fundraising Open for Cycle the Greenway

Presented by Orion Federal Credit Union Saturday, June 3, 2017 7600 Wolf River Blvd. Registration: $40   Register Today!   When you register for Cycle the Greenway, you have the opportunity to fundraise and earn incentives along the way!   Greenway All-Star:   Raise $100 (includes registration fee)   Cycle the Greenway Technical T-shirt   Goody... Read More
Posted by Kelsey Hamilton at Friday, March 24, 2017 | 0 comments
Enews Special Events

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Natural Highlights: Alligator Snapping Turtle

   Common vs. Alligator Snapping Turtle One of the many fascinating species living in the Wolf River is the Alligator Snapping Turtle ( Macrochelys temminckii ), America's largest freshwater turtle.  These turtles are rarely seen on the Wolf because they are almost entirely aquatic bottom-dwellers, hanging out under root masses and in debris in the deeper parts of the river and wetlands in the watershed. Females do exit the water to lay eggs in surrounding... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Wednesday, March 22, 2017 | 0 comments

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

February 2017 Enewsletter

February 2017 ENEWSLETTER About Us Events & Activities Conservation Education Greenway Get Involved ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Tuesday, March 14, 2017 | 0 comments
Enews

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Share the Love: We Salute Jim Keras Subaru

The Wolf River Conservancy was the local recipient of Jim Keras Subaru's  Share the Love Campaign , a national fundraiser for all Subaru dealerships each holiday season. Jim Keras Subaru promoted the Wolf River Conservancy at their dealership during November and December of this past year, and raised over $30,000 for the Conservancy! We are grateful for the employees and staff at Jim Keras Subaru for promoting the Conservancy and for all who supported this campaign.  Thank... Read More
Posted by Kelsey Hamilton at Tuesday, February 28, 2017 | 0 comments

Monday, February 27, 2017

Record Attendance for the Wolf River Conservancy Tree Planting

Over 500 volunteers joined the Wolf River Conservancy at the 12th Annual Tree Planting on Saturday, February 25th at Shelby Farms Park. Volunteers planted a total of 544 native trees, including 400 dogwoods along the Walnut Grove section of Shelby Farms Park, and a variety of other trees nearby.   A small group of hardy volunteers also took on the difficult task of removing Bradford pear trees, an exotic invasive species. Thank you to our presenting... Read More
Posted by Kelsey Hamilton at Monday, February 27, 2017 | 0 comments

Monday, February 27, 2017

Natural Highlights: Chickasaw Plum

                On Feb. 25th at Shelby Farms Park, volunteers planted 500 native trees of the following species:  Flowering Dogwood ( Cornus florida ), Southern Magnolia ( Magnolia grandiflora ), American Holly ( Ilex opaca ), Common Persimmon ( Diospyros virginiana ), Tulip Poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera ), Parsley Hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii), and Chickasaw plum ( Prunus angustifolia ). We highlight the Chickasaw Plum ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, February 27, 2017 | 0 comments

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

January 2017 Enewsletter

January 2017 ENEWSLETTER About Us Events & Activities Conservation Education Greenway Get Involved ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Tuesday, January 31, 2017 | 0 comments
Enews

Monday, January 30, 2017

Sell-Out Crowd at Source to Sea Film

The Memphis premier showing of the documentary “ Dale Sanders: Source to the Sea ”  at the Brooks Museum on Saturday, January 14 th was a tremendous success with a capacity crowd of 250 people.  The theater was filled and tickets were sold out; our apologies to those folks unable to purchase tickets at the door. Viewers enjoyed the documentary which followed our very own Dale Sanders on his journey from the source of the Mississippi River in... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, January 30, 2017 | 0 comments
Paddling Special Events

Monday, January 30, 2017

Volunteers Step Up in January

  Andrew and Mallory Halliburton 40 volunteers including Buffalo Soldiers, MPD officers, and staff from the Shelby County District Attorney General's office, worked at Kennedy Park on the Martin Luther King Day of Service on Jan.16th.   Thanks again to Wayne Roberts for his continued assistance in leading our Kennedy Park projects! Andrew and Mallory Halliburton - a father-daughter team -  enthusiastically cleared privet at the Lucius Burch trailhead on... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, January 30, 2017 | 0 comments
Conservation Volunteer

Monday, January 23, 2017

Natural Highlights: Groundhogs

The groundhog ( Marmota monax ), also called woodchuck or whistle pig, is one of 14 species of marmots, and the only one that occurs in the Mid-South.  The other North American marmots are confined to nothern and western alpine or open forest regions.  All marmots are burrowing, herbivorous rodents in the squirrel family (Sciuridae) which enter true hibernation in the late fall and emerge in late winter or very early spring.  Our customary Groundhog Day on... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, January 23, 2017 | 0 comments
Natural Highlights

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

December 2016 Enewsletter

December 2016 ENEWSLETTER About Us Events & Activities Conservation Education Greenway Get Involved ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Tuesday, January 3, 2017 | 0 comments
Enews

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Hands-On Conservation with Citizens of All Ages

     Many thanks to the Webelos from Scout Troop 457, the Cordova Elementary School Robotics Club, the environmental science students and staff from Raleigh Egypt High School, and other adult volunteers who joined us in service projects during the first two weeks of December!    On Saturday morning, Dec. 10th,  several Webelos and their parents (Troop 457), and volunteers Natasha and Marcus Mayton attacked the privet near the trail... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Tuesday, December 20, 2016 | 0 comments
Conservation Education

Monday, December 19, 2016

43 Acre North Fork Property Protected

North Fork Beauty While the Wolf River is well-known to Mid-South residents, many are unfamiliar with its largest tributary – the North Fork Wolf River or North Fork for short.  Moscow, TN, refers to itself as the “City Between Two Rivers”  because it is located at the convergence of the North Fork with the larger Wolf River. Covering more than 80,000 acres, the North Fork sub-watershed is a substantial feature within the larger Wolf River... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, December 19, 2016 | 0 comments
Conservation

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Sustaining the Wolf Challenge Grant: Triple Your Impact

Sustain the Wolf Challenge Grant Ends December 31st Give to the Wolf This Holiday Season   We have surpassed $55,000 towards our Sustaining the Wolf Challenge Grant. That means less than $20,000 to go to receive our full match! All new or increased gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, thanks to our friends at the Hyde Family Foundations.  And now, all gifts will be TRIPLED through the generosity of Ring Container Technologies. Just... Read More
Posted by Kelsey Hamilton at Sunday, December 18, 2016 | 0 comments
Enews

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Natural Highlights: Native Hollies

  Winterberry       Possumhaw The hollies native to the southeastern U.S. make wonderful additions to the home landscape while supporting our local ecosystem. Some are deciduous and some are evergreen, all have inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers which are either male or female, and all produce fruits which are technically "drupes"  but are commonly called berries.  Native holly berries are an important source of food for... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Wednesday, December 7, 2016 | 0 comments
Conservation Natural Highlights

Monday, November 28, 2016

November 2016 Enewsletter

November 2016 ENEWSLETTER About Us Events & Activities Conservation Education Greenway Get Involved ... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Monday, November 28, 2016 | 0 comments
Enews

Monday, November 21, 2016

Wolf River Conservancy & Jim Keras Subaru - Share The Love

We are very excited to announce that the Wolf River Conservancy will be the local charity recipient of the  Share the Love Campaign , a national fundraiser for all Subaru dealerships each holiday season.  Jim Keras Subaru will be promoting the Wolf River Conservancy at their dealership. For all new vehicle sales purchased or leased now through January 3rd, Subaru will donate $250 to charities across the country, including the Wolf River Conservancy here at Jim Keras Subaru.  ... Read More
Posted by Kelsey Hamilton at Monday, November 21, 2016 | 0 comments
Enews

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Fall Service Projects Improve Habitat, Trash and Trails

    THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE WONDERFUL INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR HELP IN PRESERVING THE WONDER OF THE WOLF! Oct. 28 - AT&T volunteers   made huge progress on the boardwalk trail at Kennedy Park, removing hundreds of pounds of rotten wood and trash.  This clears the way for an Eagle Scout to come in and finish the boardwalk.  Oct. 29  - Halloween Bat House Project at Lovitt Woods - Thanks to the... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Saturday, November 19, 2016 | 0 comments
Conservation Volunteer

Saturday, November 19, 2016

A Warm Welcome to Jackie Doyle, Our New Office Manager

We are pleased and excited to introduce our new office manager, Jackie Doyle, to all of our members and supporters! Jackie comes to us with a great deal of nonprofit experience, most recently the Ronald McDonald House. She also possesses a great passion for the mission of the Wolf River Conservancy and has enjoyed meeting many of our volunteers and donors. Jackie will oversee the Conservancy's general office operation including donor records management, human resources,... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Saturday, November 19, 2016 | 0 comments

Friday, November 18, 2016

Thank You for a Wonderful Greenway Soiree

Thank you to all of our sponsors, planning committee members, guests and volunteers who helped make this year's Greenway Soiree a night to remember! With music from Earnestine & Hazel's Band, great items to bid in our silent and live auction, and wonderful food from Paradox Catering & Consulting, we are glad we could  Celebrate the Wolf  in style. A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, FedEx, and all of our sponsors for their commitment to the Wolf River... Read More
Posted by Kelsey Hamilton at Friday, November 18, 2016 | 0 comments
Enews Special Events

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Report from the 2016 Land Trust Alliance Rally

     Land Trust Alliance - Rally 2016 - by Ryan Hall, WRC Land Protection Associate Upon my arrival in Minneapolis, it was 40 degrees colder than in Memphis.  This temperature shock would not be the last surprise at the Land Trust Alliance Rally - the 2016 National Land Conservation Conference - from Oct. 28-30.      . In the conference sessions, land trusts from across North America shared their successes, difficulties, new... Read More
Posted by Cathy Justis at Thursday, November 17, 2016 | 0 comments
Conservation