Summer 2016
Currents Our Land Conservation Plan Is Linked To A Bigger Picture
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Directors Stewart Austin Adrian Blackney Jody Brown Susan Bryan Diane Callahan Robert Carson Richard Chotard Tyree Daniels Lela Gerald Kathryn Gilliland Ricky Heros Joe Jarratt Melvin Jones Kirkwood McClintock Bayard Morgan Jon Rich Tom Roehm David Scully Carol Seamons Brett Shanaman Russell Smith Josh White McCall Wilson Office Location 2693 Union Avenue Extended Suite 205 Memphis, TN 38112 (901) 452-6500
Photo by Mark Lindstrom
Officers President, Chip Greer Vice-President, James McDonald III Secretary, Sarah Prosser Treasurer, Carl J. “Skeet” Haag Past President, Jeanne Arthur
he Wolf River Conservancy has protected steel. And conserving or upgrading it requires the 15,000 acres of land since its founding 30 same careful, long-range planning devoted to roads, years ago as a grass roots effort to stop further bridges, and buildings. degradation of the fragile Wolf River watershed. “If you don’t protect the floodplain, it’s very The properties were acquired through various costly to reverse the resulting damage,” said Bob circumstances and are located in patches of different Wenner, WRC Chief Financial Officer and Greenway sizes and shapes, from the Wolf River’s confluence Coordinator. “Driving down Humphreys Boulevard with the Mississippi River to its source in Holly after the heavy rain in March, all you could see was Springs National Forest. standing water covering the Greenway and woods. Although preserved That’s what a floodplain’s piece by piece, the parsupposed to do – protect cels are not a haphazard lives, neighborhoods, and collection of fragments. property from flooding. If The Conservancy uses a it gets gobbled up through science-based strategy development, you have to prioritizing lands with find other ways to manage the greatest conservastorm water runoff. tion return on invest“Wouldn’t it just be ment, while also adeasier and cheaper to dressing essential needs protect lands along the river of people and wildlife. and not have to supplement After several days of heavy spring rain, the Wolf River Greenway and buffering woods provided a natural storage basin for storm water WRC initiatives are with all these structures and the rapidly rising river, protecting lives and property. focused on the Wolf that have to be created and River watershed, but are intertwined with a growmaintained at a higher cost?” ing regional network of natural areas, or “green Communities across the country have learned infrastructure,” offering a multitude of vital services. that using a green and gray infrastructure approach Green infrastructure provides protection from floodis significantly cheaper than gray infrastructure only. ing and erosion, improves air and water quality, As one example, New York City was able to save $1.5 encourages health and economic benefits, secures billion by purchasing and protecting watershed land, wildlife habitats, and a gives a community an overall instead of building new water treatment plants. better quality of life. It is just as important to a region Natural areas forming a city’s green infrastrucas the “gray infrastructure” built with concrete and ture serve multiple purposes. When the Wolf River Continued on page 3
MLGW Sows Seeds to Nurture Wolf’s Water and Wildlife
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hen John F. Kennedy Park is revitalized as the “heart” of the Wolf River Greenway, humans won’t be the only area residents enjoying an improved quality of life. Newly planted linear meadows, a joint conservation effort of Memphis Light Gas and Water Division and the Wolf River Conservancy, will create a healthier habitat for park wildlife, too. Over a mile of MLGW power line right-of-ways have been replanted with native grasses and wildflowers, benefiting the park both environmentally and aesthetically. Located in Raleigh on the bank of the Wolf River, Kennedy Park is serving as a testing ground for the initiative, which planners hope to replicate on other suitable right-of-ways. Continued on page 6
Kennedy Park’s native plant meadows, woods, and water will be an ideal habitat for drawing the elusive Painted Bunting, a US Fish & Wildlife Service migratory bird of concern.
The Wolf River Conservancy is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the Wolf River watershed as a sustainable natural resource.
from the Ex ecut iv e director and the president of the board
As most of you know, the Wolf River Conservancy celebrated our 30th Anniversary last year. Since our founding in 1985, we have delivered on our mission to “conserve and enhance the Wolf River and its watershed as a sustainable natural resource.” For me, it continues to be very challenging and exciting participating in the leadership of such a dynamic, robust organization that continues to carry out our mission to the community in such a diverse and beneficial manner. Our board of directors will remain committed to sustaining the Wolf River Conservancy far into the future. So what might the Wolf River Conservancy look like 30 years from now? Here is our vision for the year 2046. •
We have succeeded in acquiring our Top 100 properties (based on their conservation values), which represents an additional 30,000 acres protected in the watershed. The total acreage protected in the watershed is now approximately 97,000 acres*. The watershed is healthy and the Memphis Sand Aquifer remains an abundant source of clean drinking water for the West Tennessee region.
•
We continue to be recognized as an accredited land trust organization complying with the “Best Practices and Procedures” outlined by the Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission. We are well respected for our ethical land practices, along with our effectiveness in our land stewardship practices.
•
The Wolf River Greenway trail has long been completed, and the majority of Memphians cannot imagine their city without this wonderful amenity that provides so many benefits. The WRC completes a variety of recreational and environmental education programs on the Wolf River Greenway for the community’s benefit.
•
The “connectivity” provided by the Wolf River Greenway trail is also mirrored in the continued collaboration of the WRC with a variety of conservation groups such as Clean Memphis, Ducks Unlimited, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, and many, many others.
Currently, the Board of Directors for the Wolf River Conservancy has adopted a strategic plan that supports these goals for the Wolf River Conservancy’s future. We welcome you to continue — or begin — to participate and support the Wolf River Conservancy in our mission.
Keith Cole Executive Director
*This would represent all lands protected in the watershed, including other organizations in addition to the WRC.
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Since this is my first letter as President, I’d like to introduce myself. I am a lifelong
Memphian, with the exception of four years spent at UTKnoxville, where I majored in accounting and played on the lacrosse team. Returning home, I obtained a law degree at the University of Memphis, and now work for Belz Enterprises as Vice President of Tax. My wife, Diana, and I have two daughters – Jordan (center), a sophomore at Auburn, and Aubrey, a freshman at St. Benedict High School; and a son, Jack, who is a senior at CBHS (my alma mater). I’ve always been an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and especially, golf. However, it was Jack’s running cross country in middle school, and spending an enormous amount of time with him on the Wolf River trails in Shelby Farms Park, that acquainted me with the Wolf River Conservancy. Then one of my good friends, Rob Browne, a longtime Conservancy supporter, recruited me for the board. As a CPA and lawyer, I was asked to serve as Treasurer, which I did until stepping into my current role as President. When I became involved with the Wolf River Conservancy, I was familiar with the paddle trips and excellent fishing in Fayette County and Mississippi, but had no idea about the immense significance of the Conservancy’s work — all the acres protected through fee purchases and conservation easements, the education programs, the stewardship of our water and land, plans to revitalize the urban Wolf River, plus all the partners and sponsors who provide funds to make it happen. As President the next couple of years, I want to make the public aware of everything the Wolf River Conservancy is, but if nothing else, that it protects the recharge areas for our groundwater. Growing up, I lived near Kennedy Park and played softball there several nights a week. But like most Memphians at that time, I didn’t think much about the Wolf River. We didn’t learn about its importance, and no one thought about canoeing in it, probably because there wasn’t good access. With the expansion of the Wolf River Greenway, Kennedy Park and other underserved urban areas will be revitalized, and part of that work will include building better access to the Wolf River. People will realize the urban Wolf is available for recreation, too. I want to thank my predecessor, Jeanne Arthur, and the Conservancy staff for their many accomplishments. I am looking forward to my opportunity to serve this wonderful organization as it begins its second 30 years of conservation, education, and recreation.
Chip Greer Board of Directors President
Our Land Conservation Plan, continued from page1
Greenway trail is not storing and filtering storm water that then recharges our drinking water, it is a place where people of all ages can gather to hike, bike, walk, run, and enjoy nature. It is also a valuable teaching resource. In addition to protecting and recharging people and groundwater, green infrastructure provides critical habitats required for healthy plants and wildlife. “Three principles guide our land conservation projects – connectivity, bigger is better, and reduced edge.” said Wenner. “That’s why our recent acquisitions of the Cannon and “Three principles guide our Triple Z tracts land conservation projects are so significant.” – connectivity, bigger is The two better, and reduced edge.” unspoiled tracts were Bob Wenner, the Conservancy’s Chief Financial Officer and Greenway Coordinator a vulnerable gap in the Collierville growth corridor, sandwiched between two Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency reserves. By purchasing the properties, the Conservancy created a 4,000-acre continuous wildlife corridor that will
Tax Incentives Made Permanent for Conservation Easement Donations With strong bipartisan support, Congress passed a bill in December making the federal tax incentive for conservation easement donations permanent. Voluntary conservation easements allow people
how your company can partner with u s i n 2016 We would like to thank our Corporate Benefactors for their continued support and commitment to the work and mission of the Wolf River Conservancy. If you are interested in learning more about how your company can partner with us in 2016, please contact the Development Department at 901-452-6500, ext. 109 or 110.
to protect their land from future development, while maintaining most private property rights and, at the same time, earning significant tax benefits. This legislation has been a priority for the Land Trust Alliance for a decade, and it represents a huge win for conservation, for landowners, and for the land trust community. Now that the President has signed this bill into law, the incentive will
Photo by Ryan Hall
be applied retroactively to January 1, 2015. The Cannon tract is one of the Conservancy’s most significant land acquisitions to date.
preserve more genetically-diverse life, while reducing exposure to pollutants, invasive non-native species, and other disturbances associated with urban development. “We are thankful to our donors, members, and friends, whose generosity makes acquiring key properties possible,” said Barbara Kabakoff, WRC Chief Development Officer. “Their support provides the financial and human resources needed to carry out our mission of protecting the Wolf River watershed – its land, water, and wildlife – now and for future generations. Ring Container Technologies, through the Ring Challenge, has helped us engage a broader circle of friends who support our efforts. And, through conservation easement donations, property owners also help extend our ability to protect and preserve the Wonder of the Wolf.”
As an accredited LTA organization, the Wolf River Conservancy is pleased to share this news with you. Your tax-deductible contributions – both financial and in-kind, including conservation easements – help us preserve the Wonder of the Wolf. To learn more about conservation easements, visit wolfriver.org/
Subscribe to eblasts and enews at www.wolfriver.org Follow us on @WolfRConser v /wolfriver
land-preservation-tools. @wolfriverconser vancy
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11th Annual WRC Tree Planting
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e had another great year for the 11th Annual WRC Tree Planting, presented by FedEx and International Paper.
located inside the Wolf River watershed. A big thank you to our presenting sponsors: FedEx and
Over 250 volunteers planted close
International Paper; and our other
to 500 Eastern Redbud trees plus
sponsors: Brother International,
two large pollinator habitats along
Indian Community Fund for Greater
Walnut Grove at Shelby Farms
Memphis, the Little Garden Club, and
Park. The trees and numerous
the Memphis Garden Club.
native nectar plants, including
We would also like to recognize
two kinds of milkweed, will help
our Tree Planting donors who
establish a native butterfly habitat.
sponsored the cost of individual trees,
The Wolf River Conservancy and Shelby Farms Park
Employees and family members of sponsors FedEx and International Paper contributed to the hard work.
Conservancy have agreed to
allowing us to plant the beautiful Eastern Redbuds at Shelby Farms. See donor listing below.
a three-year plan for planting over 1,000 Eastern Redbud and Dogwood trees and adding more pollinator habitats along this corridor, creating an immediate benefit to Shelby Farms, which is
Thank You to Our 2016 Tree Planting Donors Individuals/Families: Anonymous Allison Grace Adair Floyd and Conne Bellet Connie Sabater Binkowitz The Binkowitz Family Thanom and Thipavan Boone Terri Brown Reagan and Fred Bugg Keith and Katie Cole Ayman Dayeh The Cope Family The Greg Crosby Family Maria Dannemiller Rob Dannemiller Jenny Davis Henry A. Deutsch Milad Ebtehaj Michelle Marie Field Donna Hall Mr. and Mrs. Philip Z. Horton Dylan Kennedy Anthony Krone Jaime Krone Mark Lindstrom The Lippuner Family Lucy Lu Evangeline Martin Andrew and Michelle Mathewes Melanie McAninch Jennifer Meline 4
John Meline The Miller-Huntley Family Lisa Nezwazky Laura Pate Jane Van Deren and Lucian Pera Weida Ringley Victor Robinson Jr. Dale Sanders Matt Schrader David Scully Marc Sherman Nathan Short Charles and Gail Silverstein Pamela Smith Diane Spears Stephanie Stafford Joyce Summit Hayley Tillery The Thomas Family Stephanie Wade Jeffrey and Caroline Webb Phillip Willis Companies/Organizations: The Bank of Fayette County Evergreen Presbyterian Church Indian Community Fund for Greater Memphis Natural Awakenings Magazine Self + Tucker Architects
In Honor: In honor of Ladye Margaret Craddock Early Arnold The Williamson Family In honor of Marti Becker Brian & MJ Masters In honor of Carole & Jeff Blankenship Catherine Nathan In honor of Billie Canon David & Lisa Canon In honor of our children Lucy & Daniel Webb In honor of our grandchildren Sue & John Waechter In honor of Mark and Linda Hamilton Kelsey Hamilton In honor of Jackson Lee Hutchison Catherine & Lee Hutchison In honor of Laura Nelson Hutchison Catherine & Lee Hutchison In honor of Pammy Ingram Barbara Kabakoff In honor of Bob Jones Jane Jones In honor of James and Golda Jamison Jan Jamison
In honor of Jim Jamison Jan Jamison In honor of our parents Jan & Jim Jamison In honor of Vance Lewis Michelle Dunavant In honor of Lucy, Daniel, and Gillian Waechter Webb Pay Flynn & Jerry Heston In honor of Barbara Williamson Michelle Dunavant In honor of WRC Staff Jeanne Arthur In honor of Phil Zanone Pallas Pidgeon Zanone In Memory: In memory of Phil Becker MJ Masters & Marti Becker In memory of Pat and Jack Beckman Linda & Mark Hamilton In remembrance of Chris Benz Richard Benz In memory of Peter Bowman Beth Bowman In memory of Una Murray Byrne Dermot Murray In memory of Charley Canon The Canon Family
In memory of Spencer, beloved cat of Keith & Katie Cole Barbara Kabakoff In memory of Ola Cruthirds Beverly Cruthirds & Katherine Owen In memory of Jon Michael Fisher Chip Greer In memory of Emile and Marjorie Flynn Pat Flynn & Jerry Heston In memory of Mary Angelina Kumor Ken & Heather Kumor In memory of Joshua Martin Roger Martin In memory of Richard L. Masters Brian & MJ Masters In memory of Tom Meanley Dale Lozier & Jerry Meanley In memory of Dolores Ostrowski Linda Edwards In memory of my parents Ladye Margaret Craddock Early Arnold In memory of Devan Joshi Shine Joe Shine & Sangita Joshi In memory of Dr. Robert L. Summitt Joyce Summitt
Cycle the Greenway with the Wolf River Conservancy on June 4
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he Wolf River Conservancy will host its 10th Annual Cycle the Greenway on Saturday, June 4. Cyclists will ride along the Wolf River Greenway with course routes varying from 28 to 56 miles. We are proud to announce that Orion Federal Credit Union is our presenting sponsor for the event, along with sponsorship support from FedEx and Jim Keras Subaru. This year, cyclists have the opportunity to fundraise on behalf
of the Wolf River Conservancy. We are encouraging our participants to spread the word about the event and the importance of raising money to protect the Wolf River and the Wolf River Greenway. Check out our great fundraising incentives, along with the chance to claim additional prizes as the top fundraiser and top fundraising team. Winners will be announced on event day. For more information about the event and how to register, please go to www.wolfriver.org/cycle-the-greenway.
Fundraise with us! • Greenway All-Star ($100 fundraising minimum, which includes registration fee): Any participant who raises at least $100 receives a cycle entry, Cycle The Greenway technical t-shirt, goody bag with WRC novelty item, preferred parking, and lunch. • Greenway Champion ($250 fundraising minimum, which includes registration fee): Any participant who raises at least $250 receives a cycle entry, Cycle The Greenway technical t-shirt, Cycle The Greenway commemorative jersey denoting top fundraiser, goody bag with WRC novelty item, VIP parking, and lunch. • Greenway Sustainer ($500 fundraising minimum, which includes registration fee): Any participant who raises at least $500 receives a cycle entry, Cycle The Greenway technical t-shirt, Cycle The Greenway commemorative jersey denoting top fundraiser, special VIP guided-trip on the Wolf River, goody bag with WRC novelty item, VIP parking, and lunch.
Save the Date !
Saturday, November 12, 2016 Opera Memphis
A magical night of food, drinks, and dancing, plus silent and live auctions — it’s the Wolf River Conservancy’s largest fundraiser. 5
“Raised River”
One More Reason to Go to The Greenway – And It’s a Big One
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he Wolf River Greenway has added another amenity to its growing list. The 100-ton sculpture, “Raised River,” is the first of several public art projects that will be installed along the trail. The painted steel structure is 97 feet long, 17 feet wide, and 16 feet tall; it will be suspended above a section of the Greenway along Humphreys Boulevard, between Walnut Grove and Shady Grove. Memphis artist Colin Kidder said he hopes his piece will inspire trail goers to look upwards, see the sky, and contemplate nature. The structure will also be visible when driving down Humphreys. “I wanted to make a form that was minimal and gestural, something that suggests a flowing current,” said Kidder. “I wanted it to be big enough to show the power of a river, but also curving and graceful. I think it’s cool that people will experience
the sculpture from an unusual perspective, by traveling underneath it.” If the weather cooperates and installation goes as planned, Kidder said the work should be in place by mid-May. “Raised River” is one of three Wolf River Greenway art projects funded through the City of Memphis Percent-for-Art program, which is overseen by the UrbanArt Commission. Lauren Kennedy, Executive Director of UrbanArt, said Percent-for-Art projects follow specific protocol, including a rigorous review of artist proposals by a specially convened selection committee. The group that chose Kidder’s piece was made up of representatives from the art community, trail users, people living and working around the Greenway, and the Wolf River Conservancy. The next Greenway commission has been awarded to another local artist, Lester Merriweather, who is
Depicted here as the artist’s model, the elevatated sculpture will draw the viewer’s attention to the natural environment above and around it.
painting a mural of a biker in segments across the underpass support columns at Walnut Grove and Humphreys. His piece is in the fabrication phase and should be completed by fall. Kennedy said The sculpture will be fabricated UrbanArt is soliciting from shaped steel. proposals now for a third Greenway art project that will be located on the Greenway segment under construction in John F. Kennedy Park. “We’ve talked about the Greenway trail being a corridor of opportunity for a lot of things, and urban art is one of those opportunities – whether it be a sculpture, a mural, or something else,” said Bob Wenner, WRC Greenway Coordinator. “It’s another way to experience the Greenway. Some of the art will be way back in the trails away from the road, and it may give someone a reason to say, ‘Hey, let’s venture off this section of the trail and see this one-of-a-kind piece of art.’”
MLGW Sows Seeds, continued from page1
“MLGW’s goal is to protect the drinking water in the runoff and improving soil infiltration. They also offer Wolf River recharge zone,” said Bill Bullock, Manager of nutritional food, nesting sites, and protection for many Industrial and Customer Care at MLGW. “The city owns wildlife species, such as songbirds, quail, wild turkey, the park, but we are stewards of the natural areas on and rabbits. Wildflowers provide nectar for butterflies both sides of our transmission lines. This project lets us and bees, which helps address declining populations of influence both the land and the water important pollinators. Grasses also for the better.” draw insects, which in turn draw birds. Bullock credits Ryan Hall, WRC In addition to having abundant Land Protection Associate, with benefits for wildlife, Bullock said the proposing the idea. MLGW funded native plants should lower MLGW’s the project; Bullock researched plant right-of-way maintenance costs by species and spearheaded the work. requiring less mowing and suppressing The first step, eradicating the land’s the growth of undesirable invasive undesired non-native weeds and turf plants. Decreasing the use of mower grass, began last October. Earlier this gas and herbicides is also better for the MLGW planted at least three varieties of milkweed, the host plant for spring, a seed drill was used to replant environment. Monarch butterflies. the right-of-ways with a carefully The plants will need at least a selected mix of native grass and wildflower seeds. season to mature. “It will look worse before it looks As a Clean Memphis educational opportunity, area better, and may take a year or two to become really wellschool children will help plant additional wildflower plugs established,” Bullock said. to jump start the most visible areas. The Conservancy Once established, the linear meadows will enhance may eventually add graphics identifying the plants. the beauty of Kennedy Park and the Wolf River Hall noted that native grasses have roots extending Greenway, while contributing to the Conservancy’s two to ten feet into the ground, reducing storm water mission of protecting the Wolf River watershed. 6
Plant Species in MLGW Linear Meadows at John F. Kennedy Park Native Grasses Switchgrass Indian grass Panicum Fox Sedge Bluestem Wild Rye Purple Top Plumegrass Deer Tongue Grass Tall-Beaked Sedge Wildflowers Milkweed Showy Tickseed Partridge Pea Coreopsis Coneflower Joe Pye Weed Aster Spiked Blazing Star Bee Balm Yarrow Ragweed Spiderwort
WRC Education Program Offers Winter Water Workshops & Spring Service Projects
Charitable IRA Rollover is Back and Here to Stay! The 2015 Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act allows individuals age 70½ and older to make direct distributions of up to $100,000 per year from their IRAs and Roth IRAs to the Wolf River Conservancy without incurring income tax on the withdrawal. This is a significant incentive that removes the tax penalty for some donors who want to use their IRAs to fund a charitable gift. The legislation has no expiration date and makes charitable gift planning easier. Here’s how it works: • Donors age 70½ or older transfer assets from their IRAs directly to Wolf River Conservancy. • This gift can be in any amount up to $100,000 per person ($200,000 for a couple with separate IRAs). Total charitable IRA distributions to WRC, plus any other charities the donor benefits, cannot exceed these annual amounts. • The amounts that are rolled over are not subject to income tax and count toward a donor’s required minimum distribution for the year. • To qualify, funds should be transferred directly from a donor’s financial institution to the Wolf River Conservancy. A donor may also write a check payable to WRC from his or her IRA checkbook. The fund transfer must be completed by December 31. Certain restrictions and requirements must be followed when making this type of gift. If you have questions or would like to have a confidential conversation with our Chief Development Officer, Barbara Kabakoff, please call 901-452-6500, ext.110; or email barbara.kabakoff@wolfriver.org. ______________________________ Please be advised that the information is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult with your attorney and/or tax advisor.
By Cathy Justis, Director of Education
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he Wolf River Conservancy delivered three recent water workshops for
local educators. Project WET workshops were held at Memphis Botanic Garden last November 24 and March 18 this year. Also in March, we launched our new partnership with St. George’s Independent School in Collierville, holding a Healthy Water, Healthy People workshop there. St. George’s campus is ideally located on the bank of the Wolf River, offering outstanding access to a wooded floodplain with wetlands and ponds. The workshop happened to coincide with a major Midsouth flood event, which limited our
Project WET Workshops provide teachers with important information about the Wolf River and water quality as well as curriculum for their students.
rain barrels, a water feature, and more. Treadwell Middle School invited the
field activities but did allow a great view of a
Conservancy to participate in its Highland
floodplain full of flood water.
Heights Community Day on April 16.
A total of 43 participants attended the
We supplied several trees and shrubs for
three workshops, leaving with curriculum
students to plant in front of their school,
and activity guides, plus other useful
which also launched the beginning of a
materials to share
more extensive project
with their students.
in the works.
Many thanks to
Students from
Buckman, sponsor
Raleigh-Egypt High
of our educator
School and Kirby High
workshops.
School cleared privet
This spring,
and collected several
several schools and community groups are participating
pickup loads of trash Memphis Rise Academy students studied the Wolf River.
in service projects to improve habitat and water quality in the Wolf River watershed, thanks largely to a FedEx Five Star Grant. At Collierville High School and
at Kennedy Park with the able assistance of
Mr. Wayne Roberts. As a service project following classroom instruction on the importance of the Wolf River, sixth and seventh graders from
Schilling Farms Middle School, FedEx
Memphis Rise Academy Charter School
volunteers helped construct a large shade
picked up trash and cleared privet at
structure over an outdoor seating area, and
Kennedy Park.
built raised beds and nestboxes, among other projects.
And at Springdale Elementary, the native plants installed late last fall are
Kingsbury High School will continue a
growing, and planning has now begun on
makeover of their school’s courtyard into a
seating and other features for an outdoor
nature area with a variety of native plants,
classroom funded by Buckman.
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Past Events
The Wolf River Conservancy has introduced Full Moon Gatherings on the Wolf as another way for its members to enjoy the river. Led by Conservancy River Guides under the direction of Jim Gafford, the events give members an opportunity to socialize on the riverbank while watching the full moon rise. Dates and locations for the gatherings will be announced on our website as they are scheduled.
A 37-acre forested wetland in the Berclair area has been generously donated to the Wolf River Conservancy. The land is adjacent to 167 acres that were already protected, creating a surprisingly large urban oasis for water-loving plants and wildlife, including Great Blue Herons, which have a rookery on the property.
Looking for ways to get on the river? First Saturday Membership Paddles offer Conservancy members the chance to paddle various sections of the Wolf River throughout the year. Eileen Sojourner, pictured with a group of First Saturday paddlers in February, is one of several WRC River Guides who volunteer their time to lead the trips.
Photo by Bethany Kent Photography + Design
Boy Scouts in Troop 458 showed their muscle during a service project at Kennedy Park. Helping the Wolf River Conservancy restore the boardwalk trail, the troop lugged and bolted railroad ties and boards into place. Thank you, Troop 458 Scoutmaster James Pitcock, for spearheading this effort.
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The Wolf River Conservancy and Ghost River Brewing host monthly fundraising “Drink A Beer, Save A River� happy hours at various bars and restaurants on the second Tuesday of each month. For our April event at Central BBQ downtown, residents of Henry Turley Properties enjoyed Ghost River brews on the patio to help raise money for WRC.
Nearly 500 Eastern Redbud trees were planted during our annual WRC Tree Planting. This small tree with pink-lavender, pea-shaped blossoms covering its branches provides beautiful color in the spring, while supplying nectar for many pollinators, as well as food for animals that eat the seeds and seed pods.
Upcoming Events M ay 7 First Saturday Membership Paddle – Ghost River Section 8 Mother’s Day Paddle 10 Drink A Beer, Save A River – Young Avenue Deli 15 Ghost River Eco Trip 21 Volunteer Clean Up Paddle June 4 Cycle the Greenway 4 Frog Chorus Walk 4 First Saturday Membership Paddle – Ghost River Section 11 Volunteer Clean Up Paddle 14 Drink A Beer, Save A River – The Slider Inn 19 Father’s Day Paddle Training: Part I 20 Summer Lecture Series - Dr. Allan Houston, “Ticks, Mosquitoes and Disease” at Memphis Botanic Garden 25 Father’s Day Paddle Training: Part II J u ly 2 First Saturday Membership Paddle – Bateman to Moscow 9 Stream Stroll 12 Drink A Beer, Save A River – Location TBD 16 Volunteer Clean Up Paddle 17 Sunday Afternoon Paddle on the Wolf 18 Summer Lecture Series - Chris Grow, “Mid-South Bats” at Memphis Botanic Garden 28 Drink A Beer, Save A River: Whole Foods & Salud Cooking School Presents Ghost River Beer & Cheese Tasting
All paddling events require registration. For more information visit wolfriver.org/activity-calendar.
Au g u s t 4 First Saturday Membership Paddle – Bateman to Moscow 7 Sunday Afternoon Paddle on the Wolf 9 Drink A Beer, Save A River – Location TBD 20 Family Friendly Paddle 22 Summer Lecture Series - Cora Preston, “Monarch Joint Venture” at Memphis Botanic Garden S e pt e m b e r 3 First Saturday Membership Paddle – Ghost River Section 10 Baker’s Pond Hike 13 Drink A Beer, Save A River – Location TBD 26 Summer Lecture Series - “Hometown Habitat” Film Screening at Memphis Botanic Garden O cto b e r 1 First Saturday Membership Paddle – Bateman to Moscow 8 Ghost River Eco Trip 11 Drink A Beer, Save A River – Location TBD 22 Fall Colors Paddle No v e m b e r 5 First Saturday Membership Paddle – Rossville to Collierville/Arlington Rd. 12 Greenway Soirée
Vital Land Purchase Completed The Conservancy completed its purchase of the Triple Z property with the generous support of the Ring Container Technologies $500,000 challenge grant. Most importantly, this acquisition connects and creates a larger 4,000 plus acres of contiguously protected lands in the Wolf River floodplain connecting Shelby and Fayette Counties. Today, we are working on several new significant land conservation projects that are important to our overall strategy.
215 wetland acres protected in perpetuity
You can support the Wolf River Conservancy’s land conservation efforts by making a financial gift in support of the “Ring Container Challenge”. Every dollar donated will save $3.46 of prime unspoiled wetlands.
Visit wolfriver.org/ring-challenge-grant or call 901-452-6500, ext. 110, for more information and make your gift.
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wrc contr i butar i es – D onors , H O N O R A R I U M S A N D M E M O R I A L S This list represents the generosity of the Wolf River Conservancy’s 2015 supporters. We are deeply grateful to all our members and donors, who recognize the importance of conservation, education, and recreation. BENEFACTOR $25,000+ Anonymous Assisi Foundation of Memphis Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Jody and Lisa Brown Buckman The Canale Foundation FedEx Ghost River Brewing Hyde Family Foundations International Paper Plough Foundation Amy and Bill Rhodes Ring Container Technologies Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation GUARDIAN $1,000 $24,999 Anonymous Robert and Corinne Adrian Drs. Ray and Louise Allen Alta Planning + Design Archer Daniels Midland Archer Malmo Jeanne C. and Bill Arthur Mr. and Mrs. Coors Arthur Charles Askew Margaret Askew Stewart and Ellen Austin Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C. Keith and Alison Barger Rob and Naomi Bata Belz Investment Co. Big River Engineering and Manufacturing LLC Bill Kelley Farms Adrian and Katherine Blackney Dr. Frederick and Mrs. Lee Ann Boop Boyle Investment Company Roger and Susan Bransford Brother International Corporation Larry Bryan Susan M. Bryan George and Bena Cates Keith and Katie Cole Betty Cole Dr. Clair and Mrs. Clarice Cox Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Crow Tyree Daniels Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation Deloitte LLP Eagle Distributing Echo Systems Construction, Inc. Eclectic Eye Mr. and Mrs. Fred Feder Jeremy and Jeanene Feinstone Glenn and Kirby Floyd Robert and Martha Fogelman Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Foster Hugh and Margaret Fraser Mr. and Mrs. Michael Frick Jim and Kathryn Gilliland Jim and Lucia Gilliland Linda Grisham Guidingpoint Financial Group Skeet and Beth Haag
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Mark and Linda Hamilton Ricky and Lucia Heros Rita Hilgenhold and Linda Morris The Hughes Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hussey IBERIABANK Joe and Stephanie Jarratt Sissy Jones Roy and Barbara Keathley Keeler Iron Works, Inc. Dorothy Orgill Kirsch Demetra Lawrence Kathy and Scott Ledbetter Lichterman Loewenberg Foundation Mark Lindstrom The Little Garden Club of Memphis Robert Loeb B. Lee and Susan Mallory Kirkwood and Murray McClintock Medtronic Memphis Garden Club Jane Hart and Bayard Morgan National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Senator Mark and Mrs. Chris Norris Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Oates III Orion Federal Credit Union The Outdoor Foundation Outdoors, Inc. patagonia Mr. and Mrs. Scott Pearce Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Phillips Niel and Sarah Prosser Quality Iron Fabricators, Inc. Bill and Lyn Reed Joe Saab Nick and Patty Scully Dr. Tom Shelton and Dr. Kay Jackson The Sims Family Charitable Trust Cynthia Hubard Spangler Mr. and Mrs. John Stokes John and Susan Swearingen Dr. Carmelita Teeter Tennessee Department of Agriculture Jennifer Turner Boyd and Lucy Wade Mr. and Mrs. Simon Wadsworth Eric Wells Bob and Edie Wenner Whole Foods Market Gary and Noell Wilson TRAILBLAZER $500-$999 Anonymous Tom Barzizza Steve and Brenda Basar Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bomar Jim and Martha Boyd Jim Brooks and Jewell Ward Mr. and Mrs. Steven B. Buckman Busters Liquors & Wines Don Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Cates Richard Chotard Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Coleman Carol Coletta Mr. and Mrs. Don Colvin Mr. and Mrs. Denton Crockett Mr. and Mrs. Paul Deaton Mr. and Mrs. Doug Dietz Bob and Liz Dinkelspiel Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Duncan Earth Con Consultants, Inc. John and Ann Fain Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fewell Mr. and Mrs. Jeb Fields Mark Gries Lance and Tina Hall
David and Lisa Harris Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Honea John and Susan Huffman Buzzy Hussey and Dr. Hal Brunt Independent Bank Mr. and Mrs. John M. Jones Bill and Peggy Carrington Jones Barbara Kabakoff Jim and Mary Keegan Brig Klyce Kroger Mr. and Mrs. J. Davant Latham Dave and Susan Marrone David Martin and Liza Knapp Hank Martin Mr. and Mrs. Alec McLean Mr. and Mrs. John McQuiston Mr. and Mrs. Logan Meeks Memphis Animal Clinic Mr. and Mrs. Allen Morgan Lane Moten Sri and Paula Naidu Napa Cafe Larry and Dianne Papasan William and Paige Proctor Richard Raspet and Wendy Garrison Elizabeth Rice Tom and LeeAnne Roehm Laura Rosas Madeline Simonetti Russell and Molly Smith Charlie and Maureen Smithers Mr. and Mrs. Bayard Snowden Dr. and Mrs. Mike Threlkeld Jack and Cristina Ward Mr. and Mrs. Russ Wherry Mr. and Mrs. Turner Wingo Winston Wolfe PATHFINDER $250-$499 Anonymous Lou and Connie Adams Aldo’s Carl and Pan Awsumb Ray and Linda Biggs Will Blatt Marie and Eddie Branch Charlie Bright and Susan Moffatt Mr. and Mrs. Clark Burnett Central BBQ Howard Cleveland Ms. Rebecca Courtney Robert and Elise Crockett Walter Cygan Mr. and Mrs. Steve Demaree Doug and Judy Douglass Mr. and Mrs. John Dunavant Tammie Faulk Robert and Alison Fondaw Gabe and Rachel Gabrielleschi Jim Gafford Frank and Jami Gattuso City of Germantown Andrew Gibbs Phillip and Lori Goetz Robert and Kate Gooch Jim Greer John P. Griffin The Grove Grill Kelsey Hamilton Hammer and Ale William Hart Andy Hays Wilton D. Hill Mr. and Mrs. Cliff S. Hunt Betty Hurdle Frank and Mimsy Jones
Melvin Jones Ron Kwoka and Holly Hughes Local Memphis Drs. Tom and Diane Long Nathan Lubin Caroline MacQueen Herman and Sally Markell Edith Marshall Mr. and Mrs. Greg Maxted James and Whitney McDonald Phoebe Miller Miss Cordelia’s Mr. John W. Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Mosby Lytle and Margaret Nichol Johannah O’Malley Jeanette Peeples Mr. and Mrs. Frank Potter Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Reed Jon and Jennifer Rich Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rough Donna Rowe Ruth and Dr. Joe Samaha Mr. and Mrs. Jake Saunders Mike Schwartz Phillip and Jeanne Sisneros Ron and Linda Sklar The Slider Inn Bruce and Jane Smedley Dr. and Mrs. Micke Smith Mr. and Mrs. Brad Snider Pete and Tina Sullivan Justin and Lauren Taylor Jud and Susan Tepaske Dr. and Mrs. Stanton Thomas Jeff Thorne Walmart Store #2322 Dr. Alan and Jan Wentz Barbara Wilson Wally and Nora Witmer Randy and Sandra Womack Mr. and Mrs. Kent Wunderlich Young Avenue Deli GUIDE $125-$249 Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. James Adcock Mr. and Mrs. Mike Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Anderson Bill and Dee Armstrong AT&T Mr. and Mrs. Stewart G. Austin, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Ted Bailey Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Baker Mr. and Mrs. Gino Bauwens Robert Beard Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Bindbeutel Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Bishop Dr. and Mrs. Brown Brooks Joshua and Katherine Brown Lila Beth Burke Pat and Dorothy Burke Denise Burnett Mr. and Mrs. L. Ross Campbell Rob and Amy Carson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cates Mr. and Mrs. Frank Childress Mr. and Mrs. Robert Crane Richard and Susan Crenshaw Lawrence and Pamela Crockett Dr. and Mrs. Phili Deboo Brian DeWit Mr. and Mrs. David Docauer Dr. and Mrs. H. James Dorman Dr. Bill D. Falvey and Ms. Emily Woodside Mr. S. W. Farnsworth
Chuck Fox and Mary Wilder Mr. and Mrs. Findley Frazer Ghost River Rentals Meggie Glass Robert and Molly Gooch Arthur C. Goodman Thomas L. Grimes Rebecca Grove and Jerry Sinclair Mr. and Mrs. Tully Hall Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Hankins Dan and Ashley Harper Matthew and Jennie Helms Heritage Tavern & Kitchen Spence and Kristin Hope PZ and Selby Horton Teresa Howell Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hubbert Edwin and Julia Hussey Lee and Catherine Hutchison Dr. and Mrs. Brian Janz Mrs. James Gibb Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Katz Mr. and Mrs. Jon Keith Dr. and Mrs. W. Scott King Hayden and Kay Lait Philip Lamoreaux and Mary Morgan Whitfield Dr. Mack and Diane Land William J. Landers Mitchell Lansky Edward B. Lemaster, Jr. Veronica Lippuner Mr. and Mrs. George Magbee Malco Theatres, Inc. Howell Mallory Charles Marshall and Mary Burrows Patrick Mazzeo and Sandra Sarkela Ronda McCain Mack McCaul Scott McCormick Janet Forbes Misner Mississippi River Corridor-Tennessee Dr. and Mrs. Gibson Morris Mr. and Mrs. William Nixon Mel and Dusky Norsworthy Dr. and Mrs. Mel Payne James and Judy Perkins Dr. John Pickens and Dr. Suzanne Satterfield Debbie Pittman Presbytery of the Mid-South Ronald and Jennifer Reginelli Jean Rittmueller and Francis Dohan Mike and Carol Ross-Spang Melissa Rura Mr. and Mrs. David Scher Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schmidt Lara Scott Paul Shaffer Brett and Shelley Shanaman Shelby East Garden Club John Spalding Shepherd John Shields Dr. and Mrs. Barry Shulkin Mr. and Mrs. James Slocum Darren and Deborah Smith Spinolo Family Richard and Patricia Spore Mr. and Mrs. Donald Stewart Jim and Teresa Strickland Mr. and Mrs. George Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Yousef Valine Mr. and Mrs. David Vitek Mr. and Mrs. David Wadlington Dr. James and Martha Waldron Mr. and Mrs. Logan Ward
Mr. and Mrs. David Ware Mr. and Mrs. E. Woods Weathersby Mr. and Mrs. Bill Weedon Judge Harry W. Wellford Mr. and Mrs. James West Betty Westmoreland Mr. and Mrs. John Wilburn Mr. and Mrs. Steve Williams The following list represents gifts received October 28, 2015 through March 31, 2016 Honorariums Honor of Sarah Awsumb Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Berger Honor of Fred and Harriette Beeson Barbara Wilson Honor of George and Bena Cates Pete and Tina Sullivan Honor of Katie Cole Tony Hunter Honor of Nancy Greer Diana, Jordan, Jack, Aubrey, and Chip Greer Honor of Cathy Justis P.E.O. Chapter U Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Keathley Karen Wellford Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Ledbetter Karen Wellford Honor of B. Lee and Susan Mallory Ann and Hank Herrod Honor of The Palmer Family Sharon Bicks Honor of Elizabeth Taliaferro Rob and Mary Sumner Honor of Dr. Stephen R. Tower Independent Bank Honor of Ann and Jules Wade Joe Kyle and Family Honor of Patrick, Anna and June Wade Joe Kyle and Family Honor of Betty Westmoreland Mr. Bill Bailey
Memory of Lynn Belz Chip and Diana Greer Memory of Reggie Bunn Betty Cole Memory of Edith Crump Hand Maryan and Rusty Mercer Memory of Charles L. Hood Deborah W. Stirling Memory of Margaret Kirkland Bob and Rebecca Courtney Memory of John Joseph McCommon Keithel and Joyce Boothe Sarah and David Bourland Gretchen D. Brewer Ted Cashion Chickasaw Country Club Mac and Ashley Coffield Cynthia and Mike Cross Connie Etter The Eugene Cohen Insurance Agency, Inc. Faith Builders Sunday School Class, Christ United Methodist Church, Mobile, Alabama Susan and Mark Fleck Mark and Amy Fruitt Jami and Frank Gattuso, Jr. Russell and Lori Green David and Katherine Houston Jason, Angela, Jase, Jonas, and Dade Hutchison Craig Jackson The Kastner Family Paul and Meredith McDonald Susie McNeely and Family Todd McNeely Logan and Simone Meeks Nancy and Rodgers Menzies Joan Oschack Marilyn Pettis Ashlee and Bart Reid Henry and Julie Rogers Darold, Rachel, and Austin Russell Spike and Emily Treadwell Tom and Sandra Watkins Ed and Paula Wise Wunderlich Securities Wunderlich Wealth Management Memory of Dan Miller Phoebe Miller Memory of Dot Purvis Betty Cole Memory of John Sheahan Herbie Krisle
Memorials Memory of Mrs. Jerry Billmeier, Sr. Cynthia Hubbard Spangler
Memory of Hassell Gordon Smith, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Collins and Family
Memory of Mike Abbott Betty Cole
Memory of Bill Stubblefield Sarah A. Lodge Jim and Beth Mercer
Memory of Susan Fulmer Austin Maryan and Rusty Mercer Memory of Billie Bell Betty Cole
Memory of Betty Weaver Tully Maryan and Rusty Mercer Memory of Dr. Thomas Doyle Weems Milo and Liz Solomito
NESHOBA CIRCLE Monthly Giving Adam Altman Nancy Boatwright Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cianciola Keith and Katie Cole Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dale Alisa and Bruce Firehock Chip and Diana Greer Kelsey Hamilton Michael Howard and Arleen Hill Denny and Ruth Kopcial Dave and Ericia Marrone Ms. Leslie Portis Magda Sakaan Dr. and Mrs. Barry Shulkin Kimberly and Robert Thomas Margaret Ann Turley
The Neshoba Circle is a special group of donors, committed to making a meaningful and manageable monthly gift to support the Wolf River Conservancy. Beginning at $10 per month, you can help preserve the Wonder of the Wolf today and for future generations. It’s convenient, easy, efficient, greatly appreciated, and helps keep our work going, each and every day. For more information about the Neshoba Circle or for any other questions or concerns, contact the Development Office at 901- 452-6500, ext.109 or 110.
Preserving the Wonder of the Wolf for future generations — The Cypress Society A bequest is one of the most meaningful legacies you can provide and will have a lasting impact on the Wolf River Conservancy’s future. You may make a bequest to the WRC by preparing a new will or adding a codicil to your present will. To include a bequest to the Wolf River Conservancy in your will, we suggest the following simple statement: “I give, devise, and bequeath to the Wolf River Conservancy in Memphis, Tennessee, ____% of remainder and residuary of my estate (or $ ____ if specific amount, or otherwise describe the gift) for the general purposes and uses of the Wolf River Conservancy at the discretion of the Board of Directors.” Please note that our incorporated name is the Wolf River Conservancy, Inc. and is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our federal ID number is 62-1245975. The Cypress Society honors a special group of individuals who have remembered the Wolf River Conservancy in their estate or financial plans. Membership is open to anyone who has made provisions for the Wolf River Conservancy through any one of a variety of estate planning options including bequests, charitable trusts, gifts of life insurance and other gift planning vehicles. This special community of supporters shares a strong common bond of generosity and leadership. Through their gifts, they demonstrate their commitment to preserve the Wonder of the Wolf for future generations.
Other Ways to Give • • • • • •
One-time Cash Contributions Securities Real Estate (see page 3) Charitable IRAs / Retirement Plans (see page 7) Monthly Contributions (Neshoba Circle) Company Matching Gifts
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Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage
PO Box 11031 Memphis, TN 38111
PAID
Memphis, TN Permit No. 1919
WolfRiver.org (901) 452-6500
T hank y ou for help i ng us preser v e the W onder of the W olf .
“One Glorious Morning “ © Copyright Tom Fox Photography
Photographer Tom Fox, who captured this glorious morning near the Ghost River, hopes it inspires support for the important work of the Wolf River Conservancy.