2nd Annual Saved By a Salamander event in Grassy Creek celebrates New River dam fight victory

April 24, 2024
For immediate release

GRASSY CREEK — On Saturday, May 18 from 1:00 – 8:00 PM, the New River Conservancy and the Old Store at Grassy Creek, along with sponsors and partners, present the 2nd Annual Saved by a Salamander,(SBaS) an event that celebrates the hellbender that purportedly was one of the ecological linchpins to the approval of, and subsequent status of “Wild and Scenic River” in North Carolina. This designation saved the town of Grassy Creek from inundation by the proposed dams. 

This year, those that were part of the fight or living in the region are asked to share their dam fight story. Did you write letters from your classroom? Did your parents talk about it at the dinner table? Did you join the fight in some way – paint rocks, go to Washington, write letters during school or at home? Tell us your story, or bring your memorabilia to the Saved by a Salamander event. We’ll have tables available for photo albums and scrapbooks and a place for you to share your stories of the dams of the Blue Ridge Project.   

New River Conservancy Executive Director, Elizabeth Underwood, says, “This event is very important to our local community, as well as throughout the New River Watershed, as it celebrates the resilience and determination of a small group of people who came together to change the course of history for the betterment of the planet. Margaret Mead said it perfectly: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This is how the New River Conservancy began. ”

Saved by a Salamander Day is a family friendly day of events that not only share the story of the New River, but teach us about conservation efforts that will help us enjoy the New River and its wonderful wildlife for years to come.

From 1:00  to 5:00 PM SBaS will host an afternoon of fun and education with multiple vendors, speakers, and demonstrations. Some activities for kids of all ages include painting rocks, testing water, and the Operation River game. In addition, food trucks and refreshments will be available with a new Bier Garden serving amazing local brews and beverages, plus Boondocks (West Jefferson, NC) and Frosty Monkey (Independence, VA) food trucks will be onsite with some delicious dinner and treats. To round out the day, the Jeff Little Trio will perform live from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Saved By a Salamander Day is a fundraiser for New River Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  All donations are tax deductible.  For more information, please contact Lisa Stansell-Galitz at li**@ne*****************.org