C u r r e n t s

OfficersPresident, Jeanne Arthur Vice-President, Russell SmithSecretary, Kirkwood McClintockTreasurer, Chip GreerPast President, Stewart Austin

DirectorsAdrian BlackneyJody BrownSusan BryanRobert CarsonRichard ChotardTyree DanielsJerry FeinstoneRicky HerosMelvin JonesBarbara KeathleyDave MarroneJames McDonald Bayard MorganSarah ProsserJon RichTom RoehmCarol SeamonsBrett ShanamanJosh White

New Office Location2693 Union Avenue ExtendedSuite 205Memphis, TN 38112(901) 452-6500

The Wolf River Conservancy is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the Wolf River watershed as a sustainable natural resource.

PrOtectiNg the WatersheD that PrOtects Us

For 30 years, the Wolf River Conservancy has worked to protect the Wolf River watershed, which feeds the Memphis Sands aquifer that holds

our drinking water. Our mission could not be more important in a world where water is becoming the most precious commodity, even in American cities.

“Memphis and the surrounding area is the largest community in the country that gets all of its water from an underground aquifer,” said Keith Cole, WRC Execu-tive Director. “Lands we protect represent a large portion of the recharge area. When it rains and flood water stands, those wetlands and floodplains act as a giant sponge absorbing the water and filtering it through rock, sand and gravel, all the way to the aquifer.”

The water we drink can be as much as 2000 years old (50-year-old water is considered “new”). Old or new, our water is known to be some of the best in the world. Although the Clean Water Act helped stop many surface water abuses that led to the urban Wolf being declared “a dead river” in 1970, the Wolf watershed is still threatened.

“The greatest risk is damaging the aquifer from gravel mining,” said Ryan Hall, WRC Land Protection Associate. “It’s like digging layers out of a wound, going deeper and deeper until your blood is exposed

to bacteria and infection. The concept is the same where pollution can flow into the aquifer water.”

Citizens concerned about dredging and the health of the river founded the Wolf River Conservancy in 1985. The group transitioned to land preservation and has continued to work successfully with other conserva-tion organizations and property owners protecting our water and woody wetlands, preserving easements, and providing safe corridors for wildlife.

“It’s a big mission and an important mission, but it’s doable,” said Cole.

This year the Conser-vancy acquired 163 acres of land near Mount Tena Creek in Fayette County, filling the last gap within the Ghost River State Natural Area. Originally wetlands, it had been drained and cleared to

farm. Now Ducks Unlimited will restore it to its original wetland condition.

“I was walking through a mucky, snake-infested forest you could tell had been farm land by the size of the trees, when I came upon a spring bubbling out of the ground with water clear enough to drink, “ said Hall, describing a trek across the Mount Tena property last April. “I thought, ‘Wow, if someone developed this, you could have pollution running straight into your aquifer.’ It really sums up the meaning of our work.”

The GReenWay is alive and Well and GRoWinG S

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This fresh water spring in the Ghost River State Natural Area is now protected.

a hiking/biking trail following the meanderings of the Wolf River has been part of the Conservancy’s vision since its earliest days. “We knew that to protect the river, we had to convince people of its importance,

both environmentally and as a recreational resource,” said Charles Cooley, a founding member of the Wolf River Conservancy and its first President of the Board. “Building a greenway fit all of our goals.”

after years of pursuing funding and right of ways, the Conservancy partnered with the City of Memphis and the Hyde Family Foundation, finishing the greenway’s first sections in 2010 and 2012 — a 7-mile loop located between Walnut Grove and Germantown Road — which is now teeming with 700 walkers, joggers and bikers per day.

Ultimately, the 21-mile “spine trail” will start at the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi Rivers on the north end of Mud island and run through downtown, Midtown, Frayser, Raleigh, and east Memphis, joining existing trails in Germantown

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This is a very exciting time to be the executive director for the Wolf River Conservancy! during the last year the Conservancy has made considerable progress on three key initiatives that have been part of our vision and goals for many years. it gives me great pleasure to share with you that the Board of directors and staff are delivering on these initiatives, while also continuing our mission to “preserve and enhance the Wolf River watershed as a sustainable natural resource.”

Land Trust Alliance Accreditation – Application Accepted

in october, the Board approved a resolution to submit the Conservancy’s application to become an accredited land trust. Bob Wenner, the Conservancy’s CFo, led our team during the last two years in preparing for this momentous step. as part of pursuing accreditation, the WRC has revised their governance, land procurement systems and, most important, adopted a “science” based land conservation strategy to protect Wolf River floodplain lands now and into the immediate future. We anticipate success with accreditation in late 2015, joining a group that represents the premier land trusts in the United states.

Completing the Wolf River Greenway and Improving River Access

The Wolf River Greenway, a public/private partnership with the City of Memphis Parks and Neighborhood Division, is just the beginning of providing opportunities to help build more vibrant communities in our city. during the past year, we have received considerable private financial support for our project, which should allow us to complete the remaining 18-plus miles by fiscal year 2018-2019. As we finish the Greenway, we also envision increasing access to the Wolf River by adding additional river access points, achieving another important strategic initiative.

Thank you all for your continued support of the Wolf River Conservancy!

Today I heard a speaker from California talk about ground water, aquifers, and challenges facing his part of the country in the coming years. his thoughts reinforced what the Wolf River Conservancy is doing to protect our water supply as a sustainable natural resource. it is reassuring to know that we are on the right path and have dedicated partners and volunteers helping us reach our goal.

Almost 30 years ago, the founders of the Wolf River Conservancy began to talk about their dream of one day having a greenway running through our community along the Wolf. yes, it’s been three decades of dreaming, but the good news is that the dream is not far from becoming a reality. More fundraising is needed to reach our goal to fund this dream, but we are committed to obtaining the right of ways for the greenway and finishing in record time, resulting in a wonderful amenity connecting neighborhoods across the Wolf River watershed.

Just shut your eyes and imagine a day spent with family or friends walking or riding all or part of our completed greenway that stretches from where the Wolf meets the Mississippi in downtown Memphis all the way through Germantown and Collierville. The transformation will be astounding, exciting and fun. i can hardly wait!

none of this would be possible without the synergistic vision of Wolf River Conservancy members, Memphis and shelby County leaders, paddlers, bikers, walkers, business leaders, people from all across the Mid-South, all of us wanting the same thing — a more beautiful community with a world-class greenway and sustainable water supply.

each one of you is uniquely important to the success of our mission.

encourage your friends and neighbors to join the Wolf River Conservancy. Be part of this excitement as we move closer to the fulfillment of a long held dream.

Jeanne arthurWolf River ConservancyBoard of directors PresidentKeith Cole

Wolf River Conservancyexecutive director

Wrc seekiNg PrestigiOUs LaND trUst accreDitatiON

encouraging people to experience the wonder of the Wolf is a long-held initiative of the Wolf River Conservancy. naturally, that means providing greater access to the river. Paddling the Wolf is popular, but put-in and take-out, particularly in Shelby County, can be difficult to negotiate. Most launch sites are primitive, consisting of narrow dirt trails with steep embankments and no signage or visibility.

With a shared vision for connecting diverse neighborhoods along the Wolf River, Mid-South Regional Greenprint (a division of shelby County Government) partnered with the Wolf River Conservancy, engineering firm Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, and Fleming architects to evaluate boat launch access to the Wolf. Community groups and individuals, many being WRC members and paddlers of varying skill levels, also participated by answering surveys and

offering suggestions at meetings conducted throughout the area. a hUd sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant funded the multi-faceted study.

Project team members assessed existing launch sites and proposed improvements. Then they identified locations for potential sites, designing conceptual plans for three of them. They also developed conceptual plans for the overall trail system, including parking, as well as signage featuring maps, distance and time allotment between launch

points, and information about water depth and boater safety. Mud island, Midtown/Frayser (N. Watkins, N. McLean or N. hollywood), summer avenue, Walnut Grove, Germantown Road and houston levee were identified as good access options.

Of paddlers surveyed, 78% use kayaks, 63% use canoes. The Ghost River in Fayette County was the most popular section, followed by the Germantown Road to Walnut Grove section in shelby County. Those who had not paddled the Wolf River said it was because access was too difficult or unsafe. The most desired site amenities were parking (25%), trash/recycling receptacles (17%), and restrooms (13%); although everyone said it was important to maintain the natural beauty and primitive feel of the river.

Results from the 9-month study can be viewed at www.wolfriver.org.

Study Paves Way for Expanding River Access

salUTe To OUR CORPORATe

BeneFaCToRs

We would like to thank our 2014 Sponsors 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 2015, please contact the development Department at 901-452-6500.

after two years of arduous preparation, the Wolf River Conservancy has applied for accreditation from the Land

Trust Accreditation Commission. LTA Accreditation provides third-party assurance of a land trust’s quality and perpetuity.

There are approximately 1700 land trusts in the United States preserving important natural places; 254 are of them are accredited. If approved as expected, the Wolf River Conservancy will be only the fourth Tennessee land trust awarded LTA accreditation. (Although based in Memphis, Ducks Unlimited is one of only three national land trusts to earn the distinction.)

In order to qualify for the LTA seal, a land trust must prove its ability to adhere to the highest standards in its business practices — ethically, technically and legally.

The application process requires the organization to

rigorously examine itself and be able to document a history of excellence. Some of the areas evaluated include a mission statement that serves the public interest; compliance with laws; accountability of board, staff and volunteers; fundraising practices; conservation projects; financial and asset management; transactions; recordkeeping; and land stewardship.

“This is a really big deal,” said WRC Executive Director Keith Cole. “We’re not talking about a 2-page application, but a 4-inch binder of documentation.

“Accreditation ensures excellence, which generates public trust and establishes an organization as permanent. We have transformed from a grass roots organization to a professional land trust. But that’s not to say we ever want to lose our grass roots DNA.”

and Collierville. loops along the way will connect with schools, parks, community gardens, and other projects. The Conservancy will engage neighborhoods to see what amenities they want on their section.

“We have an ambitious 5-year plan to complete the Greenway,” said Keith Cole, executive director of the WRC. “This manifests so well into our mission. We’re preserving lands, while increasing educational and recreational opportunities for urban youth, as well as providing access to the river’s woods, water and wildlife. We envision an outreach program with Conservancy volunteers being Greenway Guides, much like our popular River Guides, who conduct more than 50 trips a year. ”

Urban areas across the country are discovering that using conservation easements for nature trails and bike corridors can also be a path toward improved health and prosperity.

“Memphis is the least fit city in the country,” said Bob Wenner, WRC Chief Financial Officer. “if you make a more comfortable environment to cycle or walk or run in, people will do it.

“There are a myriad of reasons why cities are investing in greenways. People want to live near green space and having a more livable city helps attract and retain companies and talent. young people often walk or bike to work; MATA buses have added bike racks for this reason. Greenways improve property values and encourage entrepreneurship. They also improve air quality.

“Most important for the Conservancy, the Greenway is helping us protect a lot of land along the urban Wolf River. and that will connect Memphians with nature and each other.”

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the river runs through us

WRC founders, past and present board members, leaders and other dignitaries were honored at a Leadership Luncheon, held in October at the University

Club. The group reminisced about the Conservancy’s early days, celebrated their accomplishments and discussed exciting plans for the future.

In September, FedEx employees participated in a Privet Pull and cleanup project at the Lucius Burch Natural Area. The Conservancy offers opportunities

throughout the year for businesses and community groups to participate in service projects, including riverbank cleanups, invasive plant removals and

plantings of native wildflowers, shrubs and trees.

One of the best ways to experience the “Wonder of the Wolf” is on a Paddling Trip. Our volunteer River Guides led over 50 trips in 2014, including First Saturday

Membership Paddles offered each month for WRC members. There are paddling opportunities for every skill level. Information on kayaking or canoeing the Wolf

and a list of upcoming trips can be found at wolfriver.org.

Volunteers are the WRC’s face and hands, as seen in the tireless efforts of our special event workers, river guides, land stewards, teachers, ambassadors and

others. Among our many friends giving their time and talent in 2014, Dr. Valerie Arnold, above, helped children build birdhouses, while Celia Butler

and her niece Mikayla Lynn Butler lent a hand with face painting.

Thanks to the Wolf River Conservation Corps, more young Memphians learned the sport of paddling this summer. The WRC offered the weeklong day camps

teaching safe canoeing and outdoors skills to kids ages 14-17. However, the bigger lesson learned was the importance of preserving the beautiful Wolf River.

The WRC’s 9th Annual Tree Planting was held at Shelby Farms Park. Conservation-minded volunteers of all ages helped plant 7,000 native trees, including Loblolly Pine, Bald Cypress and Pecan, making it one of the biggest

Arbor Day celebrations in the history of West Tennessee.

With an evening of delicious food, great wine and Ghost River Beer, plus dancing under the stars to live music, the Greenway Soirée, presented by Memphis

Orthopaedic Group, was a huge success. Over 200 guests attended the September fundraiser benefiting the WRC, including, left to right, MOG representatives

Michelle Brand, Joseph Brand, Dr. Jon VerHalen and Elaine VerHalen.

Sponsored by International Paper and hosted by the WRC, the International Paper Eco Challenge offered middle school children an opportunity to take a

rafting trip on the Wolf River, while learning about the river’s ecosystem, the source of their drinking water and how to be a good steward of the environment.

With 141 riders, this year’s Cycle the Greenway, presented by Memphis Orthopaedic Group, was the largest in event history. Three race distances of 27, 39

and 55 miles, plus a “Family Eco Ride” with conservation-themed activities for children, allowed bikers of all ages and skill levels to participate in the June

fundraiser supporting the Wolf River Conservancy.

“A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mid-South” was the theme of the 2014 Summer Lecture Series presented by the Wolf River Conservancy and the Memphis Botanic

Garden. Five different speakers covered a variety of topics related to native plants and wildlife, including author Rita Venable discussing butterflies of Tennessee.

The following list represents gifts received January 1

through October 17, 2014

Honorariums

Honor of Jeanne ArthurCoors, Shelley, Will, Charlie, and Wright Arthur

Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart G. AustinMr. and Mrs. Michael E. Keeney

Honor of Charles Askew and Cynthia Hubbard SpanglerRobert and Rosie Cooper

Honor of Charles AskewDr. and Mrs. Robert F. Cooper, III

Honor of Jere L. Crook, IIIThe Rev. Senter Crook

Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Pitt HydeMr. and Mrs. John H. Pontius

Honor of Mrs. Lynn JonesMr. and Mrs. John M. Jones

Honor of Ms. Cathy JustisDr. E. Jeff Justis

Honor of Stephen and Mary McIntoshMr. and Mrs. Jason HoodMr. and Mrs. John M. Jones

Honor of Miss Gwen Anne MorganDr. and Mrs. Stanton Thomas

Honor of Ms. Esther PearsonMr. Brig Klyce

Honor of Annette PosaMr. Dermont Murray

Honor of Dale SandersMemphis Garden Club, Memphis Garden Show

Honor of Mrs. Katherine Ainsworth SchmidtMr. and Mrs. Paul Schmidt

Honor of Mr. Will ThinnesMr. & Mrs. Hamilton Smythe, IV

Honor of Mr. Jeff ThorneBuckman Laboratories International, Inc.

Honor of Mr. Bobby WadeMrs. Peggy L. Monger

Honor of Mr. Alston Boyd Wade, IIIMrs. Peggy L. Monger

memorials

Memory of Mr. James BlackburnMr. Rowlett Scott

Memory of Mr. Chris BrownMr. Keith Kirkland

Memory of Ms. Margaret Clack CooperThe Community Foundation of Greater MemphisMr. and Mrs. Hayden Lait

Memory of Dr. George A. CoorsMr. and Mrs. Robert N. CrockettMs. Barbara KabakoffMrs. Paul M. Mercer, Jr.

Memory of Kay EllisKeith and Katie ColeMr. and Mrs. Lee Gibson

Memory of Mrs. Doris FederMr. and Mrs. David O. Smith

Memory of Mr. Jon Michael FisherMr. and Mrs. Chip Greer and Family

Memory of Mr. Donald Andrew GardinerMrs. Betty ColeMs. Barbara Kabakoff

Memory of Jason HallMs. Pamela Page

Memory of Andrew Jackson HaysMr. and Mrs. Robert N. Crockett

Memory of William F. HughesMr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Garrott

Memory of Carolyn KittleMr. and Mrs. Robert N. Crockett

Memory of Dan PowellMr. and Mrs. Dennis BeairdDinkelspiel, Rasmussen & Mink, PLLCJulie Ann and Cannon DoanMs. Leigh Ann DyeMs. Dale EngelbergMr. Keith KirklandMs. Varna P. LoveMinor Johnston Douglas, PLLCMs. Gayle MooreMs. Jane O’DonnellMs. Denise Merideth PerryMr. and Mrs. Woody PierceMs. Julian Jones PrewittMs. Patricia PrimroseMr. and Mrs. Scott SchoefernackerMr. and Mrs. Houston Winbigler

Memory of Dr. Joseph VandiverMs. Margaret Vandiver

2 0 1 4 H O N O R A R I U M S A N D M e M O R I A L S

WRC ConTRiBUTaRies

Memory of Jean WaterburyMs. Lori AverillMs. Leigh BlanchardMr. Dixon Braden, IIIBill and Deborah CraddockMatt, Susan, Kelsey and Kendall CunninghamJeff and Tara Engelberg and FamilyRoss and Liz GlotzbachSuzanne and Kelly LomaxMr. Andrew McCarrollMs. Sharon MurtaughSoutheastern Asset Management, Inc.Jesse and Nancy ThompsonMr. and Mrs. James Earl Thompson, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Gary WilsonMr. and Mrs. Charles T. WynnMs. Glenda Yarbrough

Memory of Dr. Thomas Doyle WeemsMs. Angela C. StrainDr. and Mrs. J. John Weems, Jr.

Tree PlanTing Honorariums and memorials

Tree Planted in Honor of Dr. George A. Coors’ 92nd BirthdayThe Coors Girls

Tree Planted in Honor of Mr. John JonesMr. and Mrs. Stephen McIntosh

Tree Planted in Honor of Mrs. Emma SmithMs. Pamela Smith

Tree Planted in Honor of Mr. Micah SmithMs. Pamela Smith

Tree Planted in Memory of Corky NealeMs. Cathy Marcinko

Tree Planted in Memory of Annette PosaMr. Dermot Murray

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 Conser-vancy 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• Charitable IRAs / Retirement Plans• Monthly Contributions • Company Matching Gifts

PReSeRvING THe WONDeR OF THe WOLF FOR FUTURe GeNeRATIONS —

THe CyPReSS SOCIeTy

WolfRiver.org | 901-452-6500

Over the river and through the woods

Wishing you and yours all the wonder of the season.

Thank you for helping us preserve the Wonder of the Wolf.

William B. Clark Preserve in rossville, TnPhoto by Dale Sanders