South Fork Society
A giving society for individuals and couples who reside in the South Fork basin. Funds raised support Catawba Riverkeeper’s work to preserve, protect, and restore the waterways of the South Fork Basin through education, engagement, and advocacy.
Events
Catawba Riverkeeper will host 4 exclusive events for South Fork Society members in 2025. Additionally, South Fork Society members receive 2 tickets and/or VIP passes to all public events hosted by Catawba Riverkeeper in 2025.
List of Services
-
April 24 - Kayaking 101List Item 1
Learn the basics of kayaking with one of the best paddlers around--our very own Mission Experience Manager Greg Nance! You'll leave this lesson feeling prepared to get out on the water all summer long, plus you'll be more than ready to paddle down the river during our Floating Concert at RiverFest!
-
May 3 - Experience a Floating Concert!List Item 2
You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to enjoy live music from a floating stage at our Floating Concert! South Fork Society members will receive 2 free tickets per membership to this concert at our signature RiverFest event in downtown McAdenville, NC.
-
August - Sunset River Cruise (Date TBD)List Item 3
Enjoy a sunset cruise on the river with Catawba Riverkeeper Executive Director John Searby! Attendees will hear updates about the organization over drinks and light snacks.
-
December - Holiday Celebration at The River Room (Date TBD)List Item 4
Happy hour social and McAdenville Christmas lights. Receive an exclusive impact update report from the South Fork Watershed Manager while enjoying a private social at the River Room before exploring the famous McAdenville Christmas lights. Families welcome!
Additional Benefits
- 2 drink passes per member good for any Catawba Riverkeeper nonticketed event in 2025 (EX: RiverFest, Live Music Fridays at Confluence, Acoustic Saturdays at The River Room, Sunday Supper at Confluence)
- 15% Exclusive discount to all ticketed events in 2025
- 10% member discount on merchandise
South Fork Society Impact
Contributions to the South Fork Society support Catawba Riverkeeper's work to preserve, protect, and restore the waterways of the South Fork Basin.
You can learn more about specific projects by exploring our South Fork Sub-basin Protection and Restoration Plan.
Keeping Watch on Water Quality
In addition to sampling and testing popular swimming areas on the South Fork through the Swim Guide program, Catawba Riverkeeper also employs an autonomous sensor, which takes water quality measurements every 15 minutes.
The South Fork Society helps cover the costs associated with maintaining our autonomous sensor network and making the data available to the public.
Limiting Legal Pollution
Catawba Riverkeeper reviews permits for discharges as they come up for renewal every 5 years through the EPA’s NPDES system. When permits are inadequate or if permit holders are found to be in violation of their permits, Catawba Riverkeeper submits comments to advocate for enforcement and strengthening of the permits.
Mitigating the Impacts of Stormwater Runoff
Catawba Riverkeeper advocates for policies that mitigate the harmful impacts of stormwater runoff on our local waterways.
In addition to advocating for policy changes at the local and state level, Catawba Riverkeeper also works closely with developers and zoning boards on protecting waterways from sedimentation during both the active and post-construction phases of development projects.
Bringing the South Fork Basin Back
Catawba Riverkeeper is currently piloting a project with Catawba Lands Conservancy and the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to propagate native plants to be used for streambank and shoreline restoration projects.
Additionally, the South Fork Society helps support Catawba Riverkeeper’s litter abatement projects like Riversweep and the trash trap on Duharts Creek in Gastonia, NC.
How to Join:
Members may join online or mail a check to the Catawba Riverkeeper office (102 Main Street, Suite 100, McAdenville, NC 28101).
