Haw River Assembly Inc.

Overview

The Haw River Assembly Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1982 to protect and restore the Haw River and Jordan Lake. The organization works towards building a watershed community that supports its mission of promoting environmental awareness, conservation, and pollution prevention across the Haw River watershed[1][4].

Mission and Goals

The Haw River Assembly's primary mission is to promote environmental awareness and conservation, to advocate for the protection of the Haw River in the public arena, and to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively guard the river. The organization is dedicated to environmental justice and equality, ensuring that all people in the watershed have access to clean water and a voice in decisions affecting their environment[1][2].

Activities and Programs

The organization conducts a variety of activities and programs, including:

• Environmental Education: Programs like the Haw River Learning Celebration and Stream Splashers provide hands-on education about the river's ecosystem and water quality[2].
• Conservation and Restoration: Projects focus on reducing pollution through initiatives such as maintaining trash traps and stabilizing river banks with native species[2].
• Advocacy and Community Building: The Haw River Assembly participates in lobbying efforts and community events to foster a cohesive approach to river protection[2].
• Monitoring: Through the Haw Riverkeeper initiative, the organization monitors water quality and engages volunteers in quarterly surveys to track river health[5].

Financial Overview

As of 2023, the Haw River Assembly reported a revenue of approximately $1.45 million and expenses of $428,000. Total assets were valued at $2.07 million with liabilities of about $38,100[3]. Contributions from donors constitute the majority of the organization's revenue[3].

History

Founded by concerned citizens in 1982, the Haw River Assembly initially formed in response to the proposed construction of the Jordan Lake Dam, which posed significant environmental threats to the area. Despite the dam's eventual construction, the organization continued its advocacy for water quality and community education[4].

Geographic Scope

The Haw River Assembly operates within the Haw River watershed, which includes eight counties: Guilford, Rockingham, Caswell, Alamance, Orange, Chatham, Durham, and western Wake. This region is crucial due to the river's role as a source of water and recreation for nearly one million people[1][4].