Saved by a Salamander Day

May 18, 2024 • 1-8pm

Raising Awareness. Celebrating Success.

Conservation of the New River in Ashe County has a rich and successful history, one that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.

On Saturday, May 18th, 2024 the New River Conservancy, The Old Store at Grassy Creek, and many other partners are hosting a 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.

2024 Schedule of Events

From fun arts and crafts to workshops and talks to oral history, Saved by a Salamander Day 2024 is a family friendly event with activities for children, as well as young and not-so-young adults. 

Sponsor the Event

Do you want to help us make Saved by a Salamander Day an even bigger success in 2024? Become a sponsor.

Join us for a special event

An Evening at The River House

The River House Inn & Restaurant
Grassy Creek, NC

Enjoy fine dining and cocktails on the banks of the New River while learning more about the New River in an intimate setting. All proceeds go to the New River Conservancy.

What’s your Dam story?

We’re collecting stories from the fight to save the New River.

The fight to save the New River from being dammed by the American Electric Power Company was a historic event.

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?

We’d love to hear your story! Learn more about fill out the form here.

Also, please 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.

Saved by a Salamander Day 2023

  • Paddle with NRC & RiverGirl

  • Paddling the New River

  • Gathering @ The Old Store

  • Learning about Water Health: Riparian Buffers & Macroinvertebrates

  • Creating a Riparian Buffer with Katie, NRC Restoration Director

  • Meeting Critters with the ASU Herpetology Club

  • Kids loved the critters!

  • The Fight to Save the New with local legend Polly Jones

  • Visiting with Vendors: Darwin's Bee Dogs

  • Visiting with Vendors: Keep Ashe Beautiful

  • Visiting with Vendors: GLAD & the Hellbender Bike Ride

  • Visiting with Vendors: Author Doug Monroe

  • Visiting with Vendors: Fishel's Organics

  • Visiting with Vendors: Ashe County Chamber of Commerce

  • NRC: Protecting the New since 1976

  • Jamming with the Jeff Little Trio

  • New River Fact or Fiction with Elizabeth, NRC Executive Director

  • Surprise visit by local legend Wayne Henderson

  • Salamander Selfies with "Benderson"

  • Thank you to our fabulous sponsors!

Thank you to the sponsors who supported our first Saved by a Salamander Day in 2023!

  • Hart-T-Tree Farms

    Hellbender

    Hart-T-Tree Farms grows premium Fraser fir Christmas trees in Grassy Creek, NC.

  • Little Saps

    Water Dog

    Little Saps is an e-commerce company based in Grassy Creek, NC that provides gift tree seedlings for all occasions.

  • Ashe County Chamber of Commerce

    Water Dog

    The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce builds community and connection in Ashe County.

  • River House Inn & Restaurant

    Lasagna Lizard

    The River House in a renowned bed and breakfast and fine dining restaurant in Grassy Creek, NC.

  • Wildlands Engineering

    Lasagna Lizard

    Wildlands Engineering is a full-service ecosystem restoration, water resources engineering, and environmental planning company based in Charlotte.

  • The Spice & Tea Exchange

    Mud Cat

    The Spice & Tea Exchange offers delicious spices, herbs, salts, sugars, teas, and more locally in West Jefferson and Blowing Rock.

  • Fishel Organic Farm

    Mud Cat

    Fishel Organic Farm is an organic produce and Christmas tree farm based in Grassy Creek. Visit them at the Ashe and Watauga Farmer’s Markets!

  • Hellbender Bed and Beverage

    Mud Cat

    Located in Blowing Rock, NC, Hellbender Bed and Beverage offers new twists on classic eats, modern mixed drinks, and comfortable accomodations.

  • Ridgeline Properties

    Mud Cat

    Proud to be a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home, Ridgeline Properties has listings throughout the High Country.

  • River Girl Fishing Co.

    Partner

    Based in historic Todd, River Girl Fishing Co has everything you need for fly fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tubing and more.