Blue Trail Builders Celebrated in North Carolina

American Rivers congratulates our partners at the City of Rockingham for their recognition as the Municipal Conservationist of the Year at the North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s 53rd Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards. These prestigious awards, first given in 1958, are a long-standing effort to honor individuals, governmental bodies, organizations and others who have exhibited an unwavering commitment to conservation in North Carolina. By recognizing, publicizing and honoring these conservation leaders—young and old, professional and volunteer—the North Carolina Wildlife Federation hopes to inspire all North Carolinians to take a more active role in protecting the natural resources of our state.

Rockingham is a city with a vision and a serious commitment to natural resources. Highlights over the last few years include the first Urban Wildlife Conservation Area in North Carolina, featuring walking trails, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing. Rockingham completed the removal of Steele’s Mill dam with American Rivers which paved the way for the establishment of the Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail, 14 miles of designated paddling near the Pee Dee River. Want to know more about the Hitchcock Blue Trail? Check out this video: