On December 5, 2024 we came together to celebrate WATR’s accomplishments over the past several years and share what our priorities are for the next several years. We celebrated our outgoing Executive Director Ken Brown, and welcomed our incoming Executive Director Katie Price. Enjoy this presentation about what’s possible when communities take water stewardship into their own hands. WATR is a grassroots organization supporting watershed stewardship, water quality sampling and monitoring, and education about ecosystems. Whether it’s a creek behind your home or a river important to your community, WATR makes it easy to track changes, share findings, and contribute to better decision-making for the environment.
It’s more than just science—it’s about connection. Volunteers don’t need a technical background—just curiosity, care for the land and water, and a willingness to get their feet wet (sometimes literally!). The presentation shares stories from people already making a difference, and the invitation is open: if you’ve ever wanted to play a meaningful role in protecting water where you live, WATR is here to help you do it. Join a growing network of community scientists and be part of shaping a healthier, more informed future for all.
Thank you, Ken Brown, outgoing Executive Director!
Thank you Ken Brown for your dedicated, outstanding service to WATR and to our extended watershed communities in Western North Carolina for the past several decades. We are so grateful for your leadership as Executive Director from 2018 – 2024. We are thrilled you are continuing to lead as our Sciences Programs Coordinator.
Welcome, Katie Price, incoming Executive Director!
We are pleased to welcome Katie Price as our new Executive Director, effective summer 2024. Katie’s background in watershed hydrology and geomorphology, with her graduate research all conducted right here in the Tuckasegee and Upper Little Tennessee River watersheds. Before joining WATR, she worked as a federal scientist, a university professor, and an environmental consultant. We are excited to work with Katie and together movie WATR forward in greater watershed stewardship and success.