Last Updated on June 27, 2016 3:45 pm
Laurel Springs, N.C. – Some geologists believe only the Nile is older than the New River in northwest North Carolina. A livestream webcast from New River State Park at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, will examine the history and culture of this ancient river in an area inhabited by humans for 10,000 years. Park rangers will examine how today this American Heritage River can be protected and enjoyed.
Viewers can see the webcast and ask questions in real time by registering at here.
From its headwaters in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the primeval New River flows north, and is the only river in the state moving northward. The river's formation predates the mountains, and it courses to the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers. Rangers will explore how the river was almost interrupted by a dam, and how New River State Park came into being as a treasure and resource for future generations.
The north and south forks of the river merge just south of the North Carolina-Virginia border, passing through forested mountains and pastoral valleys. It is home to 14 rare plant species, including the rattlesnake root and purple sedge. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking, paddling and picnicking in an area that may have been visited by Canawhay Indians or Daniel Boone.
New River also was named a National Wild and Scenic River, so natural resources protection for the river and beyond also will be explored. Educational materials about New River State Park have been developed for grades 6-8 and are correlated to North Carolina's competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts.
For additional information, please call (336) 892-2587 or (919) 807-7389. New River State Park is located at 358 New River State Park Road, Laurel Springs. It is within the Division of State Parks and Recreation of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to
experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.
NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette's Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.
