Rebuilding the Riverbanks: Healing the Land, Healing Each Other.

NORA work crews joined members of Nolichucky Restoration Project, ARC&D and other volunteers to restore a large section of river bank today.

Today, NORA joined state and local partners at the Runion Farm on the Nolichucky River to continue the hands-on work of restoring flood-damaged riparian zones. Together, participants seeded, matted, and staked sections of the riverbank — preparing the site for upcoming live staking and native planting days that will take place over the next few weeks.

This effort marks an important turning point for NORA’s work crews as we move beyond debris removal and into the next phase of long-term recovery — rebuilding the riparian forests that were scoured away by the floodwaters of Hurricane Helene.

Dr. Andrea Ludwig, our fearless leader, carried the load in more ways than one today. She instructed our crews on best practices and was always there to lend a helping hand.

There was something special in the air today. Under clear skies and warm sun, our crews and volunteers worked shoulder to shoulder — swinging mallets, rolling matting, and sharing stories of recovery. The act of restoring the land has become a way to restore ourselves. Every seed planted and stake driven into the soil is a promise of renewal — for the river, for our neighbors, and for our community.

We were grateful to have friends from across the region join us, including one of our favorite working partners, the Nolichucky Restoration Project, whose volunteers have been instrumental in post-flood recovery efforts. Many hands made light work, and today’s progress sets the stage for what will become a thriving, resilient riverbank once again.

This is only the beginning. NORA is proud to partner with the Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council (ARC&D) on a new series of riparian restoration projects that will continue through the winter and into spring. Each week, our work crews are out on the land — rebuilding, replanting, and renewing the heart of the Nolichucky.

The new partnership between NORA and ARC&D is a Dream Team for Riparian Restoration for our neighbors on flood impacted lands.

💚 You can help keep this work going.

Every donation, large or small, directly supports the crews, tools, and materials needed to bring these riverbanks back to life.

👉 Donate to NORA and Keep the Nolichucky Strong

Together, we’re not just restoring a river — we’re rebuilding hope.

#NolichuckyStrong #AfterTheStorm #RiparianRestoration #CommunityResilience #NORA