Over 230 Riverway supporters came together on June 26th in Stillwater to celebrate the 15 years of work of our first Executive Director Deb Ryun. Through Deb's leadership, Wild Rivers Conservancy has grown to a full-time staff of 13, with another 10 to 12 summer interns joining seasonally. The Conservancy and the St. Croix and Namekagon Watershed would not be what it is today without her leadership, advocacy, and passion.
Board Chair Stu Neville, current and past Park Superintendents, and founding board member Dan Willius shared heartwarming remarks thanking Deb for her service and leadership. Than you to longtime Conservancy supporter Gary Noren for capturing photos of the event.
To wrap up celebrations, Deb ceremoniously passed a handmade canoe paddle, to Matt Poppleton, our next Executive Director.
"Deb fell in love with the St. Croix. As we often remind ourselves, you protect what you love"
-Dan Willius
"Deb has been a powerful and consistent force in making the partnership between the Conservancy and the National Park Service a success"
-Craig Hansen, St. Croix National Riverway Superintendent
"Since coming on in 2009, you have transformed this organization into a robust watershed-wide leader in advocacy. Over thousands of conversations (if not more than that), Deb has helped us discover, enjoy and marvel this amazing place"
-Julie Galonska, Former St. Croix National Riverway Superintendent
All photos © Gary Noren