The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) appointed Anna Wheeler as the new Recreation and Stewardship Manager. Wheeler served as the North Carolina Program Coordinator for DRBA since September 2021. Before that, she served as DRBA’s Recreation Assistant and various roles at Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Pines.
“I am excited about the creation of our new position, Recreation and Stewardship Manager, which will play a pivotal role in the development, protection, and conservation of recreational assets throughout the entire Dan River watershed,” DRBA Executive Director Tiffany Haworth said. “The ability to span state lines and leverage resources will empower DRBA to have an even greater impact in the region.”
“I am especially excited that Anna Wheeler has accepted this important role,” Haworth added. “Anna’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and proven experience in developing and implementing recreational and stewardship initiatives are truly exceptional, and I have no doubt she will be instrumental in expanding DRBA’s impact.”
DRBA has designed, constructed and/or enhanced more than 100 trails, parks, and river accesses in the bi-state, 16-county, 3,300 square mile footprint of the Dan River Basin since it became a nonprofit in 2002. In addition, DRBA has organized countless cleanups, habitat restoration, and water quality monitoring projects to ensure our natural resources are preserved and protected for future generations.
“I am honored to take on this position and expand DRBA’s recreation and stewardship projects,” said Wheeler. “The Dan River Basin is home to unique flora and fauna and the perfect destination for outstanding outdoor experiences, both of which need to be promoted, conserved, and protected.”
In her position of NC Program Coordinator, Wheeler has developed numerous programs and outdoor assets throughout all of the North Carolina counties that are part of the Dan River Basin.
Projects include developing the Rockingham County Rivers and Trails Master Plan, Hogans Creek Park, Dan River State Paddle Trail, appointment of local stakeholders in safety and river events, and developing events for NC’s Year of the Trail. She is actively engaged in the Rockingham County Tourism Board, Mayo River State Park Advisory Board, Martinsville YMCA Board, and the Museum and Archives of Rockingham County Board.
“In this new role, I am excited to apply the experience I’ve gained from creating and implementing successful projects in North Carolina to benefit all the counties within our watershed,” said Wheeler. “I am truly thrilled to help ensure that every county in the Dan River Basin has access to trails, parks, and river access points, as well as the tools and resources necessary to protect and preserve their natural resources.”
Wheeler has a bachelor’s degree in biology-ecology, evolutionary, and environmental science, and a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems from Appalachian State University. She also has a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University. Wheeler has been on various panels at conferences including the first Great Trails State Conference, and earned the Judges Award and second-highest fundraiser at Piedmont Art’s Dancing for the Arts. Wheeler lives in Martinsville, and is an avid hiker, fisher, paddler, and environmental advocate.
The mission of the Dan River Basin Association is to promote and protect the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River Basin through education, recreation, and stewardship. DRBA works to fulfill that mission by building river accesses and trails, educating people of all ages about protecting our natural resources, and protecting our water resources through water quality monitoring, cleanups and master planning. The Dan River basin is 3,300 square miles including sixteen counties throughout Virginia and North Carolina.
