The Deep River and its feeder streams will be getting special attention thanks to a grant from the North Carolina Land & Water Fund (NCLWF).
The Deep River Riverkeeper (DRRK), a licensed, non-profit waterkeeper organization based in Jamestown, will lead the project under the direction of Riverkeeper Erin Sherrill. The $75,000 grant will fund water testing and development of a 9-point Watershed Restoration Plan for the Deep River headwaters.
Over the next two and half years, regular sampling will be conducted at fourteen sites on Deep River and its tributaries to identify high levels of E. coli and its sources, including failing infrastructure and stormwater runoff.
Sherrill will direct participating biology interns in real-world applications of their science education and lead a steering committee of regional environmental leaders in the development of a detailed “Healthy Deep River Plan” that will map targeted areas for action and intervention in the Upper Cape Fear Basin.
“This project will help us create a safe, healthier river for our communities,” Sherrill said. “As an important recreational water body, Deep River contamination from bacteria is a concern and a growing issue for many residents, swimmers, paddlers and beachgoers. We intend to help fix that.”
Additionally, Sherrill, with the Steering Committee members, will host a series of workshops to educate and inform the public, landowners, utilities and elected officials about fecal coliform data, best management practices, safer recreation and the impacts of large storm events.
On Wednesday, Nov. 18, the group will present its first community State of the River Report at GetOutdoors, 1515 West Gate City Blvd, from 6pm to 7:30pm. The event will provide an overview of data gathered to date through ongoing water quality sampling, environmental research and collaborative studies along the river. The event is free and open to the public.
The next Deep River Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Friday, October 30th from 9am to 3pm at Southwest Park marina (6309 SW Park Dr, Greensboro). The clean-up site will be reached by kayak or canoe, which can be rented onsite that day for free, or participants may bring their own vessels (must be 18 or older). Limited spots are available and RSVPs are required HERE.
More information about the DRRK team as well as upcoming events, water test results and volunteer opportunities can be found at https://deepriverkeepersnc.org and on the DRRK Facebook page.
For more information, contact DRRK Executive Director Patricia Gray at pgraypiano3@gmail.com or Riverkeeper Erin Sherrill at riverkeeper@deepriverkeepersnc.org
The NC LAND AND WATER FUND was established in 1996 and awards grants to protect land for natural, historical and cultural benefit, limit encroachment on military installations, restore degraded streams, and develop and improve stormwater treatment technology.
The DEEP RIVER RIVERKEEPER (DRRK) organization was formed in December 2024 to support the health and well-being of Deep River and its tributaries along its 125-mile journey through six North Carolina counties (Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph, Chatham, Lee and Moore). In July 2025, the DRRK was officially licensed by the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international association that authorizes jurisdiction and supports environmental protectors for rivers.
The DRRK provides oversight along a previously overlooked segment within the Cape Fear River Basin. The DRRK joins the Haw River Assembly and the Cape Fear River Watch in advocacy for this major water source, the largest watershed in North Carolina.
The DRRK focus includes science research with education partners such as UNC Greensboro’s Environmental & Sustainability Program and Duke University’s Superfund Research Center in the Nicholas School of the Environment.
To date, clean-up initiatives along the upper Deep River, Richland Creek and area waterbodies have yielded over 6,000 pounds of trash and debris.
DRRK co-founder and inaugural Riverkeeper Stephanie Stephens is now an Environmental Program Consultant and High Rock Lake Nutrient Strategy Coordinator with the NC DEQ Division of Water Resources, Nonpoint Source Planning Branch. In June, 2026, DRRK welcomed Erin Sherill as its new Riverkeeper. Erin holds a Master of Science in Sustainability and Environment from UNC-Greensboro, a post-baccalaureate certificate in Climate Justice, and was the recipient of the 2026 Ann Berry Somers Award for Conservation. During her graduate studies, she interned with DRRK conducting bioacoustic monitoring research on the Deep River. She has more than 10 years of professional experience in nonprofits, ranging from operations management to public relations.
The DRRK’s home office is at UNCG.