American Rivers Announces Margaretta Taylor Family Gift

Gift will advance healthy rivers, help communities thrive

November 16, 2009

Washington D.C. -- American Rivers, the nation’s leading river conservation organization, today announced a $4 million gift from the Margaretta Taylor Family, the largest single gift in American Rivers’ history.  This four-year capacity building grant will support American Rivers’ vision that healthy rivers equip every human and natural community to thrive in the face of global warming.

“Our vision for healthy rivers supporting healthy communities is being embraced by philanthropists like the Taylor Family, elected officials, and civic leaders.” said Ned Whitney, Chair of the American Rivers Board.  “Coming off the most successful year in our history, this gift will propel us to even greater success.”

“American Rivers is an organization whose impact is orders of magnitude greater than its size would suggest,” said Alex Taylor, American Rivers Board Member.  “With this gift, our family is helping American Rivers grow into its own footprint, and by doing so, further increase its ability to protect and restore rivers for the benefit of communities nationwide.”

This gift enables American Rivers to make direct investments, during a critical four year period, to build the capacity to achieve our strategic vision - helping human and natural communities prepare for the impacts of a changing climate on the most precious of all resources, water.  Healthy rivers and streams provide resilience in the face of increasing floods, droughts, water pollution and over-tapped water supplies.  By protecting critical landscapes, decreasing wasteful water use, and adopting “green” infrastructure solutions that work with natural systems, communities will be able to sustain their health, wealth, and quality of life.  

 “The Taylor Family has a long history of involvement in the conservation movement.  We are honored and humbled by the Taylor Family’s support for American Rivers and their commitment to protecting and restoring rivers across America,” said Rebecca Wodder, President of American Rivers. 

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.