Work gazebo for “the most productive river in the U.S.”

There is a reason why some call the Catawba-Wateree River basin “The Most Productive River in the U.S.”

The river, which runs through 26 counties in the Carolinas, generates electricity for more than 3 million homes and businesses and provides drinking water for more than 2 million people.

In total, the river basin’s waterways stretch more than 14,300 miles. Keeping the river healthy and clean for generations is no mean feat, but the organization Catawba Riverkeeper is up to the task. The North Carolina-based organization seeks to “preserve, protect and restore the Catawba River waterways through education, advocacy and community engagement.”

These efforts, of course, require scientists, environmentalists and policy and regulatory experts. But they also involve the community, from families to volunteers, from local businesses to other non-profit organizations. Catawba Riverkeeper encourages collective action in creative and effective ways.

Waterproof

Stable

In addition to fundraising and river clean-up events, the organization also operates three businesses, The River Room, Confluence and The Boathouse. Each represents an outpost of Catawba Riverkeeper within the community, as well as a platform for education, advocacy and involvement.

Wherever Catawba Riverkeeper goes, there is usually also a Mastertent nearby. Whether it’s bar spots, kayak rentals or volunteer check-ins, Mastertent equipment offers the versatility and reliability the organization needs. With Mastertent, the team is ready for any eventuality.

“Mastertent has been an amazing partner to work with,” said John Searby, executive director of Catawba Riverkeeper. “We have several of their gazebos of various sizes that we use for events throughout our region, and we also have tables from their brand partner RUKU1952 and a kiosk that we use in branded spaces.”

An outdoor classroom

Education is one of the ways Catawba Riverkeeper pursues its goal of protecting, preserving and restoring the river. Most of the learning, however, occurs outside the traditional school environment. In fact, it often takes place on the water.

The organization conducts interactive excursions on the river with local business leaders to help them understand the importance of the Catawba River to the area’s economy and how they can contribute. The Mastertent team, for example, enjoyed learning about the indispensable waterways just outside its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, during a guided kayak tour. Similarly, Catawba Riverkeeper’s “floating classroom” boat allows students of all ages to enjoy a fun and engaging learning experience.

Educational beer at The River Room

The Catawba Riverkeeper informs its members and guests about the importance of protecting local waters through, among other things, beer. In addition to two retail locations, the association operates The River Room, a tavern offering cocktails, wine and craft beers. The outdoor space, adjacent to the Catawba Riverkeeper’s office, features RUKU1952 brewery tables and benches and a large, sunny patio. It is an inviting place to gather with friends or celebrate a special occasion. Members and guests can sip drinks during business hours or rent the space for private events.

All beers on tap at The River Room come from breweries located in the Catawba River Basin, which use the Catawba River’s water in their beers. The beer is a tangible way to educate the public and convey the following message: “water is critical for many things, including the beer we drink.”

In addition, proceeds from The River Room cover the rent and utilities of Catawba Riverkeeper’s office, lab and classroom. Therefore, when people make a donation to Catawba Riverkeeper, they can be assured that every dollar will go to supporting the mission.

RUKU1952 Brewery Tables

Furnish restaurants, breweries and outdoor spaces with RUKU1952 tables and benches. As a sister brand, these folding tables offer the same ease of use as our gazebos.

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Uniting for a cause

Advocacy activities are also a key part of the organization’s conservation efforts. The four main issues are stormwater run-off mitigation, reducing allowable pollution thresholds, increasing water quality monitoring, and river restoration. To this end, the Catawba Riverkeeper publishes scientific reports, such as the South Fork Catawba Sub-Basin Protection and Restoration Plan, which highlight problem areas and offer solutions to restore the river’s tributaries.

The Catawba Riverkeeper also raises awareness of its cause through fun events such as Jam at the Dam. The music festival is held every year in May, with food-truck and kayak rentals. It also serves to kick off summer at The Boathouse, a seasonal resort and recreation venue open to the public. A few weeks later, RiverFest brings the community together for another festival-style event. Mastertent gazebos provide shade and comfort, while local vendors, live music and children’s activities bring this cheerful celebration of the river to life.

In the off-season, the Boathouse is transformed into storage for boats, kayaks, and cleaning supplies. In the summer season, however, the Boathouse and events, such as Jam at the Dam and RiverFest, support the organization’s advocacy efforts.

Both during community meetings and throughout the summer, a Mastertent kiosk serves as a refreshment station amid the hustle and bustle. Its hexagonal structure, which the Catawba Riverkeeper team has dubbed a “hexabar,” offers visitors a pleasant and atmospheric experience. To distribute drinks outdoors or to rent kayaks: the structure fits any non-profit’s needs. Once, the Catawba Riverkeeper team even used it to propagate a rare species of water lily.

Pavilions

“In almost four years of working with Mastertent,

we have never had anything break, wear out, or fail... and we work a lot!” said Searby.

Facilitating community involvement

Community involvement is perhaps the most relevant way in which Catawba Riverkeeper pursues its mission. Creating opportunities for people to interact with the water allows them to raise awareness for their cause. Without the help and support of volunteers and partners, Catawba Riverkeeper could not have the incredible impact it has.

River clean-up, in particular, requires the involvement of many volunteers. During riverbank clean-up events, the 1.5x1.5m Mastertent gazebos customized with the Catawba Riverkeeper logo serve as a recognizable signpost for check-in stations. Staff can easily set up the compact, 100% waterproof gazebos and be comfortable, even in less than optimal weather conditions. The structures provide shelter from sun, rain or wind and can be set up on both hard and soft ground all along the riverbank.

Catawba Riverkeeper knows that not everyone is able to lend a hand in cleaning up the river, and that’s okay. The association also encourages engagement through other means, such as art, music, recreation and river activities at Confluence. This social center run by the Catawba Riverkeeper brings together a variety of activities in one location. Art and music classes, a public gallery, kayak rentals, local beer and more make Confluence an accessible place to stop by for a moment or stay longer. As with The River Room and The Boathouse, proceeds go to benefit the Catawba Riverkeeper.

Whether it’s a pint, a volunteer event or a weekend water adventure, Catawba Riverkeeper facilitates interaction with the Catawba River in every way. It also seeks the support of the entire region to maintain its important function for years to come.

At Mastertent, sustainability is a way of life. In addition to our initiatives to protect the planet, we value partnerships with environmental organizations such as Catawba Riverkeeper.

We are proud to be a small part of this non-profit’s important work.

If you are passing through the States in North Carolina, there is no activity more tangible and helpful for integrating into the community than volunteering at clean-ups, visiting a store, or attending a Catawba Riverkeeper event.
Find out about all the activities or make a donation on their website.

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