Trustees of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation have awarded a grant to the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation (PTRF) for its work to protect clean water and promote environmental justice.

PTRF is committed to monitoring, protecting and enhancing the Tar-Pamlico River and its watershed while also promoting environmental justice in the region. PTRF is a grassroots organization, supported by more than 2,000 citizen members.

“The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation believes that healthy, resilient ecosystems lay the foundation for everyone to thrive,” said Joy Vermillion Heinsohn, director for programs at the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. “PTRF is working alongside local communities to protect, promote, and restore the Tar-Pamlico River and its watershed for North Carolinians today and for generations to come. We are proud to work together to help PTRF achieve its mission and vision.”

”The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation has been working on behalf of the citizens in our part of the state since 1981. This grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is critical to PTRF’s mission because it allows us the opportunity to invest in our general operating needs. Not many foundations are willing or able to provide that type of essential support,” said Harrison Marks, PTRF’s executive director.

On May 16, Trustees voted to approve 77 grants totaling $5.2 million to organizations across North Carolina.

Pamlico-Tar River Foundation has as its mission to monitor, protect and enhance the Tar-Pamlico River and watershed while promoting environmental justice. PTRF is a Riverkeeper® organization which serves the 16 counties that are in the Tar-Pamlico watershed. It manages programs for youth and adults to increase environmental awareness among the general public, monitors potential sources of pollution, seeks to create better access and wider use of the Tar-Pamlico and its tributaries for all people, and manages projects to reduce or eliminate the effects of stormwater and other drainage on water quality. Founded in Washington in 1981, the organization has more than 2,000 members and continues to serve as the “Voice for the River.” For more information about PTRF, visit ptrf.org.