World
renowned environmentalist Alexandra Cousteau and her team are rolling across North America in a 138-day interactive exploration of critical water issues and the Neuse River was one of their stops along the way!
In 2008 Alexandra Cousteau began the Blue Legacy initiative to engage individuals around the world
through telling the story of our water planet. Through Blue Legacy, Alexandra hosts tours
around the world to investigate global water challenges, breakthroughs,
and inspire people to take action on critical water issues in meaningful ways. Expedition
Blue Planet is on a 14,500-mile journey across North America
to investigate global water issues “in the backyard” of one of the world’s leading economies. This was a unique opportunity to meet the granddaughter of epic
environmentalist Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a 2008 National Geographic
Emerging Explorer, and a UN Earth Trustee, as she works to understand
and spread the story of water in peoples' lives.
Expedition Blue Planet 2010: North America's Mission
Raleigh, Friday, September 10
Thank you to everyone who helped us create a wonderful day with Alexandra Cousteau and the Expedition Blue Planet crew!
Friday, September 10, the NRF and Expedition Blue Plannet joined the Black Creek Watershed Association for an exciting ribbon cutting at West Cary Middle School's brand new raingarden that will help treat stormwater runoff before it enters Black Creek, a tributary of Crabtree Creek which flows into the Neuse. This is just the first of many projects planned to help protect and restore this sensitive sub-watershed in southern Wake County.
That evening Cheryl and Susan of Galatea Boutique hosted a beautiful Local Blue Legacy Benefit where members and supporters of the NRF came together with guess speaker Alexandra Cousteau for a conversation about the state of our national and local water resources. Finally, we joined family and friends for a free, outdoor concert from the Atomic Rhythm All Stars and danced the night away next to Cousteau's bio-diesel bus and water village while she signed autographs and inspired even the smallest of children to think globally and act locally.
A wonderful time was had by all, thanks to our sponsors--Seaboard Wine Warehouse, Music on the Porch, and Peace China--and Alexandra was an amazing ambassador for the Neuse, helping the Triangle area learn how important our waters are for this and the next generation. Thanks for stopping in, Expedition Blue Planet - we had a great day!
New Bern, Saturday, September 11
Alexandra Cousteau
On Friday, September 10th, and Saturday, September 11th, the Neuse RIVERKEEPER® Foundation (NRF) hosted a very special visitor to eastern North Carolina. Alexandra Cousteau, granddaughter of the famous explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau, brought her Blue Legacy organization to visit Raleigh and New Bern. Alexandra is touring the United States and parts of Mexico and Canada to lend her support to water protection groups that are fighting to keep local waters clean and healthy.
Expedition Blue Planet bus
On Saturday, September 11th, the "Expedition Blue Planet", group arrived in New Bern in their 45 foot-long, biodiesel tour bus. They were met by Lower Neuse RIVERKEEPER®, Larry Baldwin and escorted into town.
Alexandra and Larry
Alexandra and Jan Cousteau
Upon arrival, Alexandra Cousteau and Jonathan Smith (co-founder of Blue Legacy), accompanied by Alexandra's mother, Jan, were taken to board the double-decker vessel, the Joy Boy which was docked at the Marina at Skipjack Landing. The Joy Boy left the dock with 125 other passengers who were on board to meet and greet Alexandra and enjoy a 90-minute boat tour of the Neuse River upstream of New Bern.
Joy Boy
Alexandra with students
People on the boat tour were treated to the opportunity for some one-on-one time with Alexandra and Jonathan, as well as Riverkeeper Larry Baldwin. Autographs were signed, many photos were taken, and many students had the opportunity to meet Alexandra. In addition to the thrill of spending time with Alexandra, many people on the boat saw a section of the Neuse River which they had never had the opportunity to visit. It was a great trip, and everyone, including Alexandra, enjoyed the opportunity.
Alexandra on board the Joy Boy
Persimmons Restaurant at Skipjack Landing
After the boat tour, the next event was a lunch at the newly-opened Persimmons Restaurant at Skipjack Landing where guests were able to again meet and greet with Alexandra. Alexandra took about twenty minutes to talk about the need for clean water in all parts of the world, and specifically pointed out the need for, and her personal admiration for, those people who stand up to fight for water rights. In particular, she focused on the work being done by the NRF Riverkeepers. She urged those in attendance to continue to support the work of the Riverkeepers, and to become members of the NRF to add their support in the efforts to protect the Neuse River watershed.
Alexandra speaking with guests
Alexandra and Larry in the cockpit
Alexandra at the controls of the Cessna
Alexandra in flight
After the lunch event, Riverkeeper Larry Baldwin took Alexandra on an aerial tour of the Neuse River to witness the beauty and threats to the health of our river. They met Charlie Davis, one of the thirteen private pilots who fly for the NRF Riverkeepers at the New Bern airport where they boarded his Cessna 182, single engine plane. The next 90 minutes were spent pointing out the treasure we have in the Neuse River, but also showed Alexandra some of the threats the Neuse River faces. Of particular note, when the many hog facilities were pointed out, along with the effects that these facilities are having on our waters AND the surrounding communities, Alexandra commented that she will now definitely consider becoming a vegetarian. At one point during the flight, the controls of the plane were handed over to Alexandra, who did quite well in handling herself at the wheel. Even while at the controls, it was obvious that she was taking in the concerns we have for the Neuse River, and became very quiet at times, explaining that she was saddened by what she has experienced and seen in her travels around the world, and the apparent disinterest in being more protective of this precious resource.
Aerial view of hog farm
Jake and Bethanne Jacobson
Upon landing , Alexandra and Larry rushed back to the Marina at Skipjack Landing to board the private boat PANIA (owned by NRF Board member, Jake Jacobson and his wife Bethanne) for an hour-long tour which included representatives from RBC Bank, the major funding organization for Blue Legacyand Expedition Blue Planet.
During the brief down time, Alexandra made herself available at the tour bus to sign autographs and pose for photos with people who came to get a glimpse of this famous namesake.
Alexandra Cousteau
From 5:00 until 8:00 PM, Riverkeeper Larry Baldwin and the NRF hosted a cocktail party in honor of Alexandra and the Blue Legacy crew. This event was also held at Persimmons Restaurant. During a relaxed and intimate conversation with the entire group assembled, Alexandra related growing up and learning to swim and SCUBA Dive with her grandfather, and spoke of joining her father, Philippe and her mom, Jan, on expeditions around the world. It was these experiences that provided her with the love and respect for the waters of the world.
Jonathan Smith and crew
Alexandra with Cessna 182
It was obvious to all who had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Alexandra that she is truly passionate about the mission she has taken. At the end of the evening, during some closing remarks by Riverkeeper Larry Baldwin, he made the observation that "you came into this opportunity of meeting Alexandra with the knowledge that she carries a very famous namesake. But after spending the day with and around her, you can easily recognize that this lady is very special and stands on her own merits as an emerging explorer of our water world".
Alexandra on the Joy Boy
Event Sponsors and Supporters
All proceeds from the events hosted during Alexandra Cousteau's visit benefited the Neuse RIVERKEEPER® Foundation to help the Riverkeepers protect and preserve the Neuse River for this and future generations.
