Justin Young

Justin originally served for two years as an AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator at RiverLink. After creating a strong bond with the communities and ecosystems of the French Broad River they were brought on full time to manage RiverLink’s education programs. A true native of North Carolina, Justin was born and raised in Raleigh and attended school at Appalachian State University where they studied Sustainable Development. Between college and RiverLink they studied glacial retreat in the Peruvian Andes and served with the Maryland State Park Service. Since then, they have been certified in nonprofit management from Duke University, and served on an advisory board for the Conservation Trust of NC.

Justin has extensive knowledge about environmental education, EDI concepts, and graphic and web design. Now that they have settled in Asheville, they’re excited to bring their experience and passion for aquatic ecosystems to the people of the watershed. They hope to inspire, teach and encourage new groups of people to appreciate and protect their natural surroundings. If you need to find Justin he’ll likely be floating down a river, hiking up a mountain, playing with art supplies or enjoying a nice cold beer.