The Nature Conservancy - Faces of Conservation: Henry and Dyeann Jordan

Faces of Conservation
Henry and Dyeann Jordan

Dyeann and Henry Jordan, Conservancy supporters

Conservancy members Dyeann and Henry Jordan cherish the natural areas of
North Carolina and understand why their support is critical to our success.
© Ruth Jordan Ashe

Henry and Dyeann Jordan have supported The Nature Conservancy for more than a decade. They are members of the North Carolina Chapter because of their deep and personal connection with our state’s natural areas.

Generations of the Jordan family grew up in North Carolina. Henry recalls fondly his childhood home on the Deep River, and some of the people he knew growing up. One of them, a dentist who had lived in the area since the 1920s, often told young Henry how in his lifetime there had been a drastic decline of game fish because of pollution in the river.

Then came the Clean Water Act. The Deep River was cleaned up and the fishing stock returned to what it had been in the past. This made a huge impact on Henry, who saw for himself that environmental problems could get bad, but if enough people worked together to find solutions, our lands and waters could rebound.

The same revelation struck the Jordans in 1973, when they bought a home on the New River in Ashe County. Within a few years, they heard that a power company was going to build a series of
dams on the river and their new home would be flooded.

“People in the mountains decided to fight it. There was a groundswell of public and legislative support and eventually the dams were stopped,” says Henry. “We realized that with the help of conservation
organizations, local folks could protect their natural heritage.”

The Jordans make sure the next generation understands their family’s history and connection with the land, and they spend time with their grandchildren in the natural areas that are special to them: places like Nature Conservancy preserves at the Black River and Bluff Mountain.

They acknowledge that individuals can only do so much. But, according to Dyeann, “We’re involved with
conservation organizations like the National Committee for the New River, Piedmont Land Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy, which work toward a common goal. These organizations have the focus, ability and manpower to see the big picture. They have shown us what is possible. Working with the Conservancy has given us a broader view of North Carolina and of environmental concerns all over the state. We know that these pristine places can’t be replaced and that we have to act together to protect them.”