April Ingle

Originally from Atlanta, Indiana, April Ingle (she/her) now lives and works in High Point, North Carolina, on Sissipahaw, Occaneechi, and Keyauwee lands.

April joined River Network in 2016. As River Network’s Advocacy Director, she develops tools and resources and facilitates peer-to-peer exchange in the areas of water policy; access to affordable and safe water; equitable climate resilience; and authentic community engagement and partnerships.

On the way to camping on Cumberland Island.

Prior to joining River Network, April was working as a full-time consultant after serving as Executive Director of Georgia River Network for 11 years. Prior to Georgia River Network, April worked as the Public Relations Specialist, then Executive Director of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; as Coordinator of the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative; and as an environmental educator. April has Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University’s School of Agriculture. Outside of work, April is spending time with her family, taking walks with her stepdaughter’s dog, hanging out at the neighborhood pool, cooking, or planning/dreaming about her next travel adventure.

Which River Network value most speaks to you?

Strength. I love working on behalf of this amazing network of folks who continue, after so many years, to connect, unite, and learn together to reach common goals and build strength to ensure equitable access to clean, safe water and healthy rivers for their communities.

What motivates you to go to work everyday?

I am motivated to go to work everyday by the thousands of people across this country who are fighting to ensure equitable access to healthy rivers, safe drinking water, and resilient communities.

What called you to work in water?

I am called to work in water by a desire for justice and fairness and to see that people and nature, not polluters, are prioritized and protected.

Why is equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) important in your work?

Access to safe, healthy water is a human right, but far too many still do not have that right due to systemic racism, oppression, and neglect.

What was your earliest memory around water?

Relaxing at Oak Hollow Lake in High Point.

Going camping and swimming at Raccoon Lake near where I grew up in Indiana.

What was the most inspiring aspect of your work over the past year?

The huge investment by the federal government in water infrastructure.

If you didn’t work in water or conservation, what would you be doing?

In retirement, I hope to travel the world and make lots of art.

How do you think the conservation community can make the biggest impact?

Me, my husband, my step-daughter and her dog.

By working to ensure that the huge investment in water infrastructure by the federal government is distributed equitably and the funds benefit communities that have been neglected for far too long.

How do you recharge outside of work?

I love hang out at the neighborhood pool, try or make up new recipes to cook, spend time with my family, and travel near or far.