French Broad River Clean-Up: Paddling Glen Bridge to Bent Creek in Asheville, NC 12/5

Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene along the river between Glen Bridge River Park and Bent Creek River Park. This will be a boat-based paddling clean-up on a 5-mile section of class 1 river. All participants must have prior paddling experience and have proper cold-weather attire. 

MountainTrue has up to 8 canoes available to borrow, but participants can bring their own boat – canoes, jon boats, and drift boats would be best (not kayaks or inflatables). This will be a paddling-only event (no option for only working the access points). 

Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (loppers, saws, shovels, ladders, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage.

Please bring any water or food that you need. Please scroll to the bottom to register.

Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!

As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.

To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):

     ✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.

     ✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.

     ✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.

     ✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.

     ✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.

     ✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.

After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot. 

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.