Annual Member Gathering

Annual Gathering

Thursday, October 8, 2026
Doors @ 5:30 pm | Program @ 6:30 pm

Highland Brewing Company Event Center 
12 Old Charlotte Hwy Asheville, NC 28803

Highlights: 

  • MountainTrue program info stations
  • Face painting
  • Music provided by Bear Creek String Bandits

Bear Creek String Bandits are an Asheville-based bluegrass trio. Expect to hear some traditional bluegrass, old time ballads and fiddle tunes, jazz and honky tonk, highlighting their cultured and diverse musical backgrounds. Bear Creek String Bandits are supported by ReString Appalachia.

Ticket Info

Current MountainTrue Members, Volunteers, Staff & Sponsors receive free entry to the Gathering.

If you wish to attend, but aren’t a member, please purchase a Community Member Ticket. Included with this ticket is an annual membership to MountainTrue.
**Not sure if you’re a member? Check your status below!**

All registered participants will receive one drink ticket good for beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages.

A Night of Gratitude

Whether you’ve been a member for decades or just joined this year, we invite you to celebrate the strength of our community and the shared accomplishments that protect our forests, waters, and communities. 

  • Reconnect: Meet fellow members and staff from across the Southern Blue Ridge.
  • Reflect: Hear highlights from our recent conservation and advocacy wins.
  • Recognize: Cheer on the dedicated volunteers who make our work possible.

The Esther Cunningham Award

A highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Esther Cunningham Award. Each year, we honor an individual whose leadership, commitment, and spirit of service embody the very heart of MountainTrue. Join us as we recognize this year’s recipient and their extraordinary contributions to our region.

CallieandKatherine
Southwestern Regional Director Callie Moore (left) with 2025 Esther Cunningham Award recipient Katherine Taaffe (right).

Want to nominate someone for a Volunteer Award?

Nominations must be received by August 1st. Nominees will be reviewed and winners selected by MountainTrue Management Team in August. 

Award winners are expected to make their best effort to attend the event.

Nominations are open for: Esther Cunningham Award (must be a current member of MountainTrue) and Volunteer of the Year for each of our 4 regions.