Central Region News

A message from Executive Director Bob Wagner: 

Growing up, my grandfather often spoke about folks in difficult positions being “between a rock and a hard place.” Because MountainTrue doesn’t shy away from difficult or controversial issues, we often find ourselves in this position. It’s a bellwether for me, that we’re focusing on the right issues. 

Several recent examples come to mind: Asheville City Council’s controversial vote to approve a development project in Haw Creek, Henderson County’s proposal to build a new sewer treatment plant that would discharge into an already impaired Clear Creek, and several forest projects that seek to commercially log sensitive areas of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. In each of these instances, there are good people with valid perspectives on each side of the issue… Advocates who want to maximize our housing supply versus homeowners concerned about the quality of development in their neighborhoods; county officials who want to leverage federal dollars to meet future sewer demand versus planners concerned about supercharging suburban sprawl; forest planners focused on meeting agency timber targets and sustaining timber industry jobs versus advocates who want forest management to prioritize climate change mitigation and support WNC’s $5 billion recreation economy. 

It’s a liminal space where there are no easy answers, and it’s often difficult to navigate. At MountainTrue, we weigh the short and long-term ecological, economic, and social impacts on our natural environment and the community. We do this knowing that even when we get it right, we’re likely to tick someone off. However, this work is critical to laying the groundwork and protecting our planet and our region for future generations. 

Thank you for your willingness to engage in these challenging discussions, to learn, and for your unwavering support on this important journey. Your commitment is truly appreciated.

MountainTrue Annual Member Gathering: Saturday, September 14, in Asheville, NC

Join your fellow members, MountainTrue Board, and staff to celebrate another year of growing our reach and deepening our roots! Hear highlights from the year; help us recognize outstanding volunteers and partners; eat, drink, and be merry; and don’t forget to stick around for a fun night of trivia after the main program wraps! Register here. 

Paddling Film Fest: August 22 in AVL, NC

Join us for the Paddling Film Festival World Tour at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville, NC, on August 22! Organized by Paddling Magazine and Rapid Media, sponsored by Headwaters Outfitters, and hosted by New Belgium Brewing, this event is a fundraiser for MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper program, which includes Swim Guide and the French Broad Paddle Trail. You’ll be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle, and appreciate the wild places. Find out more and buy tickets!

Paddle + clean the French Broad River

Come out on Thursday, August 29, to help MountainTrue and The Hub clean up the French Broad in Transylvania County between Pisgah Forest River Access and Penrose Boating Access Area. This will be a boat-based cleanup on a 5.5-mile section of calm water with the option to clean access points if you don’t want to be on the water. Sign-up here.

Help eradicate invasive plants at Richmond Hill Park

Richmond Hill Park is Asheville’s largest forested park and hosts miles of trails. Despite its suburban location, Richmond Hill has a diversity of native plants that are being choked out by nonnative invasive plants. Participants will receive training in plant ID + invasive species control methods. Join MountainTrue Biologist Josh Kelly on Sunday, September 15, to remove nonnative invasive plants and help the native forest thrive!

Curious about solar energy?

Don’t miss a chance to hear from our friends at Sugar Hollow Solar at Brainy Brews in Asheville, NC, on Wednesday, September 18. We’ll discuss what solar energy is, how it benefits the environment (and you), financial incentives and tax rebates for 2024, and next steps for getting started. Sugar Hollow Solar will buy the first drink for any homeowner who brings a copy of their power bill!

Turning trash into a hellbender puppet 

MountainTrue is teaming up with Street Creature Puppet Collective to create a hellbender puppet for community events, including the Asheville Holiday Parade (stay tuned for more parade deets). This will be crafted out of tan and gray plastic bags, and lightweight, colorful, clean(ish) items from the river — think bottles, flip flops, toys, etc. Keep your eye out for river items on your summer adventures! Contact amy@mountaintrue.org to drop off your plastic bags and salvaged river items before Saturday, August 31.

Join us on Tuesday, September 24, for a community craft night with Street Creature Puppet Collective! You don’t have to be crafty to come help out and have fun. Kids are welcome. RSVP here.

Help guide transportation funding for the next 25 years

Elevate 2050 is a plan that will help guide federal funding for things like bike and pedestrian infrastructure and intersection improvements for the next 25 years. Weigh in at a Public Input Session on Tuesday, August 6, or through an online survey (available in both English and Spanish). Details here.

Win a sweet paddle made by the Broad Riverkeeper! 

Want to paddle in style? Grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win a paddle designed and crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell! Proceeds support MountainTrue and the Broad Riverkeeper program. This paddle is made of walnut, basswood, oak, and mahogany; it’s 150 cm long and weighs 32 oz. Unlike most “production” paddles, which have a hard finish, Caldwell Carvings’ paddles have an oil finish that is warm to the touch and easily maintained. The raffle winner will be drawn on September 14. Click here for full guidelines or to purchase tickets.

Want to volunteer + help raise funds for MountainTrue?

If you’re looking for an easy volunteer activity, look no further! MountainTrue is the nonprofit beneficiary for the Wicked Spooky 5k in Asheville, NC, on Saturday, October 26. MountainTrue will receive $5 per runner for providing 20 volunteers. You choose your shift and role. Find out more or register!

Dam removal in WNC

Dam removal has become a major focus for MountainTrue’s Clean Waters team as another tool to mitigate the impacts of climate change, restore aquatic connectivity, and open safe public recreation corridors for paddlers across Western North Carolina. Working in partnership with groups like American Rivers, we were able to successfully advocate for a WNC Dam Removal Fund of $7.2 million housed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. We now have active dam removal projects in the Watauga, New, Catawba, French Broad, and Tuckasegee, and Upper Tennessee River watersheds!

Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC supports controversial Haw Creek development

MountainTrue Housing and Transportation Director Susan Bean delivered public comment at Asheville’s City Council meeting on July 23 supporting the proposed residential development project at 767 New Haw Creek Rd. To learn more about why we support this project, read our blog post here.

High Country News

A message from High Country Regional Director & Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill: 

It’s been an incredible summer in the High Country. With your support, we achieved a long-held dream to remove the Shull’s Mill Dam and reconnect the Watauga River and her tributaries from the Headwaters on Grandfather Mountain to the Tailwaters in Tennessee! Following the successful removal of the Wards Mill Dam in 2021, we’ve re-established more aquatic habitats and improved water quality across the watershed. These dam removals culminated in the relocation of hellbenders to a part of the river from which they had been long absent. Help us celebrate and imagine a better future for the Eastern hellbender and aquatic life at the unveiling of the Hellbender Mural in Downtown Boone on August 23! Wear your MountainTrue gear and raise a toast to all we’ve accomplished together. We’re so very grateful for your support. 

MountainTrue Annual Member Gathering: Saturday, September 14, in Asheville, NC

Join your fellow members, MountainTrue Board, and staff to celebrate another year of growing our reach and deepening our roots! Hear highlights from the year; help us recognize outstanding volunteers and partners; eat, drink, and be merry; and don’t forget to stick around for a fun night of trivia after the main program wraps! Register here. 

Snorkel the Watauga on August 16

Join us for a guided Watauga River snorkel from 2-4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 16, near Sugar Grove, NC. Get up close and personal with local aquatic wildlife, including many native fish species, and maybe catch a glimpse of the gorgeous tangerine darter! Learn more + register.

Boone hellbender mural coming this month

Join us for the Hellbender Mural Unveiling in downtown Boone, NC, from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, August 23! This hellbender mural is the last in the Center for Biological Diversity’s Endangered Species Mural Project. A collaboration between MountainTrue, Downtown Boone Development Association, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, and the Watauga Arts Council made this beautiful piece possible. Enjoy a block party on South Depot Street and an evening filled with celebration, good food + drinks, and admiring beautiful artwork created to highlight the flora and fauna that make our region so spectacular! For more info, contact lane.moody@townofboone.net. 

August Trash Trout cleanout

Want to get in the river and contribute to its health? Assist with cleanout and inventory of trash types and brands found within the Winkler’s Creek Trash Trout at the Boone Greenway on Saturday, August 24, at 11 a.m. Be sure to sign up through this link so our team can bring enough waders and boots. See y’all there! 

Antlers & Acorns: Boone Songwriters Festival selects MountainTrue as In-Harmony Partner

Join us September 5-7 at the Appalachian Theater for the 2024 Antlers & Acorns festival. Famous songwriters like James McMurtry, Eric Erdman, and Rodney Crowell will be there bringing a unique sound and perspective to the stage. Come experience a “Nashville feel” to Downtown Boone, with the original songwriters behind popular hits from artists like Chris Stapleton, Johnny Cash, and The Red Clay Strays! Our team looks forward to talking about conservation, hellbenders, dam removal, and how storytelling and music play a crucial role in meshing our work with the community. Buy tickets and learn more here, and check the Antlers & Acorns Facebook page.

Dam removal in WNC

Dam removal has become a major focus for MountainTrue’s Clean Waters team as another tool to mitigate the impacts of climate change, restore aquatic connectivity, and open safe public recreation corridors for paddlers across Western North Carolina. Working in partnership with groups like American Rivers, we were able to successfully advocate for a WNC Dam Removal Fund of $7.2 million housed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. We now have active dam removal projects in the Watauga, New, Catawba, French Broad, and Tuckasegee, and Upper Tennessee River watersheds!

Photo: Excavators get to work removing the Shulls Mill Dam in Boone, NC.

Shulls Mill Dam removal update

The Watauga is now flowing free at the site of the former Shulls Mill Dam! A huge shoutout to all of the incredible partners, volunteers, organizations, and agencies that have uplifted and supported our High Country team through this busy month of concerts, water sampling, and river restoration. We’re so proud of the work we’ve accomplished together, but there’s still much more to be done. Stay tuned for updates on future dam removal projects! See more dam removal photos + videos on the Watauga Riverkeeper Instagram.

Shulls Mill Dam Removal in the news:

• Shull’s Mill Dam removal to open up 78-mile corridor on Watauga River from the Watauga Democrat
• Environmental groups remove the last dam on the Watauga River from WHQR Public Media
• Finding new homes for hellbenders on the Watauga River from Carolina Public Press
• NC biologists mount ‘search-and-rescue operation’ for America’s largest salamander before dam removal from Blue Ridge Public Radio
• Scuba-diving scientists capture rare underwater footage of prehistoric-looking hellbenders in North Carolina from Discover Wildlife (via BBC Wildlife Magazine)

Eradicating Japanese knotweed at Valle Crucis Community Park

Our High Country Outreach Coordinator, Emma Crider, has been working to remove Japanese knotweed from Valle Crucis Community Park this summer. Former MountainTrue Ecologist Bob Gale created a special herbicide recipe that’s been working wonderfully at the park!* Almost all knotweed has been eradicated in the wetland area, and most patches along the main paved walking path are actively decomposing as we write this. After a year of trial sprays, next year will be even more successful. Big thanks to Bob Gale and VCCP for all they’ve done to make this season of invasive plant removal possible!

*Emma is trained in safe herbicide application and Bob Gale’s treatment method prioritizes no harmful impacts to water quality or wildlife.

Halfway mark: 2024 Swim Guide season

We’re officially halfway done with our Swim Guide season and wanted to give a big thanks to our incredible water sampling volunteers and sponsors who are the backbone of this program. We couldn’t do it without y’all! Check out our Instagram or Swim Guide page to see weekly results. If you or anyone in your network would like to know more about becoming a water sampler or sponsor, please contact emma@mountaintrue.org.  

Join Harmony Lanes and MountainTrue in supporting pedestrian safety

Create a better way for pedestrians to cross River Street in front of John E. Thomas Hall. This safety concern has been affecting students, staff, and members of the community for years. The installation of a crosswalk, pedestrian refuge island, and high visibility signage with flashing beacons on River Street would dramatically improve pedestrian safety. Sign our petition here.

Big thanks to our friends at Beech Mountain!

July 2 Fundraiser Concert: Our awesome friends at Beech Mountain Resort hosted a family-friendly benefit concert for MountainTrue and the Colon Cancer Coalition. With Shadowgrass and Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road providing the sweet jams, it was a bluegrass music lover’s dream! Our team enjoyed delicious food, a funky photo booth, and even better company. What a great way to spend a Tuesday night.

Party on the Mountain: July was a concert-filled month for our High Country team! The annual three-day concert series at Beech Mountain Resort was nothing short of awesome this year. NEEDTOBREATHE, Dispatch, and GreenSky Bluegrass brought fun crowds, cool jams, and the weather even held up for us! Thank you to Beech Mountain for hosting another great year of Party on the Mountain! 

Special offer from Climate Karen

The last 13 months have been the hottest 13 months EVER. Why? Too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is becoming the fleece blanket Earth doesn’t need or want. But, did you know it’s now possible to remove some of that CO₂ for good? For the cost of your Netflix subscription, Climate Karen permanently removes CO₂ and rewards you as your impact grows. 

The first 100 monthly subscribers to www.ClimateKaren.com get the “So Hot Right Now” tote. But that’s not all! For every new subscriber, Climate Karen will donate $20 to the Watauga Riverkeeper. That’s right, folks! You get to remove CO₂ every month, sport a cool tote, and support the clean waters — all in one go.

Southern Region News

A message from Executive Director Bob Wagner: 

Growing up, my grandfather often spoke about folks in difficult positions being “between a rock and a hard place.” Because MountainTrue doesn’t shy away from difficult or controversial issues, we often find ourselves in this position. It’s a bellwether for me, that we’re focusing on the right issues. 

Several recent examples come to mind: Asheville City Council’s controversial vote to approve a development project in Haw Creek, Henderson County’s proposal to build a new sewer treatment plant that would discharge into an already impaired Clear Creek, and several forest projects that seek to commercially log sensitive areas of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. In each of these instances, there are good people with valid perspectives on each side of the issue… Advocates who want to maximize our housing supply versus homeowners concerned about the quality of development in their neighborhoods; county officials who want to leverage federal dollars to meet future sewer demand versus planners concerned about supercharging suburban sprawl; forest planners focused on meeting agency timber targets and sustaining timber industry jobs versus advocates who want forest management to prioritize climate change mitigation and support WNC’s $5 billion recreation economy. 

It’s a liminal space where there are no easy answers, and it’s often difficult to navigate. At MountainTrue, we weigh the short and long-term ecological, economic, and social impacts on our natural environment and the community. We do this knowing that even when we get it right, we’re likely to tick someone off. However, this work is critical to laying the groundwork and protecting our planet and our region for future generations. 

Thank you for your willingness to engage in these challenging discussions, to learn, and for your unwavering support on this important journey. Your commitment is truly appreciated.

MountainTrue Annual Member Gathering: Saturday, September 14, in Asheville, NC

Join your fellow members, MountainTrue Board, and staff to celebrate another year of growing our reach and deepening our roots! Hear highlights from the year; help us recognize outstanding volunteers and partners; eat, drink, and be merry; and don’t forget to stick around for a fun night of trivia after the main program wraps! Register here.

Upcoming river cleanups with your Broad Riverkeeper:

Join Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell on Saturday, August 10, near Boiling Springs, NC, for the Broad River Summer Sweep AND on Saturday, September 7, near Lawndale, NC, for the 9th Annual Sarah Sweep.

Paddling Film Fest: August 22 in AVL, NC

Join us for the Paddling Film Festival World Tour at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville, NC, on August 22! Organized by Paddling Magazine and Rapid Media, sponsored by Headwaters Outfitters, and hosted by New Belgium Brewing, this event is a fundraiser for MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper program, which includes Swim Guide and the French Broad Paddle Trail. You’ll be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle, and appreciate the wild places. Find out more and buy tickets!

Love to fish?

Don’t miss your chance to compete in the 5th Annual Virtual Broad River Fishing Tournament happening August 24 through September 2. The Broad Riverkeeper will award prizes for the Broad’s Best Angler and Biggest Bass. Check out the Broad Riverkeeper on Instagram to see previous winners. 

Paddle + clean the French Broad River

Come out on Thursday, August 29, to help MountainTrue and The Hub clean up the French Broad in Transylvania County between Pisgah Forest River Access and Penrose Boating Access Area. This will be a boat-based cleanup on a 5.5-mile section of calm water with the option to clean access points if you don’t want to be on the water. Sign-up here.

Turning trash into a hellbender puppet 

MountainTrue is teaming up with Street Creature Puppet Collective to create a hellbender puppet for community events, including the Asheville Holiday Parade (stay tuned for more parade deets). This will be crafted out of tan and gray plastic bags, and lightweight, colorful, clean(ish) items from the river — think bottles, flip flops, toys, etc. Keep your eye out for river items on your summer adventures! Contact amy@mountaintrue.org to drop off your plastic bags and salvaged river items before Saturday, August 31.

Join us on Tuesday, September 24, for a community craft night with Street Creature Puppet Collective! You don’t have to be crafty to come help out and have fun. Kids are welcome. RSVP here.

Clear Creek Sewer Project update: victory for clean water

Earlier this year, you joined us in speaking out for clean water and sustainable development by submitting comments and attending public meetings on Henderson County’s Clear Creek Sewer Project. With this project, County Commissioners proposed constructing a new sewer line extending to Edneyville and sought permits for a new wastewater treatment plant that would discharge into Clear Creek — a stream that has already been listed as impaired by the state due to ongoing pollution problems. In response to your public pressure and our advocacy, the NC Department of Environmental Quality revised its draft permit to severely limit pollution discharge levels and the overall capacity of a treatment plant in the final permit. That means that the County has had to come up with a better solution that doesn’t further pollute Clear Creek. This is a major victory for protecting water quality. Thank you for making your voice heard! Read more on the MountainTrue blog.

Shoutout to our Broad Riverkeeper summer ’24 intern, Caleb!

A huge thanks to our awesome intern, Caleb McCabe, for all the hard work he’s put in this summer. Caleb oversaw our Swim Guide program, which included collecting samples, running the lab, cataloging weekly data results, and updating the Swim Guide website and social media. He also spent a good bit of time in the water doing all things Riverkeeper: assisting in river sweeps and river access cleanups, cleaning out the Trash Trout (an in-stream passive litter collection device), removing log jams and strainers along the First Broad River paddle trail, scouting river sections for upcoming outings, and helping lead our guided river adventures! His internship was made possible by the Golden LEAF Foundation which “provides leadership development opportunities, exposes scholars to career experiences, and promises a lifetime connection to an extraordinary community of Golden LEAF Scholars across the state.”  

There’s still time to win a sweet paddle made by the Broad Riverkeeper! 

Want to paddle in style? Grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win a paddle designed and crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell! Proceeds support MountainTrue and the Broad Riverkeeper program. This paddle is made of walnut, basswood, oak, and mahogany; it’s 150 cm long and weighs 32 oz. Unlike most “production” paddles, which have a hard finish, Caldwell Carvings’ paddles have an oil finish that is warm to the touch and easily maintained. The raffle winner will be drawn on September 14. Click here for full guidelines or to purchase tickets.

Photo: Will Sarcos (left) accepts the Race Day trophy, Betsy the wooden River Cooter from Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell (right).​

Broad River Race Day has a new champion

Congratulations to Will Sarcos! Will paddled the 4.5 miles in a solo kayak in 62 minutes. His first time in a kayak was back in June when he joined us for a Rotary Club river sweep. His second time in a kayak… he won the race; he’s definitely a natural-born paddler and a fighter. Will is a young asylum seeker from Ecuador who made his way to NC a few months ago. One of our members is helping him navigate the paperwork that will allow him to stay in the US. Welcome to our community, Will, we hope you’ll be here a long time!

Transylvania County residents: contribute to the County 2050 Comprehensive Plan

Transylvania County 2050 is an update of the county’s Comprehensive Plan and sets the vision and goals for what we hope the community will be for our children and those who come to live here in the coming years. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and follow our efforts as we develop this plan for the future over the next year. Sign up for updates here.  

Hendersonville residents: your input is needed

Join the City of Hendersonville’s Public Works Department for a community input session on the draft Parks and Greenspace Master Plan from 5-6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 12, at the Henderson County Public Library (301 N. Washington St). In addition to the meeting, the Public Works Department will be collecting virtual feedback through a survey that will be posted online in mid-August at hvlnc.gov/cohparks. 

Opening on the Hendersonville Environmental Sustainability Board

A seat on the City of Hendersonville’s Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB), previously held by a long-time MountainTrue member, is now vacant after years of dedicated service. Thanks to all our members who serve on local boards and commissions; they do important work to advise local governments on key issues. If you’re interested in filling this open seat on the Hendersonville ESB, you can apply here. Meetings are currently held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:30 p.m. at the City’s Operations Center near downtown.

NCDEQ recognizes BRCC for energy reductions & progress on Executive Order 80 targets

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) State Energy Office has recognized 13 state agencies, universities, and community colleges for their significant energy reductions and progress towards Executive Order 80’s goal. Congratulations to Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) for being the most improved community college in comparison to the previous year’s reduction (15% improvement)!

Want to volunteer + help raise funds for MountainTrue?

If you’re looking for an easy volunteer activity, look no further! MountainTrue is the nonprofit beneficiary for the Wicked Spooky 5k in Asheville, NC, on Saturday, October 26. MountainTrue will receive $5 per runner for providing 20 volunteers. You choose your shift and role. Find out more or register!

Western Region News

A message from Western Regional Director Callie Moore: 

Although the “back to school” sales and preparations make me feel like summer is ending, by the Earth calendar, we’ve still got at least six more weeks! There’s plenty of time to continue enjoying long days, garden-fresh tomatoes, corn, green beans, watermelon, and water sports. I hope y’all are making plans to attend our 2024 MountainTrue Annual Member Gathering, which is closer to the real end of summer on the afternoon of Saturday, September 14 — it’s always a fun time to celebrate our work. Read on for a few highlights of what we’ve been doing and what’s coming up in the Western Region. We couldn’t do any of it without your support! 

Thank you for reading and for being MountainTrue

MountainTrue Annual Member Gathering: Saturday, September 14, in Asheville, NC

Join your fellow members, MountainTrue Board, and staff to celebrate another year of growing our reach and deepening our roots! Hear highlights from the year; help us recognize outstanding volunteers and partners; eat, drink, and be merry; and don’t forget to stick around for a fun night of trivia after the main program wraps! Register here. If you would like to carpool with other MountainTrue members from the Western Region, email Western Region Program Coordinator Tony Ward (tony@mountaintrue.org) by August 31.

Thanks to Eve Davis for service with MountainTrue

AmeriCorps program associate Eve Davis’ service term ended on July 31. During her time with us, Eve expanded our invasive plant control work along the Tuckasegee River and Jackson County Greenway, as well as the volunteer microplastics sampling program in Swain County. Eve recruited and trained volunteers to start sampling microplastics in Jackson County waterways. They also continued the Swim Guide E. coli monitoring program for the Little Tennessee River Basin in Macon County. But Eve’s enduring legacy lies in strengthening MountainTrue’s organizational partnerships, including WCU’s Center for Community Engagement & Service Learning, Friends of Panthertown, and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. Thank you for your service with MountainTrue, Eve! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. 

Macon County Commissioners table decisions on ordinance revisions

MountainTrue wishes to thank the Macon County Commissioners for tabling revisions to its Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Watershed Protection, and Flood Damage Prevention ordinances to consider additional input. Proposed revisions to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance in particular would decrease safety and increase public and private losses due to flooding, including potential loss of life, over time. MountainTrue and many others opposed these changes through an online Action Alert and by speaking at the public hearings on July 9.

Photos: Lake Chatuge at the US Hwy 76 bridge near the Macedonia RideShare lot east of Hiawassee, GA, before (left) and after (right) parrot feather treatments.​​

Lake Chatuge parrot feather treatment update

MountainTrue is proud to report that no parrot feather is visible at the surface of Lake Chatuge this summer! While we’re still finding and treating small patches that are trying to establish themselves below the surface in a few locations, the parrot feather treatments conducted by Aqua Services have been successful in controlling the massive infestation we’ve had for two previous summers in the south end of Lake Chatuge. 

Swim Guide update

As summer winds down, we have just five more weeks of our weekly Swim Guide E. coli monitoring program left. For the first 10 weeks, all of the sites on Lake Chatuge, Lake Nottely, Hiwassee and Fontana Lakes were very clean again this year! We didn’t get much rain in June, so most of the river access sites were also safe, at least for secondary recreation such as wading or paddling. However, with all the mid-July rainstorms, all of our Western Region river sites, including the Nantahala River at the Ferebee Memorial Launch Site, failed the Swim Guide guideline for the week of July 22. Swimming in our large rivers after rain events is not recommended, as too much pollution runs off the land from animal agriculture operations, leaking septic systems, sewer overflows, and other sources. Click here to see how your favorite locations in the Hiwassee and Little Tennessee River basins are doing. Or click here to visit the larger swim guide site for results from other rivers, including the Tuckasegee and Pigeon.

Hike outing, national forest policy update & social planned for October 5

Join MountainTrue Biologist & Resilient Forests Director Josh Kelly on Saturday, October 5, for a hike in the Whitewater Special Interest Area, which is renowned for its unique flora and wildlife. The Forest Service attempted to log 15 acres of the Special Interest Area as part of the Southside Project, but MountainTrue and our partners took legal action and won. We’ll meet at 9:45 a.m. in Cashiers, NC, to carpool to the trailhead. Register for the hike now! 

After the hike from 4-6:00 p.m., we’ll be gathering nearby for a social event and update on national forest policy. You don’t have to participate in the hike to attend the social. More details coming soon!

Farm Weather Impact Survey 

Calling all farmers in Haywood County! Click this link to fill out our Farm Weather Impact Survey and enter to win a $100 Tractor Supply Co. gift card! 

As extreme weather events continue to pose challenges for farming operations, we must take steps to rally behind our farmers. This is why MountainTrue is launching a Farm Weather Impact Survey. The survey aims to better understand how extreme weather is affecting agricultural production in the Southern Blue Ridge and what resources are needed for resiliency. The information we receive will help guide MountainTrue in tailoring support initiatives, advocating for vital resources, and implementing strategies to support farms in Western North Carolina. 

Any farmer cultivating, operating, or managing a farm for profit in the Buncombe, Haywood, Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, & Cleveland Counties is encouraged to participate. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete and will be open until September 1, 2024. Your responses will be anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please reach out to climateaction@mountaintrue.org.

Central Region News

A message from Executive Director Bob Wagner: 

I’ve just returned from a five-day camping trip with no cell phone service and my most used phone apps were AllTrails, Merlin BirdID, and iNaturalist. It can’t get any better than that! It’s full-on summer in the mountains and MountainTrue staff and volunteers are busy. This month, we continue to monitor water quality at your favorite swim spots so you can stay safe; we’ve been treating ash trees to protect them from the emerald ash borer; we’re overseeing the removal of a dilapidated dam in the High Country, which will contribute significantly to the health of the Watauga River; and we’re having some fun with river cleanups, a French Broad River talk at RAD Brewing, and even a benefit concert at Beech Mountain. Join us!

Want to be part of Plastic-Free July but aren’t sure how to do it? 

MountainTrue is partnering with Pirani on Tuesday, July 2, to clean up the French Broad River! Together, we aim to inspire our community to reduce waste, Leave No Trace, opt for reusables versus single-use items, and adopt sustainable living practices. Come on out and lend a helping hand!

Have you ever wondered if the French Broad River is safe to play in? 

Come out to another Brainy Brews event from 6-7 p.m. at RAD Brewing Co in Asheville, NC, on Wednesday, July 10. Hear French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson discuss the State of the French Broad River, MountainTrue’s current initiatives to improve the quality of the river, and learn how you can help. While you’re at it, grab a glass of Stream of Consciousness from the bar — a percentage of proceeds benefits MountainTrue while supplies last!

Bring the fam + celebrate our friends at Sugar Hollow Solar: August 17

Sugar Hollow Solar is celebrating its 14th anniversary and their one-year partnership with MountainTrue at Hickory Nut Gap Farms in Fairview, NC, on Saturday, August 17, from 2-5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will have live music, good eats, face painting, and a crown making workshop with the French Broad Mermaid! Celebrate local businesses working hard to make a difference. We hope you’ll join us and bring some friends. Please RSVP by August 11 to ensure we have enough food and drink for everyone!

Paddling Film Fest: August 22 in Asheville, NC

Join us for the Paddling Film Festival World Tour at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville, NC, on August 22! Organized by Paddling Magazine and Rapid Media, sponsored by Headwaters Outfitters, and hosted by New Belgium Brewing, this event is a fundraiser for MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper program, which includes Swim Guide and the French Broad Paddle Trail. You’ll be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle, and appreciate the wild places. Find out more and buy tickets!

Photo: Riverkeeper American Wheat Ale, photo courtesy of Wicked Weed Brewing via Instagram​

Raise a glass of Riverkeeper to your French Broad Riverkeeper 

Stop by the original Wicked Weed brewpub on Biltmore Avenue in Asheville, NC, to grab a Riverkeeper American Wheat Ale w/ Apricots. $1 of all pours will benefit MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper program while supplies last. Come on out and help us support our supporters!

Win a sweet paddle made by the Broad Riverkeeper! 

Want to paddle in style? Grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win a paddle designed and crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell! Proceeds support MountainTrue and the Broad Riverkeeper program. This paddle is made of walnut, basswood, oak, and mahogany; it’s 150 cm long and weighs 32 oz. Unlike most “production” paddles, which have a hard finish, Caldwell Carvings’ paddles have an oil finish that is warm to the touch and easily maintained. The raffle winner will be drawn on September 14. Click here for full guidelines or to purchase tickets.

Help us recognize outstanding members of our community

MountainTrue award season is here, and we’re taking nominations for our Esther Cunningham Award and our Regional Volunteer of the Year Awards through July 25. Awards will be presented at our Annual Gathering on Saturday, September 14, in Asheville, NC. For more information on the award categories or to nominate someone, click here.

Farm Weather Impact Survey 

Calling all farmers! Click this link to fill out our Farm Weather Impact Survey and enter to win a $100 Tractor Supply Co. gift card! 

As extreme weather events continue to pose challenges for farming operations, we must take steps to rally behind our farmers. This is why MountainTrue is launching a Farm Weather Impact Survey. The survey aims to better understand how extreme weather is affecting agricultural production in the Southern Blue Ridge and what resources are needed for resiliency. The information we receive will help guide MountainTrue in tailoring support initiatives, advocating for vital resources, and implementing strategies to support farms in Western North Carolina. 

Any farmer cultivating, operating, or managing a farm for profit in the Buncombe, Haywood, Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, & Cleveland Counties is encouraged to participate. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete and will be open until September 1, 2024. Your responses will be anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please reach out to climateaction@mountaintrue.org.

100+ Women Who Care Asheville

MountainTrue has been nominated to speak at 100+ Women Who Care Asheville‘s next grant gathering. 100+ Women Who Care Asheville is part of a nationwide movement of Giving Circles — groups that are coming together to support our local communities and approach philanthropy in new ways. They meet quarterly for an hour to hear from three local nonprofits, and then vote on which one they’ll support that quarter. Each member who joins the group agrees to support the nonprofit with a $100 payment, so with their goal of 100 members, the nonprofit receives $10,000! You can find more information on their website, including how to sign up. If you’d like to join their next meeting on Tuesday, July 23, as a guest, you can find more information here.

High Country News

A message from High Country Regional Director & Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill: 

Happy summer, folks! The High Country team is hard at work on multiple projects, including hellbender relocation, dam removal, water sampling, river cleanups, and hosting guided adventures. Read on to see what we’ve been up to, and stay tuned for exciting news about our ongoing dam removal project!

Jam to some bluegrass at Beech Mtn tomorrow evening! 

Come out to Beech Mountain Brewing Co on Tuesday, July 2 (tomorrow!) for a special benefit concert featuring bluegrass sensations Shadowgrass, with opener Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. and showtime is at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. All proceeds from the concert will support MountainTrue and the Colon Cancer Coalition. This family-friendly event offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy high-energy bluegrass music while supporting important initiatives. Kids under 12 get in free. Attendees can look forward to a range of activities, including inflatables for children, a photo booth, and more. Dinner options will also be available, so plan to come early and enjoy a meal before the music begins.

Snorkel the Watauga on August 2

Join us for a guided Watauga River snorkel on Monday, August 2, near Sugar Grove, NC. Get up close and personal with local aquatic wildlife, including many native fish species, and maybe catch a glimpse of the gorgeous tangerine darter! Learn more + register.

Help us recognize outstanding members of our community!

MountainTrue award season is here, and we’re taking nominations for our Esther Cunningham Award and our Regional Volunteer of the Year Awards through July 25. Awards will be presented at our Annual Gathering on Saturday, September 14, in Asheville, NC. For more information on the award categories or to nominate someone, click here.

Win a sweet paddle made by the Broad Riverkeeper! 

Want to paddle in style? Grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win a paddle designed and crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell! Proceeds support MountainTrue and the Broad Riverkeeper program. This paddle is made of walnut, basswood, oak, and mahogany; it’s 150 cm long and weighs 32 oz. Unlike most “production” paddles, which have a hard finish, Caldwell Carvings’ paddles have an oil finish that is warm to the touch and easily maintained. The raffle winner will be drawn on September 14. Click here for full guidelines or to purchase tickets.

Photo: A hellbender rests on some underwater rocks beneath Shulls Mill Dam. ​

Hellbender Surveys + Symposium

In partnership with Dr. Mike Gangloff’s Aquatic Conservation Lab, Hannah and Andy have been surveying hellbender populations at the Shulls Mill Dam site. With dam removal ongoing, these surveys will allow us to relocate the salamanders to another section of the river where they can live happily and remain unharmed by the dam removal. To round out the surveys, our Watershed Coordinator, Hannah, enjoyed a few days in Clemson, South Carolina at the June 2024 Hellbender Symposium. She enjoyed networking with folks from all over the country who are fighting to protect and raise awareness for the Salamandridae family. 

Beech Mountain concert series

The first Beech Mountain Concert of 2024 was better than ever! Our team had an awesome night jamming out to String Cheese Incident and The Wood Brothers on June 8. With perfect summer weather on the mountain, the grooviest outfits, and celebrating all that MountainTrue does to serve and protect our communities, it was a great start to the summer concert series. Don’t forget to grab your tickets for the Party on the Mountain three-day concert series happening July 19-21!

AMB Brewing Good Pint Night

A big thanks to everyone who came to visit us at Appalachian Mountain Brewery for their Brewing Good June Pint Night! $1 of all beer pours on June 11 benefited MountainTrue. We are so thankful to our AMB family, and hope to catch y’all at the next Pint Night!

2024 MountainTrue BioBlitz recap

The Nolichucky BioBlitz in June was a big success — 67 people attended, with 36 people braving the Class IV whitewater of the Nolichucky Gorge and 31 people exploring the Appalachian Trail above the Gorge. There were some really amazing finds, including a mink by Emily Whitely and Emolyn Buskirk; Virginia spirea by Claire Jarvis and others; pirate bush by Adrianne Chang and others; bleeding heart by Kevin Colburn; and Weller’s salamander by Madeline Lafferty and others. So far, 796 observations totaling 400 species have been submitted. The Nolichucky is eligible for a Congressional Wild and Scenic designation, which would prevent this iconic place from being submerged by a dam. Citizen scientists at the BioBlitz proved that the Nolichucky River Gorge is not only the deepest gorge in the Southern Appalachians and an iconic whitewater run, but a biological treasure worthy of permanent protection. 

High Country Young Professionals June social

The Chamber of Commerce’s High Country Young Professionals held their June Social at Boone’s Fly Shop and partnered with MountainTrue for a downtown litter sweep. Participants traded in their “trashy” treasures for refreshments, light appetizers, and a fly shop tour. It was a lovely evening of networking, community building, and cleaning up our beautiful town!

Valle Crucis Community Park knotweed treatment

Our High Country Outreach Coordinator, Emma, spent the first few days in June out at Valle Crucis Community Park to work on eradicating Japanese knotweed around the wetlands and river banks. Following the recipes and techniques of former MountainTrue ecologist, Bob Gale, there’s no doubt the park will be in better shape after tackling some of the wicked knotweed over the next few seasons. 

Boone Sunrise Rotary talk

Hannah and Emma had a wonderful morning speaking with the Boone Sunrise Rotary Club in early June. They enjoyed catching up with old friends and meeting new ones, as well as learning about the great work the group is consistently a part of. Our team spoke about the various programs, guided adventures, and projects going on throughout the year in the High Country. Thank you to our Sunrise Rotary friends for the great conversations!

Waterkeeper’s Carolina guided paddle

On June 22, our team had a wonderful time floating the New River with a group of awesome folks. This guided paddle was initiated by Waterkeepers Carolina, which has made a uniform effort to get folks on the water with their riverkeepers. We enjoyed a beautiful day of celebrating community, clean water, and the beauty of the High Country. Stay on the lookout for upcoming guided paddle and snorkel events to soak in the sunshine!

High Country Forest Wild outreach

Emma enjoyed leading a two-day educational lesson with our friends at High Country Forest Wild. With age groups ranging from 3-14, Emma spent the day teaching them about varying forms of pollution that circulate in our watershed and helped them explore the creek with viewbuckets and identification materials. It was a lovely day of exploring, learning, and laughing. Thank you to Rémi, Cullen, and the other counselors for providing such a fun and safe learning environment for our High Country kiddos.

Boonerang Festival

Another year, another amazing Boonerang! This year, the High Country team enjoyed a Saturday downtown celebrating what makes Boone so awesome! We saw so many of our friends and met so many new ones. Our favorite part of this work is connecting with y’all at community events, and we’re very thankful to the Town of Boone for creating such great spaces for community building, like Boonerang. See y’all next year!

Southern Region News

A message from Southern Regional Director Nancy Díaz: 

We’ve moved! MountainTrue’s Southern Regional office has moved to a new location in Saluda, NC. We’re yards from I-26, in the heart of the meeting space for Green River users, and we’re excited about the impact this move will have on the growth and impact of our Green Riverkeeper Program. The office isn’t quite ready for visitors, but stay tuned for an office opening!

In other exciting news, after two years as Southern Regional Director, I will assume a new role in our Healthy Communities Program as an Organizer. I appreciate everything I’ve been able to experience with MountainTrue’s Southern Region and look forward to engaging with other MountainTrue communities, advancing environmental justice, affordable housing, and anti-displacement efforts. This transition is part of our ongoing effort to enhance our organizing and advocacy capacity across our program areas. 

This transition is truly full-circle for me. I was introduced to MountainTrue through their outreach on land-use issues in the 2045 Henderson County Comprehensive Plan, and I’m very excited to follow the program’s lead and continue to bring folks into the MountainTrue folds through organizing communities to advance affordable housing and anti-displacement policies. 

MountainTrue is intensifying its program support for our Southern Region (Henderson, Transylvania, Polk, Cleveland, and Rutherford counties), similar to how we manage our Central Region. You’ll be seeing more of Healthy Communities Director Chris Joyell and French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson, as well as other staff. If you have any questions, you can always reach out to me (my contact information remains the same) or our Deputy Director & General Counsel, Gray Jernigan (gray@mountaintrue.org). Thanks for all your support!

Broad River Race Day & Fun Float: July 20

Join us for the 6th annual Broad River Race Day on Saturday, July 20! We welcome folks to race at their own pace and enjoy five miles on the most beautiful stretch of the Broad River. Remember, the hare may not always outrun the tortoise! This race has only two rules: you MUST wear a PFD, and no motors allowed. Paddle solo, tandem, or with as many people as will fit in your boat. Previous Race Champions include: 

???? 2019 Eric Condrey, solo kayak

???? 2020 David Caldwell, solo canoe

???? 2021 Jordan Jackson & Marc Stowe, tandem canoe

???? 2022 Jolly Horn & Coleman Putnam, tandem canoe

???? 2023 Macayla Jackson, solo kayak

???? 2024 could be YOU!

Summer Clean on the Green River: July 27

Join MountainTrue’s Green Riverkeeper for a day of cleaning the Green! We’ll meet at the Fishtop Access at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, and set shuttle to clean the lower Green! Bring your: boat, paddling gear (including life jacket), snacks/lunch, water, sunscreen, any necessary medical supplies you may need, and be prepared to get dirty and wet. Roadside cleanup is also an option for folks who don’t want to get on the water! Join us after the cleanup at The SPOT (101 E. Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773) in downtown Saluda for tacos and drinks! MountainTrue will not be covering the cost of food, but we’ll gather to continue the fun off the river.

Bring the fam + celebrate our friends at Sugar Hollow Solar: August 17

Sugar Hollow Solar is celebrating its 14th anniversary and their one-year partnership with MountainTrue at Hickory Nut Gap Farms in Fairview, NC, on Saturday, August 17, from 2-5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will have live music, good eats, face painting, and a crown making workshop with the French Broad Mermaid! Celebrate local businesses working hard to make a difference. We hope you’ll join us and bring some friends. Please RSVP by August 11 to ensure we have enough food and drink for everyone!

Paddling Film Fest: August 22 in Asheville, NC

Join us for the Paddling Film Festival World Tour at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville, NC, on August 22! Organized by Paddling Magazine and Rapid Media, sponsored by Headwaters Outfitters, and hosted by New Belgium Brewing, this event is a fundraiser for MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper program, which includes Swim Guide and the French Broad Paddle Trail. You’ll be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle, and appreciate the wild places. Find out more and buy tickets!

Help us recognize outstanding members of our community!

MountainTrue award season is here, and we’re taking nominations for our Esther Cunningham Award and our Regional Volunteer of the Year Awards through July 25. Awards will be presented at our Annual Gathering on Saturday, September 14, in Asheville, NC. For more information on the award categories or to nominate someone, click here.

Photo: Paddlers utilize a brand new boat ramp at an access site built by NCWRC in Casar, NC, during the First Broad Fun Float on June 8.​

New Broad Riverkeeper volunteer program: Adopt-A-River Access 

The Broad and First Broad Paddle Trails are adding access sites at an amazing rate. Some of these sites are owned by private landowners and some are on NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) right-of-way, managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). At present, the City of Shelby owns one site and Cleveland County Water owns two, and will soon add a third. NCWRC has done an outstanding job building four of these sites and has two more in the works! One of the challenges of keeping a paddling access site open to the public and in good/safe condition is the litter that is inevitably left to deface a lovely spot beside the water. 

MountainTrue’s Broad Riverkeeper is assembling small teams of volunteers to adopt river access sites and visit them once or twice per month to pick up trash, sweep off steps or concrete walkways, and possibly perform other light maintenance work necessary to keep the sites in good condition. Volunteer teams can schedule their maintenance days amongst themselves, and the Broad Riverkeeper will assign a team leader to rally efforts when needed. The Broad Riverkeeper will join cleanups when available. There are currently nine access sites along the Broad and First Broad Rivers that offer public access — take your pick as to which beautiful location(s) you’d like to “adopt” and help to keep them looking good! Sign up to volunteer + sign the volunteer waiver here.

Win a sweet paddle made by the Broad Riverkeeper!

Want to paddle in style? Grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win a paddle designed and crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell! Proceeds support MountainTrue and the Broad Riverkeeper program. This paddle is made of walnut, basswood, oak, and mahogany; it’s 150 cm long and weighs 32 oz. Unlike most “production” paddles, which have a hard finish, Caldwell Carvings’ paddles have an oil finish that is warm to the touch and easily maintained. The raffle winner will be drawn on September 14. Click here for full guidelines or to purchase tickets.

Farm Weather Impact Survey

Calling all farmers! Click this link to fill out our Farm Weather Impact Survey and enter to win a $100 Tractor Supply Co. gift card! 

As extreme weather events continue to pose challenges for farming operations, we must take steps to rally behind our farmers. This is why MountainTrue is launching a Farm Weather Impact Survey. The survey aims to better understand how extreme weather is affecting agricultural production in the Southern Blue Ridge and what resources are needed for resiliency. The information we receive will help guide MountainTrue in tailoring support initiatives, advocating for vital resources, and implementing strategies to support farms in Western North Carolina. 

Any farmer cultivating, operating, or managing a farm for profit in the Buncombe, Haywood, Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, & Cleveland Counties is encouraged to participate. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete and will be open until September 1, 2024. Your responses will be anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please reach out to climateaction@mountaintrue.org.

Western Region News

A message from Western Regional Director Callie Moore: 

It’s officially summer, and quite a warm one so far! Our Western Region Swim Guide program is in full swing. Don’t forget to check our weekly results before heading out on the waterways for your 4th of July holiday celebrations. And it’s not too late to get involved; we could still use volunteers for Swim Guide sites on Lake Nottely, the Little Tennessee River, and Fires Creek in Clay County — email me to join our volunteer ranks!

Like each month, July has multiple awareness initiatives, but one that aligns closely with MountainTrue’s work is Plastic-Free July. Plastic-Free July provides resources and ideas to help you (and millions of others around the world) reduce single-use plastic waste every day at home, work, school, and even at your local café. Click here to learn more and participate in MountainTrue’s Plastic-Free WNC campaign.

Enjoy your summer and thank you for being MountainTrue!

Septic system repair program accomplishments

Over the past two years, 34 homeowners in nine WNC counties who were unable to afford necessary but costly septic repairs received financial assistance from a MountainTrue grant program. MountainTrue partnered with the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide septic repair grants to qualifying homeowners who were desperately in need of a functioning system. These efforts support our fellow community members and help protect and improve water quality in our rivers, lakes, and streams at the same time. We exceeded our goal of 30 repairs, and demonstrated the serious need for more funding, as there were an additional 34 applicants who qualified but couldn’t be served with available funds.

Six of the 34 repairs were in the Western Region: three in Cherokee County, two in Haywood County, and one in Macon County. MountainTrue took no fees for implementing the program, so 100% went to serve qualifying households. The program ended on May 31; however, MountainTrue is lobbying the NC General Assembly to continue providing funding to WNC counties for this work. Click here to read about our 2024 legislative agenda.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Communities program staff visits WNC

30 staff of the national Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) made stops in MountainTrue’s Western Region as part of a Healthy Communities Site Visit and Learning Exchange from June 11-14. RWJF focuses on access to health care, public health, health equity, leadership and training, and changing systems to address barriers to health. This trip was a city exchange pairing Atlanta, GA, with Southern Appalachian counties, including stops in Murphy, Cherokee, and Asheville, NC, to explore and appreciate the diverse urban and rural contexts of both areas. MountainTrue was pleased to host the group’s visit to the Town of Murphy on June 13. Through our own Healthy Communities program, MountainTrue partners with communities in our region to support smart planning, sensible land use, and multi­-modal transportation initiatives.

Photo: Members of Oconaluftee Job Corps sever invasive vines at the site of a future riverside park.​​

New volunteer water quality monitoring program starting in Sapphire & Cashiers

Nine Lonesome Valley residents recruited by MountainTrue volunteer Bill Horton learned how to sample physical and chemical characteristics, as well as E. coli, in streams and rivers at a workshop on June 20. MountainTrue’s Western Region participates in the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream volunteer water quality monitoring program, and volunteers were certified using those EPA-approved protocols. These volunteers will monitor sites on Logan Creek and the Horsepasture River. MountainTrue plans to expand the program with another workshop in Cashiers in September. Email Callie Moore if you’d like to be added to the interest list. Click here for more information about the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream program.   

Help us recognize outstanding members of our community!

MountainTrue award season is here, and we’re taking nominations for our Esther Cunningham Award and our Regional Volunteer of the Year Awards through July 25. Awards will be presented at our Annual Gathering on Saturday, September 14, in Asheville, NC. For more information on the award categories or to nominate someone, click here.

Take the Murphy in Motion Survey

The Town of Murphy, NC, is developing a pedestrian and bicycle plan, called Murphy in Motion. Your input is invaluable as Murphy strives to create safer, more accessible, and enjoyable walking and biking experiences for everyone in the community. Your input will be used to create the Murphy in Motion Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. Once the plan is adopted, the Town and the NC Department of Transportation can use it to direct how we build projects, make policy choices, build programs and events, and apply for new types of funding. The survey will remain open until July 15, and you can take the survey here.

Farm Weather Impact Survey 

Calling all farmers in Haywood County! Click this link to fill out our Farm Weather Impact Survey and enter to win a $100 Tractor Supply Co. gift card! 

As extreme weather events continue to pose challenges for farming operations, we must take steps to rally behind our farmers. This is why MountainTrue is launching a Farm Weather Impact Survey. The survey aims to better understand how extreme weather is affecting agricultural production in the Southern Blue Ridge and what resources are needed for resiliency. The information we receive will help guide MountainTrue in tailoring support initiatives, advocating for vital resources, and implementing strategies to support farms in Western North Carolina. 

Any farmer cultivating, operating, or managing a farm for profit in the Buncombe, Haywood, Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, & Cleveland Counties is encouraged to participate. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete and will be open until September 1, 2024. Your responses will be anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please reach out to climateaction@mountaintrue.org.

Central Region News

A message from Executive Director Bob Wagner: 

MountainTrue volunteers are awesome! With spring upon us and summer arriving soon, our volunteers are busy collecting water samples for our annual Swim Guide Program so that you can know if your favorite swim sites are safe. At our BioBlitz this past Saturday, volunteers identified hundreds of plants along the Nolichucky River, which may one day help the area obtain a Wild & Scenic designation — our nation’s strongest form of protection for free-flowing rivers and streams. Throughout the summer, our volunteers will remove invasive plants, advocate for environmental protection to local leaders, and more. 

Lastly, I want to give our Board of Directors a special shoutout. These dedicated volunteers commit significant time to learning about, supporting, and guiding MountainTrue. They help us navigate the business side of running a nonprofit and the programmatic direction. They play a critical role in our success. Thanks to all of you who give time and resources to protect our rivers, forests, and mountains!

Help us clean the Swannanoa River this summer

Join Wicked Weed, Dewey Property, and MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper for a river cleanup on Saturday, June 8. Stick around for the after-party at The Outpost. Learn more + register here!

See Michael Franti & Spearhead at the Salvage Station on June 28-29

Asheville’s cherished summer tradition returns to the scenic banks of the French Broad River for its 8th year. Music icon Michael Franti, renowned for his global performances and deep commitment to social causes, will headline a two-night musical extravaganza at the Salvage Station, continuing his support for the environmental efforts of the French Broad Riverkeeper. Get your tickets here.

Catch us at AMB Mills River for our June pint night

Join us at Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s Mills River location from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, for a MountainTrue pint night. MountainTrue will receive $1 of all beers poured on June 11. Can’t make it on the 11th? MountainTrue will be the featured nonprofit for the month of June and will receive $1 of all pours of AMB’s chosen beer for June: Czech One, Two — a classic Czech lager.

Volunteer with us on the French Broad Paddle Trail

Get out on the river with your French Broad Riverkeeper and help clean up a section of the French Broad Paddle Trail on Friday, July 19, near Alexander, NC! This will be a paddle-based cleanup, with the option to stay on land to clean up the access points and roadside areas if paddling is not of interest. Find out more or register!

Paddling Film Fest: August 22 in Asheville, NC

Join us for the Paddling Film Festival World Tour at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville, NC, on August 22! Organized by Paddling Magazine and Rapid Media, sponsored by Headwaters Outfitters, and hosted by New Belgium Brewing, this event is a fundraiser for MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper program, which includes Swim Guide and the French Broad Paddle Trail. You’ll be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle, and appreciate the wild places. Find out more and buy tickets!

Photo: Green Riverkeeper Erica Shanks (left), Development & Engagement Manager Amy Finkler (center), and Southern Regional Director Nancy Díaz (right) pose for a photo before meeting with elected officials in Raleigh.​

MountainTrue advocates for environmental priorities in Raleigh

At the beginning of May, our legislative advocacy team traveled to Raleigh to champion key environmental initiatives during the NC General Assembly’s short session. We met with several legislators to discuss stormwater pollution reduction, rural septic system repairs, E. coli monitoring in the French Broad River, and securing State Trail designations. Learn more about our advocacy efforts and legislative priorities in our latest Raleigh Report.

Madison County cryptocurrency ordinance update

With its moratorium set to expire this month, Madison County Commissioners unanimously approved language to amend their land use ordinance to regulate data processing facilities, including cryptocurrency mining operations. During the year-long moratorium, MountainTrue shared with the county a draft ordinance we developed in response to cryptocurrency mines in Cherokee County and advocated for the adoption of updated ordinance language to regulate cryptomine use. The updated ordinance now regulates small data processing facilities (<10,000sf), which would be permitted in Madison County’s commercial districts, and permits large facilities the county’s industrial districts. MountainTrue is grateful to Madison County for stepping up to regulate this potentially disruptive industrial use and keep it out of agricultural and residential zoned areas.

Photo: MountainTrue Deputy Director & General Counsel Gray Jernigan (left), Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill (center), and French Broad Paddle Trail Manager Jack Henderson (right) showcase three handmade paddles crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell.​

Win a sweet paddle made by the Broad Riverkeeper!

Want to paddle in style? Grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win a paddle designed and crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell! Proceeds support MountainTrue and the Broad Riverkeeper program. This paddle is made of walnut, basswood, oak, and mahogany; it’s 150 cm long and weighs 32 oz. Unlike most “production” paddles, which have a hard finish, Caldwell Carvings’ paddles have an oil finish that is warm to the touch and easily maintained. The raffle winner will be drawn on September 14. Click here for full guidelines or to purchase tickets.

Just released: Pirani x MountainTrue reusable Hellbender cup

Pirani’s mission is to empower everyday heroes in safeguarding our planet through raising eco-awareness and creating high-quality, sustainable solutions to single-use products. Forget those disposable party cups and party on sustainably! Sales of these special edition cups benefit MountainTrue. Get your Hellbender cup now (and receive free shipping on your Pirani cup through the end of June!)

MountainTrue partners with Sugar Hollow Solar

Something exciting is brewing in the heart of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains — a new collaboration between MountainTrue and Sugar Hollow Solar, a forward-thinking solar power company! This partnership isn’t just about harnessing the sun’s energy; it’s about fostering a community committed to a greener, more sustainable future. From now until September 30, 2024, Sugar Hollow Solar is running an inspiring referral program. For every new customer who signs a solar contract based on your referral, Sugar Hollow Solar will generously donate $50 to MountainTrue. And that’s not all – as a token of appreciation, you, the referrer, will receive $250. But if you’re feeling particularly generous, you can opt to have the full $300 benefit go to MountainTrue. To be a part of this impactful program, visit Sugar Hollow Solar’s Referral Page, send an email to hello@sugarhollowsolar.com, or give them a call at (828) 776-9161. Learn more about this exciting partnership on our blog. 

Farm Weather Impact Survey

Calling all farmers! Click this link to fill out our Farm Weather Impact Survey and enter to win a $100 Tractor Supply Co. gift card! 

As extreme weather events continue to pose challenges for farming operations, we must take steps to rally behind our farmers. This is why MountainTrue is launching a Farm Weather Impact Survey. The survey aims to better understand how extreme weather is affecting agricultural production in the Southern Blue Ridge and what resources are needed for resiliency. The information we receive will help guide MountainTrue in tailoring support initiatives, advocating for vital resources, and implementing strategies to support farms in Western North Carolina. 

Any farmer cultivating, operating, or managing a farm for profit in the Buncombe, Haywood, Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, & Cleveland Counties is encouraged to participate. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete and will be open until September 1, 2024. Your responses will be anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please reach out to climateaction@mountaintrue.org.

High Country News

A message from High Country Regional Director & Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill: 

We’re so excited about summer in the High Country. We’re thrilled with all the good rain and new growth with healthy flows in our rivers. We’re excited to host guided snorkel trips, Trash Trout cleanouts, invasive plant workdays and, of course, Swim Guide! We’re so grateful to our volunteers and Swim Guide site sponsors. Join us for an impactful volunteer opportunity or a Beech Mountain Resort Summer Concert.

Catch us at AMB for our June pint night

Join us at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone on Tuesday, June 11, for a MountainTrue pint night. MountainTrue will receive $1 for all beers poured on June 11. Can’t make it on the 11th? MountainTrue will be the featured nonprofit for the month of June and will receive $1 of all pours of AMB’s chosen beer for June: Czech One, Two — a classic Czech lager.

Join us on a guided paddle adventure

Mark your calendars for our upcoming guided paddle adventure! This family-friendly guided paddle trip on Saturday, June 22, will be full of knowledge sharing, meeting new people, and celebrating the High Country’s clean and cold water. Learn more + register.

Help us clean up our rivers this summer

Throughout the summer, our High Country team will be hosting Trash Trout cleanouts at the Boone Greenway for the whole family to take part in! Volunteers are needed on June 28, July 27, and August 24. Be sure to keep an eye on our volunteer opportunities tab to stay up to date on ways to keep our community cleaner this summer!

Swim Guide launch party

The Watauga Riverkeeper team recently had a wonderful time at Valle Crucis Community Park celebrating the upcoming summer days and Swim Guide season with this year’s volunteers! We enjoyed a yummy pizza dinner together, went over Swim Guide protocols, and made new friends. Our team is so thankful for the incredible community members, volunteers, and sponsors that make every Swim Guide season a success. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring a Swim Guide site or becoming a backup volunteer this summer, please contact High Country Outreach Coordinator Emma Crider (emma@mountaintrue.org).

INFRAMES Knowledge Co-Production Workshop

Andy and Emma had the privilege of attending and serving as panelists at the INFRAMES workshop held at Appalachian State University in May. This workshop was a demonstration of knowledge co-production, bringing researchers, practitioners, educators, artists, and the public together around a particular topic and problem space: interactions between surface waters and human decisions, targeting microplastics and nutrient cycling in waters. We met great people, discussed mitigation strategies, and began creating solutions to some of the High Country’s most “wicked” problems.

Photo: High Country Outreach Coordinator Emma Crider (right) and Will Bennett (left) take a selfie at the May 28 garlic mustard workday.​

Pulling garlic mustard in Boone

Warmer weather means invasive plants are out and causing problems again! Our Outreach Coordinator, Emma, partnered with Grandfather Mountain Research Coordinator and Town of Boone Intern Will Bennett to host a garlic mustard workday at Rivers Park on May 28. We had a wonderful time meeting new people and helping out one of our local parks. Stay tuned for more workdays this summer!

MountainTrue advocates for environmental priorities in Raleigh

At the beginning of May, our legislative advocacy team traveled to Raleigh to champion key environmental initiatives during the NC General Assembly’s short session. We met with several legislators to discuss stormwater pollution reduction, rural septic system repairs, E. coli monitoring in the French Broad River, and securing State Trail designations. Learn more about our advocacy efforts and legislative priorities in our latest Raleigh Report.

Photo: MountainTrue Deputy Director & General Counsel Gray Jernigan (left), Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill (center), and French Broad Paddle Trail Manager Jack Henderson (right) showcase three handmade paddles crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell.​

Win a sweet paddle made by the Broad Riverkeeper!

Want to paddle in style? Grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win a paddle designed and crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell! Proceeds support MountainTrue and the Broad Riverkeeper program. This paddle is made of walnut, basswood, oak, and mahogany; it’s 150 cm long and weighs 32 oz. Unlike most “production” paddles, which have a hard finish, Caldwell Carvings’ paddles have an oil finish that is warm to the touch and easily maintained. The raffle winner will be drawn on September 14. Click here for full guidelines or to purchase tickets.

Just released: Pirani x MountainTrue reusable Hellbender cup

Pirani’s mission is to empower everyday heroes in safeguarding our planet through raising eco-awareness and creating high-quality, sustainable solutions to single-use products. Forget those disposable party cups and party on sustainably! Sales of these special edition cups benefit MountainTrue. Get your Hellbender cup now (and receive free shipping on your Pirani cup through the end of June!)

MountainTrue partners with Sugar Hollow Solar

Something exciting is brewing in the heart of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains — a new collaboration between MountainTrue and Sugar Hollow Solar, a forward-thinking solar power company! This partnership isn’t just about harnessing the sun’s energy; it’s about fostering a community committed to a greener, more sustainable future. From now until September 30, 2024, Sugar Hollow Solar is running an inspiring referral program. For every new customer who signs a solar contract based on your referral, Sugar Hollow Solar will generously donate $50 to MountainTrue. And that’s not all – as a token of appreciation, you, the referrer, will receive $250. But if you’re feeling particularly generous, you can opt to have the full $300 benefit go to MountainTrue. To be a part of this impactful program, visit Sugar Hollow Solar’s Referral Page, send an email to hello@sugarhollowsolar.com, or give them a call at (828) 776-9161. Learn more about this exciting partnership on our blog. 

Southern Region News

A message from Southern Regional Director Nancy Díaz: 

Welcome, summer! What are you looking forward to the most this season? In the Southern Regional Office, we’re excited to be joined by Golden Leaf Scholar, Caleb McCabe. Caleb is a student at NC State University, from Lawndale, NC, studying Environmental Science. This summer, he’ll be adding capacity to our Broad Riverkeeper program, supporting our Swim Guide program, outings, events, and river stewardship programs. Thank you to the Gold Leaf Foundation for facilitating this opportunity for their scholarship recipients. Please join me in welcoming Caleb, and consider joining a Broad River event to meet Caleb this summer!

Float the First Broad River with us on June 8

Join your Broad Riverkeeper for a fun paddle on the cool, shady waters of the First Broad River on Saturday, June 8! Just downstream from the South Mountain Game Lands and one of our few Outstanding Resource Waters, this is some of the cleanest and life-filled water in the Broad River basin. For safety reasons, this event is limited to participants aged 18 and older. Learn more + register.

Catch us at AMB Mills River for our June pint night

Join us at Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s Mills River location from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, for a MountainTrue pint night. MountainTrue will receive $1 of all beers poured on June 11. Can’t make it on the 11th? MountainTrue will be the featured nonprofit for the month of June and will receive $1 of all pours of AMB’s chosen beer for June: Czech One, Two — a classic Czech lager.

Spring + summer ‘24 Hendersonville Green Drinks lineup

Join us at Trailside Brewing Co for these upcoming spring and summer ‘24 installments of Hendersonville Green Drinks, presented by MountainTrue, Conserving Carolina, and Trailside Brewing Co:

???? 6/13 from 5:30-7pm: “Why should environmentalists support building more housing?” w/ MountainTrue Housing and Transportation Director Susan Bean

???? 7/11 from 5:30-7pm: Green Drinks with The Carolina Farm Trust

???? 8/8 from 5:30-7pm: Conserving Carolina’s restoration work along the French Broad River

Save the date: 9th Annual Sarah Sweep on September 7

Join us on Saturday, September 7, as we honor Sarah Spencer and friends with our 9th Annual Sarah Sweep on the First Broad River. Volunteers will spend the day removing litter from the river before heading back to enjoy the live music and food at the First Broad River Festival.

Photo: MountainTrue Deputy Director & General Counsel Gray Jernigan (left), Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill (center), and French Broad Paddle Trail Manager Jack Henderson (right) showcase three handmade paddles crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell.​

Win a sweet paddle made by the Broad Riverkeeper!

Want to paddle in style? Grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win a paddle designed and crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell! Proceeds support MountainTrue and the Broad Riverkeeper program. This paddle is made of walnut, basswood, oak, and mahogany; it’s 150 cm long and weighs 32 oz. Unlike most “production” paddles, which have a hard finish, Caldwell Carvings’ paddles have an oil finish that is warm to the touch and easily maintained. The raffle winner will be drawn on September 14. Click here for full guidelines or to purchase tickets.

Just released: Pirani x MountainTrue reusable Hellbender cup

Pirani’s mission is to empower everyday heroes in safeguarding our planet through raising eco-awareness and creating high-quality, sustainable solutions to single-use products. Forget those disposable party cups and party on sustainably! Sales of these special edition cups benefit MountainTrue. Get your Hellbender cup now (and receive free shipping on your Pirani cup through the end of June!)

MountainTrue partners with Sugar Hollow Solar

Something exciting is brewing in the heart of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains — a new collaboration between MountainTrue and Sugar Hollow Solar, a forward-thinking solar power company! This partnership isn’t just about harnessing the sun’s energy; it’s about fostering a community committed to a greener, more sustainable future. From now until September 30, 2024, Sugar Hollow Solar is running an inspiring referral program. For every new customer who signs a solar contract based on your referral, Sugar Hollow Solar will generously donate $50 to MountainTrue. And that’s not all – as a token of appreciation, you, the referrer, will receive $250. But if you’re feeling particularly generous, you can opt to have the full $300 benefit go to MountainTrue. To be a part of this impactful program, visit Sugar Hollow Solar’s Referral Page, send an email to hello@sugarhollowsolar.com, or give them a call at (828) 776-9161. Learn more about this exciting partnership on our blog. 

Farm Weather Impact Survey

Calling all farmers! Click this link to fill out our Farm Weather Impact Survey and enter to win a $100 Tractor Supply Co. gift card! 

As extreme weather events continue to pose challenges for farming operations, we must take steps to rally behind our farmers. This is why MountainTrue is launching a Farm Weather Impact Survey. The survey aims to better understand how extreme weather is affecting agricultural production in the Southern Blue Ridge and what resources are needed for resiliency. The information we receive will help guide MountainTrue in tailoring support initiatives, advocating for vital resources, and implementing strategies to support farms in Western North Carolina. 

Any farmer cultivating, operating, or managing a farm for profit in the Buncombe, Haywood, Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, & Cleveland Counties is encouraged to participate. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete and will be open until September 1, 2024. Your responses will be anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please reach out to climateaction@mountaintrue.org.

Photo: Green Riverkeeper Erica Shanks (left), Development & Engagement Manager Amy Finkler (center), and Southern Regional Director Nancy Díaz (right) pose for a photo before meeting with elected officials in Raleigh.​

MountainTrue advocates for environmental priorities in Raleigh

At the beginning of May, our legislative advocacy team traveled to Raleigh to champion key environmental initiatives during the NC General Assembly’s short session. We met with several legislators to discuss stormwater pollution reduction, rural septic system repairs, E. coli monitoring in the French Broad River, and securing State Trail designations. Learn more about our advocacy efforts and legislative priorities in our latest Raleigh Report.

NC issues Clear Creek Treatment Plant Discharge Permit

In May, the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) approved a permit for the Clear Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Henderson County. MountainTrue and our legal partners at the Southern Environmental Law Center challenged the permit, stating that issuance of the permit would further pollute an already impaired waterway. After considering comments from MountainTrue members and others, DWR approved a permit with some significant changes, including: 

• Maximum treatment capacity of 200,000 gallons per day;
• More stringent limits for five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and ammonia nitrogen to ensure the protection of downstream water quality; and
• A required annual study of in-stream impacts to biological integrity after discharge begins.

Hendersonville Gen H Plan: Community Input Survey

The Gen H comprehensive plan draft is now available. The City welcomes the community to provide feedback on the draft plan by completing this survey. Also, mark your calendars for two upcoming Gen H public hearings: Monday, June 24 at 4 p.m. with the Hendersonville Planning Board, and Wednesday, July 10 at 5:45 p.m. with the Hendersonville City Council. Both meetings will be held at the City Operations Building (305 Williams St), and the public is welcome and encouraged to provide public comment. Learn more about the Gen H Plan here.

Western Region News

A message from Western Regional Director Callie Moore: 

Welcome, summer! What are you looking forward to the most this season? In the Western Region, we’re looking forward to significantly reducing the invasive aquatic parrot feather in Lake Chatuge, keeping everyone updated on where it’s safe to swim, and training new volunteers in our water quality monitoring program. We’re also looking forward to meeting and helping orient MountainTrue’s new Public Lands Organizer, who will hopefully be starting in July! And lots of Healthy Communities work as well, including managing a project to develop a conservation plan for the southern half of Jackson County, NC. Personally, I’m also looking forward to homegrown garden produce! Let us know how you’d like to be involved with MountainTrue this season.

Robbinsville High senior Donovan Carpenter wins Carson Conservation Scholarship

The 2024 winner of the Glenn F. Carson, II Memorial Conservation Scholarship Graham County resident and Robbinsville High graduate Donovan Carpenter. Donovan plans to major in either civil engineering or construction management when he heads to Western Carolina University this fall. Read more about Donovan and the Carson Conservation Scholarship.

Recap of habitat restoration work in Jackson Co, NC

MountainTrue, in partnership with several other organizations that included Jackson Co. Parks & Recreation and Mainspring Conservation Trust, organized volunteer workdays beginning in January 2023 to control invasive plants along the Jackson Co. Greenway. In 2024, those efforts expanded to include workdays at Pinnacle Park and the site of a future park on the Tuckasegee River. Altogether, 96 volunteers participated in one or more of nine workdays, contributing 288 hours! Click here to watch a fun 15-minute presentation about these efforts by Western Region AmeriCorps member, Eve Davis.

Get involved: volunteer with us this summer!

MountainTrue’s Western Region team is in need of:

• Microplastics volunteers in Jackson and Swain counties
• Weekly Swim Guide volunteers in Union County, GA, and Macon County, NC

Photo: Members of Oconaluftee Job Corps sever invasive vines at the site of a future riverside park.​​

MountainTrue partners with Oconaluftee Job Corps for kudzu control in Cullowhee

Cullowhee Revitalization (CuRev), MountainTrue, and American Rivers are laying the groundwork for the creation of a future riverside park along the Tuckasegee River in the Cullowhee community of Jackson County, NC. One step toward the goal is to eradicate nonnative invasive plants – mainly kudzu and oriental bittersweet – from the project site, which is between Old Cullowhee Road, Wayehutta Road, and the Tuckasegee River. On April 27, 14 members of the Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center completed the first steps in the process by cutting invasive vines and shrubs there.

Parrot feather control is underway in Lake Chatuge!

On May 3, Aqua Services conducted an initial treatment of the invasive aquatic plant called parrot feather that has infested the southern end of Lake Chatuge for the past two years. A survey of the treatment area on May 17 showed significantly diminished aquatic vegetation. The areas still showing vegetation consist of dead, but standing, parrot feather and other plants. Aqua Services projects the second application will happen this week. Read more about the treatment plan here.

Photo: Western Region summer ‘24 Water Quality Intern, Joshua Jones, collects water samples as part of our weekly Swim Guide program.​​

Western Region intern starts just in time to help kick off Swim Guide in the Hiwassee Watershed

Joshua Jones of Cumming, GA, is this summer’s Western Region Water Quality Intern. Josh is a biology major minoring in music at Young Harris College. He’ll be a senior in the fall and is looking to gain experience for a possible career after graduation in environmental science or conservation. He began work just one day before the first sample collection for our Swim Guide monitoring program in the Hiwassee River Watershed; join us in welcoming Josh to the team! Click here to learn more about Swim Guide and download the app.

MountainTrue advocates for environmental priorities in Raleigh

At the beginning of May, our legislative advocacy team traveled to Raleigh to champion key environmental initiatives during the NC General Assembly’s short session. We met with several legislators to discuss stormwater pollution reduction, rural septic system repairs, E. coli monitoring in the French Broad River, and securing State Trail designations. Learn more about our advocacy efforts and legislative priorities in our latest Raleigh Report.

Photo: MountainTrue Deputy Director & General Counsel Gray Jernigan (left), Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill (center), and French Broad Paddle Trail Manager Jack Henderson (right) showcase three handmade paddles crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell.​

Win a sweet paddle made by the Broad Riverkeeper!

Want to paddle in style? Grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win a paddle designed and crafted by Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell! Proceeds support MountainTrue and the Broad Riverkeeper program. This paddle is made of walnut, basswood, oak, and mahogany; it’s 150 cm long and weighs 32 oz. Unlike most “production” paddles, which have a hard finish, Caldwell Carvings’ paddles have an oil finish that is warm to the touch and easily maintained. The raffle winner will be drawn on September 14. Click here for full guidelines or to purchase tickets.

Just released: Pirani x MountainTrue reusable Hellbender cup

Pirani’s mission is to empower everyday heroes in safeguarding our planet through raising eco-awareness and creating high-quality, sustainable solutions to single-use products. Forget those disposable party cups and party on sustainably! Sales of these special edition cups benefit MountainTrue. Get your Hellbender cup now (and receive free shipping on your Pirani cup through the end of June!)

MountainTrue partners with Sugar Hollow Solar

Something exciting is brewing in the heart of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains — a new collaboration between MountainTrue and Sugar Hollow Solar, a forward-thinking solar power company! This partnership isn’t just about harnessing the sun’s energy; it’s about fostering a community committed to a greener, more sustainable future. From now until September 30, 2024, Sugar Hollow Solar is running an inspiring referral program. For every new customer who signs a solar contract based on your referral, Sugar Hollow Solar will generously donate $50 to MountainTrue. And that’s not all – as a token of appreciation, you, the referrer, will receive $250. But if you’re feeling particularly generous, you can opt to have the full $300 benefit go to MountainTrue. To be a part of this impactful program, visit Sugar Hollow Solar’s Referral Page, send an email to hello@sugarhollowsolar.com, or give them a call at (828) 776-9161. Learn more about this exciting partnership on our blog.