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he Mills River Partnership is pleased to hold its second annual “Mills River Day” from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, hosted by North River Farms.
MountainTrue will take part in this free celebration, with a kids’ activity featuring macro-invertebrates, and our Water Quality Administrator Evan Parker will do kick-net demonstrations.
This year’s theme is “The River Connects Us,” to show the many aspects that join the Mills River community and watershed to the greater Hendersonville/Asheville area through the use of the river’s resources.
Mills River Day aims to educate participants about the river and water quality issues, help build a stronger sense of community and raise awareness of local agriculture. This family-friendly event will feature a bounce house, farm animals, wagon rides, farm equipment demonstrations and displays, fire safety house and fire truck demonstration.
Ice cream and BBQ vendors will be at the farm, and live music will be provided by the Lonesome Road Band.
In addition, local author Marci Spencer will be on site to sign her newest book, “Pisgah National Forest: a History.”
The event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.
WE NEED YOU! MountainTrue needs volunteers for this event to help with tasks such as greeting participants, directing parking, supervising the bounce house and wagon ride, and helping us at our MountainTrue booth.
5/13: Rally for Racial & Environmental Justice
Action Expired
Join us from 11 a.m – 1 p.m. May 13 on Halifax Mall in Raleigh to call for the state of North Carolina to take urgent action to help communities living with pollution and impacts from industrial swine and poultry production.
Most North Carolina residents, except those living in “hog country” and near poultry operations, are unaware of how much environmental damage and human pain and suffering industrial meat production inflicts on people and their environment. For too long, industrial meat operations in North Carolina and across the country have been disproportionately located in communities of color where residents are forced to endure the smell, water quality impacts and the embarrassment associated with the facilities operating near their homes. Meanwhile, State officials have turned a blind eye to the impacts on local communities while catering to the interests of multinational corporations that dictate industry practices.
This past September, Waterkeeper Alliance, North Carolina Environmental Justice Network and Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help, represented by Earthjustice and the University of North Carolina Center for Civil Rights, filed a complaint with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Civil Rights alleging that lax regulation of hog waste disposal by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) discriminates against minority communities in eastern North Carolina. And in February, the U.S. EPA determined that an investigation is warranted.
Esteemed leaders of the environmental and civil rights movements will gather in downtown Raleigh to urge the State of North Carolina to take much-needed action to set things right and call on citizens to demand clean water and healthy air for ALL communities.
Speakers include:
- “Community Speak Out” – North Carolina residents affected by pollution and impacts of industrial meat operations share their stories
- Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President of Waterkeeper Alliance
- Reverend Curtis Gatewood, Campaign Coordinator of North Carolina NAACP
- Reverend Dr. Gerald Durley, Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA
- Rev. Dr. Anthony (Tony) Hicks, North Carolina Environmental Justice Network
- Naeema Muhammad, Executive Director of North Carolina Environmental Justice Network
- Devon Hall, Director, Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help (REACH)
- Larry Baldwin, North Carolina CAFO Coordinator, Waterkeeper Alliance
- Dr. Steve Wing, Researcher and Associate Professor of Epidemiology, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina Waterkeeper organizations are providing bus transportation to and from the rally. If you’re interested in riding with a group, CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR A SEAT ON THE BUS FROM ASHEVILLE.
Be a watchdog for WNC’s forests!
Join us at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12 at the UNC Asheville Botanical Gardens for an emerald ash borer beetle awareness workshop.
MountainTrue is hosting Paul Merten, an entomologist from the Southern Research Station, who will teach us about the beetle and ash trees, and also discuss current research about how these exotic insects could affect these beloved forests.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12
Where: UNCA Botanical Gardens (151 W.T. Weaver Blvd., Asheville)
What to expect: An indoor presentation about emerald ash borer beetle followed by a walk around the Botanical Gardens to practice ash tree identification.
Everyone is welcome!
(Note: Commenting below will not reserve a space for you at this workshop. You must click the link above. Thanks!)
MountainTrue presents:
On tour in: Highlands — June 13 Asheville — June 23
Tickets On Sale Now!
Join us as one of the nation’s premiere environmental and adventure film festivals comes back to Western North Carolina. 
For nearly a decade, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival has been touring the country and it’s coming back this summer to make its fourth annual appearance in Western North Carolina, and first in Macon County. We invite you to join us for these exciting events.
The beautiful cinematography illustrates the Earth’s beauty, the challenges facing our planet and the work communities are doing to protect the environment. It will leave you with a sense of wonder, a deep appreciation for the natural word and inspire you to take action.
This year’s lineup features films juried by the South Yuba River Citizens League which showcase the theme “A Wild Life.”
Festival-goers can expect to themes of wildlife and nature; land preservation; water and fish conservation; energy & climate change; and adventure with a purpose intermingled with charming, child-friendly short films. Bring the whole family for great films, food and drink.
Two Festivals:
Highlands, NC
- When: Saturday, June 13; 6:30-9 p.m; Films start at 7 p.m.
- Theater: Highlands Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut St.
- Details: Food/Drink, & Films (Check out the film synopses HERE)
- VIP Event: VIP Special Access Pre-Festival Event will take place at Highlands Performing Arts Center from
- 5:30-6:30 p.m. Meet a filmmaker, and view extra shorts specific to our Southern Appalachian region!
- Tickets: Purchase tickets through Highlands Performing Arts Center at (828) 526-9047
- or bit.ly/WSFFhighlands (case-sensitive)
Asheville, NC
- When: Tuesday, June 23 2015; 6:30-9 p.m; Films start at 7 p.m.
- Theater: Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St
- Details: Films, food/drink, raffles
- Tickets: Purchase tickets through Asheville Community Theatre at (828) 254-1320
- or bit.ly/WSFFasheville (case-sensitive)
For more information, contact MountainTrue’s AmeriCorps Education & Outings Coordinator Rachel Stevens at (828) 258-8737, ext. 215 or Rachel@mountaintrue.org.
We would like to extend a special Thank You to our 2015 sponsors:
Mill Creek Gallery & Framing
The Western North Carolina Regional Air Quality Agency will hold a public hearing on the draft air pollution permit for the Asheville coal plant. New reports demonstrate that the plant’s operations have been causing sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution at levels considered unsafe by the Environmental Protection Agency for the past several years. An air modeling study by Air Resource Specialists shows that concentrations of SO2 in the air near people’s homes downwind of the Asheville plant are up to 3.5 times higher than what EPA has determined to be safe. Pollution from the plant has caused exceedences of these minimum public health standards approximately one out of every three to four days since 2010.
Make your voice heard at the public hearing, as well as submitting comments online.
Event: WNC Regional Air Quality Agency Public Hearigh: Asheville coal plant air permit
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Location: Erwin High School auditorium, 60 Lees Creek Rd. Asheville 28804
Check out our tips for giving public testimony here
Please RSVP here
Check out our tips for giving public comments to the air board here
For more information, check out our Take Action Page or contact Joan Walker: Joan@mountaintrue.org, 828-258-8737 ext. 207
Join us and help restore native plant communities by controlling non-native invasive plants at Richmond Hill Park. This is the City of Asheville’s only forested park and is home to many special native plant and animal species!
We’ll provide all gloves, equipment and instruction needed. Please bring snacks, water, rain jacket and wear long pants, long sleeve shirt and closed toe shoes (no open shoes or sandals allowed for safety).
Dates:
May 9
June 13
July 11
August 8
September 12
October 10
November 14 (Canceled)
December 12
Rain Dates: 2nd Sundays
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free; Thank you for you help!
Learn from MountainTrue’s Public Lands Biologist Josh Kelly about fire ecology in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
When: Saturday, May 2 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Singcat Ridge; to carpool from Asheville, meet at the Westgate Shopping Center at 8:45 a.m. Participants may meet us instead in the parking area at the intersection of N.C. Hwy 80 and the Blue Ridge Parkway at 10 a.m.
What to expect: This all-day outdoor seminar will include a moderate to difficult hike with stops throughout during which we will discuss fire effects on vegetation, wildlife responses to fire, fire ignition types, fuel, and behavior.
What to bring: Participants should wear sturdy hiking and bring rain gear, lunch, and water.
FREE! All are welcome!
We’re on springtime mission: We’re looking for wildflowers and birds that put on their seasonal show in May. A few miles east of Asheville, just above the Blue Ridge Parkway, we will follow the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) from Bull Gap up to the historic Rattlesnake Lodge.
More than thirty varieties of flowers are known to live here, including dwarf larkspur, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and blue cohosh to name a few. We’ll also likely encounter, by sight or sound, a number of warblers, vireos, and other birds which have migrated up from central and South America to nest in our mountains.
The hike will take us to the Rattlesnake lodge site, which was built in 1903 as a summer home for Dr. Chase P. Ambler. The Parkway gained the right-of-way in the 1930’s, making it easy for passersby to explore the remains. Learn more by visiting this website: www.rattlesnakelodge.com
This is a moderate 5.2-mile hike on a well-maintained trail which has some climbs, goes through a series of switchbacks and follows an old wagon route.
Hiking (and resting time): approximately 5.5 hours. Moderate level of difficulty with a 550 foot elevation gain. We will go slowly on the climbs, taking in the surroundings, and will take frequent breaks as needed. Bob Gale, MountainTrue’s Ecologist and Public Lands Director, will lead this hike.
Date: Saturday, May 9 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Visitor’s Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milemarker 384
Cost: Free
Registration Deadline: Friday, May 8 at NOON. All participants must register (Sorry — no dogs allowed, so please leave your furry kids at home!)
Commenting below will not sign you up for a slot on these hikes. Thanks!
It’s time to vote for MountainTrue in the Mountain Xpress’ Best of WNC for 2015!
Please vote for us as your #1 Activist Group and your #1 Environmental Group!
(Click here to vote!)
The voting period is now through 11:59 p.m. (midnight) Tuesday, May 5! Your ballot must have at least 30 categories completed to be counted. Our categories are under the section named “Asheville.”
It’s fun, easy and a great way to show your support for the work we do to champion resilient forests, clean waters and healthy communities in Western North Carolina!
These hikes are FULL.
Commenting below will not sign you up for a slot on these hikes. Thanks!
Join MountainTrue on Saturday, April 25 for a spring ecology hike in Big Ivy. These hikes will take place rain or shine!
Big Ivy has more than 3,000 acres of old growth forests and over 30 rare and endangered species. Its abundant creeks are home to native brook trout, and its celebrated waterfalls are some of the most scenic and dramatic cascades in the South.
MountainTrue is hosting spring ecology hikes on five different trails, which will take place simultaneously, led by five excellent local ecologists. Participate in the hike most captivating to you!
1) Douglas Falls – lower:
Join Scott Dean in a carpool through the Coleman Boundary and on a short hike out to the beautiful Douglas Falls. You will stop at several points along the drive to check out wildflowers and two big American Chestnuts. Total walking distance is about three miles with very little elevation change. You can expect to see 30-35 species of wildflowers in bloom, and Scott will discuss plant communities, common name derivation and medicinal/edibility properties of the plants.
2) Big Butt Trail:
Join Lloyd Raleigh on a hike to explore the higher elevations up Stony Fork Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take the Big Butt trail in and out for a 3.2 mile round-trip to Point Misery with a 400 foot elevation change. If time allows, the group will check out a few smaller hikes in the Craggy area, with views of the entire Coleman Boundary area. See many different natural communities such as heath balds, northern hardwood forest (rich subtype), seeps, spruce-fir forests, and more!
3) Ivy Knob:
Join Edward Schwartzman on a hike up to Ivy Knob via the Forest Service Road and a backcountry trail to Big Ivy. This is a four- to five-mile hike with a 500′ elevation drop and climb to get out to Ivy Knob which offers scenic views and a glimpse of Southern Appalachian granite dome outcrop and rare species of plants. On the way to the trail-head you can see examples of recent logging as well as nice mature hardwood forests.
4) Perkins Road Trail:
Join Dr. H. David Clarke on a hike along Perkins Road Trail. This is a three-mile hike with 1,000′ elevation climb that offers rich cove habitats, old growth forests and many rare plants. David will help you identify spring ephemerals, and discuss ecology, natural history, evolution and conservation along the trail.
5) Staire Branch:
Join MountainTrue’s very own Josh Kelly along the Staire Branch trail. This is a 2.5-mile hike with 1,000′ elevation climb. Within a beautiful rich cove with many different plants species, you will follow the creek near bottom and ascend to a ridge near the top. Along the way you will see cliffs and small rock caves, and at one point the rushing water can be heard in stereo as it bounces off a rock face.
All hiking groups will meet and end at the Big Ivy Community Center Picnic Shed. We will organize carpools out to the trail-heads from there. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen. We have the picnic shed rented until 5 p.m., so feel free to hang out afterwards, share pictures, eat a packed meal, etc. We’d love the chance to enjoy our community’s company.
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Big Ivy Community Center, 540 Dillingham Road (Barnardsville)
Carpool from Asheville: Meet at Earth Fare in the Westgate Shopping Center at 9:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 24 at NOON. All participants must register, as these hikes will fill up quickly. (Sorry — no dogs allowed, so please leave your furry kids at home!)
Contact: Rachel Stevens at rachel@mountaintrue.org or (828)-258-8737 ext. 215
he Mills River Partnership is pleased to hold its second annual “Mills River Day” from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, hosted by North River Farms. 
