Central Region News 

A note from Bob Wagner, Executive Director: 

Two weeks ago, I ran a marathon. I prepared for a year and a half. During my training, I was frequently reminded of my late grandfather when he said, “Bob, do hard things.” Because by doing hard things, we learn about ourselves, we break barriers, we build new relationships, and we achieve big things. Accomplishing anything significant is always hard.

Doing hard things is in MountainTrue’s DNA. In 1985, our Coordinator, David Liden, received a letter from Jesse Helms — one of the most powerful US Senators — stating that clearcutting practices in our National Forests would always be used. Seven years later, because of MountainTrue’s advocacy efforts, the US Forest Service changed its clearcutting practices. Similarly, MountainTrue successfully fought a nuclear waste dump from being placed in Haywood County. More recently, after almost 20 years of advocacy, we pressed DOT to change its design of I-26 to better protect local neighborhoods. And in another multi-year effort, we pressured Duke Energy to close its coal-fired power plant at Lake Julian and clean up the coal ash ponds polluting our rivers. These campaigns took years and are modern David and Goliath stories. MountainTrue will never shy away from a fight when our environment and communities are at stake.

Today, we’re in uphill battles, including reducing single-use plastics by seeking a plastics bag ban and fighting to protect old-growth forests. We’re in this for the long haul and we hope you’ll join us in doing hard things by donating, volunteering, and showing up.

Photo: Bob Gale poses against a tree in a WNC old-growth forest.

Raise a glass to Bob Gale’s retirement on June 13!

Save the date! Join MountainTrue as we bid farewell to our beloved Ecologist and Public Lands Director, Bob Gale, after 25 incredible years spent working to protect the places we share in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Come share in the memories, enjoy some cake, and raise a glass with friends on Tuesday, June 13, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Wedge Brewery at Foundation (5 Foundy St #10, Asheville, NC 28801).

Buncombe County Comprehensive Plan heads to final vote

After nearly a year of public engagement, Buncombe County’s 2043 Comprehensive Plan recently won unanimous approval from the county’s Planning Board. The plan now advances to the Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and final vote on May 16 at 5 p.m. The final draft addresses numerous issues facing the county, including housing, transportation, and land conservation. More information can be found on the county’s website.

Swim Guide season is almost here!

From May 24 to September 6, check the Swim Guide website to ensure your local swimming hole is safe to recreate in — weekly results are posted on Fridays. The French Broad Riverkeeper monitors E.coli levels in popular swimming sites throughout the French Broad Watershed as part of MountainTrue’s Swim Guide program. Our small mountain community is one of many contributing to an international effort to monitor bacteria levels at local “beaches” or, in our case, rivers, lakes, and streams.

Real-time E. coli estimates are live at Pearson Bridge in Asheville

Visit frenchbroadwaterquality.com to get real-time E. coli estimates for the French Broad River at Pearson Bridge in Asheville, NC! Last summer, MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality launched one of the first real-time E. coli estimators in the country — the reading is based on a correlation from the US Geological Survey turbidity meter at Pearson Bridge. This tool helps keep the public informed about water quality and allows folks to make decisions based on their desire for swimming or boating in Asheville’s River Arts District. Click here to learn more about this collaborative project and our methods.

2023 Craggy Mountain BioBlitz

Join MountainTrue for our 2023 Bioblitz from June 10-25 in the Craggy Mountains! MountainTrue and Friends of Big Ivy are partnering to hold an in-person Bioblitz event on June 10 in Barnardsville, NC — click here to register for this event. We’ve recruited over 15 experts to lead you, your friends, and your family to discover and photograph the natural diversity of the Craggy Mountains. What’s more, the information you collect will be crucial in documenting the special character of the area, helping the Forest Service to better protect it, and in demonstrating to Congress that it should be designated a permanently protected National Scenic Area. Click here to learn more about the Bioblitz and sign up to participate.

Put the FUN in FUNdraising: help MountainTrue while doing your favorite activities this summer!

Last year’s successful Hike-a-thon was a blast, so we decided to do it again in 2023! This summer, you can raise money for MountainTrue by enjoying your favorite outdoor activities: hiking, biking, and paddling. Mark your calendars for June 15 through August 31, and sign up to support a good cause and have fun outside! Click here for more info on the 2023 MountainTrue-a-thon.

French Broad River cleanup with Wicked Weed

TVs, shopping carts, plastic bags, and who knows what other kinds of river trash will all be up for grabs when MountainTrue and Wicked Weed host a beer series cleanup on Saturday, June 17! We’ll paddle the river to collect as much trash as possible — folks who pick up the weirdest trash will win some great prizes! More details coming soon. Click here to register.

Photo: MountainTrue’s new ‘Save the Hellbender’ tshirt, crewneck, hoodie, and hats are now available on the MountainTrue store!

Get your new MountainTrue Merch!

Current MountainTrue members will receive a 5% discount on merchandise (check your email inbox for your discount code). Your MountainTrue merchandise purchase supports our continued work and spreads the word about our mission to protect the places we share. Together, we can do more. Get your MountainTrue merch today!

Join us on a Guided Adventure this summer!

MountainTrue’s summer ‘23 Guided Adventures are officially open for registration! These adventures provide the opportunity to get outside in nature, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, and learn from experts along the way. MountainTrue’s staff of ecologists, naturalists, and riverkeepers will teach you to gain a new appreciation for the world around you. With limited spots available, these Guided Adventures will sell out quickly! Click here to sign up today!

Snorkel Trail pilot sites opening this summer

Plans are being made for snorkeling kick-off events this summer at several of the ten pilot sites for the new Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail. Save the date — Saturday, June 17 — for the first one to be held at the Canton Recreation Park Boat Ramp on the Pigeon River. Other western region locations with kickoff events in the works include: Mainspring’s Queen Branch Preserve on the Little Tennessee River and Bryson City’s Island Park. Watch the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail website and our social media for details!

We need a volunteer to help us advocate against pollution

MountainTrue’s advocacy team needs help with some data-entry projects in support of our campaigns to pass a ban on single-use plastics in Buncombe County and to support policies to reduce water pollution at the state, county and city levels. If you’re a wiz at spreadsheets, contact Karim Olaechea at karim@mountaintrue.org.

MountainTrue in the news: Josh Kelly speaks about the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan

An opinion piece by MountainTrue’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly, was recently published in the Asheville Citizen Times. Josh elaborates on the newly-released Forest Plan — which was adopted by the US Forest Service in late March 2023 — and explains how it flies in the face of President Biden’s pledge to protect old-growth forests by putting over 12,000 acres of old growth on the chopping block. Click here to read the full piece.

Jam with Michael Franti, MountainTrue, and your French Broad Riverkeeper

Join us for the 2023 Michael Franti & Spearhead concert featuring Fortunate Youth at the Salvage Station on July 8 in Asheville, NC! All proceeds from the concert support the work of the French Broad Riverkeeper, a program of MountainTrue and the primary protector and defender of the French Broad River watershed. Get your tickets now! Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. There will be several food trucks and full bars open for you to enjoy! Please visit the Salvage Station’s event page for the most up-to-date information, tickets, parking information, and other FAQs.

High Country News

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

Spring is here and Swim Guide season is just around the corner. We’re enjoying more time on the water and gearing up for our lengthy lineup of summer events. Read on for an update on recent High Country happenings and opportunities to get involved. 

Alair Homes and the Watauga Riverkeeper partner to support environmental stewardship

We’re so grateful to Alair Homes for their recent announcement of a five-year environmental stewardship commitment with the Watauga Riverkeeper. To celebrate the partnership, our High Country team worked with Alair team members to plant native trees and live stakes in the wetlands on the Middle Fork Greenway. Click here to read more.

Riverkeeper Float Fest returns June 24 in Todd, NC

It’s that time of year… Riverkeeper Float Fest is back and better than ever! Join MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper and High Country Water Team on Saturday, June 24, for a fun-filled, family-friendly event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at River & Earth Adventures’ New River Outpost in Todd, NC. Rain or shine, shuttles will be going all day from Peacock traffic circle in Boone to ensure safe transportation to and from the festival. Our friends at Appalachian Mountain Brewery will be providing the jams, good brews, and good food all day long. Spend your day chilling out, listening to music and snacking with friends, or tube down the New River and enjoy fly fishing demos from our buddies at Boone’s Fly Shop. MountainTrue staff will also have viewbuckets and snorkels for an ultimate underwater river viewing experience! Click here to purchase your tickets. 

Swim Guide season is almost here!

From May 24 to September 6, check the Swim Guide website to ensure your High Country swimming hole is safe to recreate in — weekly results are posted on Fridays. The Watauga Riverkeeper monitors E.coli levels in popular swimming sites in the High Country as part of MountainTrue’s Swim Guide program. Our small mountain community is one of many contributing to an international effort to monitor bacteria levels at local “beaches” or, in our case, rivers, lakes, and streams. Want to become a Swim Guide sampling volunteer? Click here to sign up! Sampling sites are assigned to volunteers on a first come, first served basis (sampling typically requires a one to two-hour commitment, once per week).

Watauga River Reclassification update

Thank you to all of our community members who recently joined us in support of a proposed reclassification of 11 Watauga River tributaries. These reclassifications, including Outstanding Resource Water and Class B Recreation, will grant further protections to water quality and long-term ecosystem health. Public comments made in favor of these changes came from stakeholder groups, local water-based businesses, and community members.

Traveling NOAA climate panel exhibit at Watauga County Public Library

Join your Watauga Riverkeeper for a panel discussion on the local effects of climate change on Monday, June 12 (time tbd, check the library’s website for updates). This exhibit is designed to connect with communities across the country to share the science of climate change and the impact it’s having on people’s everyday lives. Using images, infographics, hands-on interactives, and personal stories, the traveling exhibit explains how scientists know the climate is changing, what that future may look like, and how these impacts are affecting people, from flooding and drought to sea level rise and severe weather. The exhibit also allows visitors to explore how their own choices make a difference.

Put the FUN in FUNdraising: help MountainTrue while doing your favorite activities this summer!

Last year’s successful Hike-a-thon was a blast, so we decided to do it again in 2023! This summer, you can raise money for MountainTrue by enjoying your favorite outdoor activities: hiking, biking, and paddling. Mark your calendars for June 15 through August 31, and sign up to support a good cause and have fun outside! Click here for more info on the 2023 MountainTrue-a-thon.

Join us on a Guided Adventure this summer!

MountainTrue’s summer ‘23 Guided Adventures are officially open for registration! These adventures provide the opportunity to get outside in nature, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, and learn from experts along the way. MountainTrue’s staff of ecologists, naturalists, and riverkeepers will teach you to gain a new appreciation for the world around you. With limited spots available, these Guided Adventures will sell out quickly! Click here to sign up today!

Photo: MountainTrue’s new ‘Save the Hellbender’ tshirt, crewneck, hoodie, and hats are now available on the MountainTrue store!

Get your new MountainTrue Merch!

Current MountainTrue members will receive a 5% discount on merchandise (check your email inbox for your discount code). Your MountainTrue merchandise purchase supports our continued work and spreads the word about our mission to protect the places we share. Together, we can do more. Get your MountainTrue merch today!

MountainTrue in the news: Josh Kelly speaks about the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan

An opinion piece by MountainTrue’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly, was recently published in the Asheville Citizen Times. Josh elaborates on the newly-released Forest Plan — which was adopted by the US Forest Service in late March 2023 — and explains how it flies in the face of President Biden’s pledge to protect old-growth forests by putting over 12,000 acres of old growth on the chopping block. Click here to read the full piece.

Outreach and education with Blue Ridge Wild & Free

Our Watauga Riverkeeper team loves days spent on the water with the next generation. On April 19, our talented Watershed Coordinator and biologist, Hannah, took a group of homeschool students to Brookshire Park to learn more about our river ecosystems. The kids loved doing a mini trash cleanup along the river banks and enjoyed using the view buckets to check out darters, sculpins, and crayfish. The students were so inquisitive and thankful for the hands-on experience. We love taking time to showcase to local youth just how special the High Country really is. Nothing beats spring view bucket days on the river!

Thanks for a successful Fly Fishing Film Festival 

A huge thank you to our friends at Boone’s Fly Shop and High Country Guide Service for hosting the Fly Fishing Film Festival at the App Theatre. It was wonderful to see the river family come together for an evening of great films and fellowship. We’re very grateful for the amazing contributions generated by the raffle in support of the Watauga Riverkeeper. We’re looking forward to continuing this great event next April in honor of Earth Day!

Earth Day festivities

In honor of Earth Day, the Town of Boone hosted an eventful Earth Weekend from April 21-22. Hannah and one of our volunteers joined the festivities at the Jones House to catch up with our local community and share our latest happenings. We brought the river to King Street for folks of all ages, safely displaying aquatic insects, fish, and crayfish in tanks to showcase some of the aquatic species that call the High Country home. We extend our thanks to the Town of Boone for hosting this event and uplifting local organizations dedicated to keeping the High Country beautiful.

Our High Country Intern, Emma, also involved the local Appalachian State University community in the Earth Day festivities. App State’s Office of Sustainability hosted an Earth Day Expo on April 20, right in the heart of campus on one of the most beautiful days of the year (so far)! MountainTrue represented the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Clean Water and Sanitation — we recruited over 50 students or faculty who were new to the Riverkeeper world and wanted to join the river fam! We had great conversations, soaked in the sunshine, and celebrated this awesome planet.

Southern Region News

A note from Nancy Díaz, Southern Regional Director:

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend Hendo Earth Fest last month and our Green River Bash just a few days ago! Thank you to our volunteers who make these opportunities possible for us. I’ve enjoyed being at these, and other, community events to meet and catch up with many of you, as well as introduce others to MountainTrue. I look forward to more opportunities this spring and summer to gather with you outside! Below you’ll find information about our MountainTrue-a-thon. I plan to spend as much time as I can on our shared trails, rivers, and greenways to fundraise for our mission — please reach out if you’d like to join me!

Come out for the Moss Lake Paddle Race on May 20!

All are invited to join us in this first-ever paddle race and fundraiser for the Broad Riverkeeper at Moss Lake in Kings Mountain, NC! Racers will meet at 10 a.m. and Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell will explain the race course layout and race rules, and the race will start around 10:45 a.m. Racers will paddle up the lake approximately two miles, circle around an island, and race back down to the finish line in the boat landing area. Prizes will be given to the racers who come in first, second, and third place! Click here to learn more and register. Volunteer safety/observer boats will be anchored along the race course to help guide participants and assist anyone who might have trouble. Want to be a safety boat volunteer? Email david@mountaintrue.org. Big thanks to the event sponsors: City of Kings Mountain, Joy Pharr Realty – Ivester Jackson Blackstream, Christie’s International Real Estate, and Michael Cheng!

Swim Guide season is almost here!

From May 24 to September 6, check the Swim Guide website to ensure your local swimming hole is safe to recreate in — weekly results are posted on Fridays. The Broad and Green Riverkeepers monitor E.coli levels in popular swimming sites in Western NC as part of MountainTrue’s Swim Guide program. Our small mountain community is one of many contributing to an international effort to monitor bacteria levels at local “beaches” or, in our case, rivers, lakes, and streams.

Clean the Green River with us this summer

Join Green Riverkeeper Erica Shanks on Thursday, June 22, to kick off our Green Clean Series! This recurring event will happen from 5:30-8 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month from June-September, 2023. You don’t have to kayak to be a part of the monthly cleanups — roadside volunteers are also welcome! We’ll meet at Fishtop Access in Saluda, NC, at 5:30 p.m. on cleanup days to split into teams before heading out. Please bring water, snacks, appropriate water gear or roadside gear (gloves, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, medical needs, etc). We’ll provide trash bags. If you need gear to get out on the water please contact us as we have a limited amount of duckies, helmets, and pfds for use. If you have any questions about the cleanups, please contact Erica at erica@mountaintrue.org. Click here to learn more and sign up!

Join us on a Guided Adventure this summer

MountainTrue’s summer ‘23 Guided Adventures are officially open for registration! These adventures provide the opportunity to get outside in nature, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, and learn from experts along the way. MountainTrue’s staff of ecologists, naturalists, and riverkeepers will teach you to gain a new appreciation for the world around you. With limited spots available, these Guided Adventures will sell out quickly! Click here to sign up today!

Photo: Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell (left) receives the Paul Harris Fellow award from Shelby Rotary Club, presented by District 7680 Area 4 Assistant Governor Peter Bagley (right).

Broad Riverkeeper named Paul Harris Fellow by Shelby Rotary Club

Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell became Shelby Rotary Club’s (SRC) newest Paul Harris Fellow at the club’s meeting on April 21. Here’s what SRC had to say about David: “David is a man of many talents: engineer, woodcarver, educator, and environmentalist extraordinaire who is passionate about his role as the Broad Riverkeeper. As a child he developed a love for nature and as a man he has become a tireless advocate for protecting the natural world. For his commitment to making a difference in our community, Shelby Rotary Club is honored to bestow the Paul Harris Fellow award on this skilled and truly dedicated professional whose work is essential for the health of our river and its ecosystem.” Click here to read more.

Hendersonville’s new pedestrian plan – Walk Hendo

Do you live, work, or recreate in Hendersonville? Your feedback is requested as they wrap up Walk Hendo, the new plan to improve walking in the city. The purpose of this survey is to collect your thoughts about a proposed set of sidewalk and path projects that have been developed based on feedback received from the first round of community engagement activities. Fill out the Walk Hendo survey today!

Put the FUN in FUNdraising: help MountainTrue while doing your favorite activities this summer!

Last year’s successful Hike-a-thon was a blast, so we decided to do it again in 2023! This summer, you can raise money for MountainTrue by enjoying your favorite outdoor activities: hiking, biking, and paddling. Mark your calendars for June 15 through August 31, and sign up to support a good cause and have fun outside! Click here for more info on the 2023 MountainTrue-a-thon.

Photo: MountainTrue’s new ‘Save the Hellbender’ tshirt, crewneck, hoodie, and hats are now available on the MountainTrue store!

Get your new MountainTrue Merch!

Current MountainTrue members will receive a 5% discount on merchandise (check your email inbox for your discount code). Your MountainTrue merchandise purchase supports our continued work and spreads the word about our mission to protect the places we share. Together, we can do more. Get your MountainTrue merch today!

MountainTrue in the news: Josh Kelly speaks about the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan

An opinion piece by MountainTrue’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly, was recently published in the Asheville Citizen Times. Josh elaborates on the newly-released Forest Plan — which was adopted by the US Forest Service in late March 2023 — and explains how it flies in the face of President Biden’s pledge to protect old-growth forests by putting over 12,000 acres of old growth on the chopping block. Click here to read the full piece.

Western Region News

A note from Callie Moore, Western Regional Director:

Happy spring! I hope you’ve been able to find time to get outside over the past month to see all the wildflowers and other blooms adorning our mountains. We saw 53 different blooms on the Western Region wildflower hike on the John Muir National Recreation Trail last month, including the less frequently seen native pinkster azalea, which prefers stream corridors to woodlands! As you’re out hiking, biking, and paddling this summer, we hope you’ll take MountainTrue along with you and help raise a little money during our MountainTrue-a-thon FUNdraiser! Read more below and thank you for being MountainTrue.

We’re hiring: AmeriCorps Western Region Program Associate

This full-time position will work within MountainTrue’s Clean Waters and Resilient Forests program areas in Southwestern North Carolina. The position includes a combination of volunteer recruitment and coordination, water quality monitoring, on-the-ground stewardship of public and conserved lands, and public outreach and engagement. It involves a lot of time outdoors in all seasons and regular travel across several counties. Primary responsibilities are to (1) engage volunteers in all aspects of volunteer monitoring of water quality, aquatic communities and habitat; (2) coordinate and expand the region’s microplastics sampling program; (3) help control nonnative invasive plants and restore native plant communities in parks, along greenways, and on other public lands; and (4) coordinate public outreach and engagement activities in MountainTrue’s Western Region. This position will begin on September 5, 2023, and last until July 31, 2024. Click here to learn more and apply by Wednesday, May 31!

Congratulations to our 2023 Carson Conservation Scholarship winners!

We’re proud to announce that Will Johnson of Murphy High (pictured above) was selected as the top 2023 scholarship recipient. Will is headed to NC State University this fall to study Agriculture Education with a concentration in Animal Science. Abby Lancaster of Graham County, NC, received the second scholarship award. After graduating from Robbinsville High, Abby plans to attend Appalachian State University to study Agriculture. Click here to read more about our outstanding scholarship recipients.

Swim Guide season is almost here

From May 26 to September 1, check the Swim Guide website to ensure your favorite local swimming hole is safe to swim in — weekly results are posted on Fridays. Our Western Regional Office volunteers and staff monitor E.coli levels at popular swimming sites and canoe/kayak put-ins in Western NC and Northern GA every week as part of MountainTrue’s Swim Guide program. We’re excited to be adding locations in the Little Tennessee River basin this summer! Our small mountain community is one of many contributing to an international effort to monitor bacteria levels at local “beaches” or, in our case, rivers, lakes, and streams.

Snorkel Trail pilot sites opening this summer

Plans are being made for snorkeling kick-off events this summer at several of the ten pilot sites for the new Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail. Save the date — Saturday, June 17 — for the first one to be held at the Canton Recreation Park Boat Ramp on the Pigeon River. Other western region locations with kickoff events in the works include: Mainspring’s Queen Branch Preserve on the Little Tennessee River and Bryson City’s Island Park. Watch the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail website and our social media for details!

Photo: A patch of still-dormant kudzu covering the forest floor in one part of Sylva’s Pinnacle Park will be an initial focus of control efforts.

Tackling invasive plants at Pinnacle Park

MountainTrue is partnering with the Pinnacle Park Foundation on a strategy for controlling nonnative invasive plants at the 1,100-acre park, which is owned by the Town of Sylva. Our Western Region Program Coordinator, Tony Ward, and AmeriCorps member, Darby Stipe, met with Foundation board members and others on April 29 to evaluate patches of kudzu, English ivy, and other invasives that are pushing out native plant species that would normally thrive there.

Put the FUN in FUNdraising: help MountainTrue while doing your favorite activities this summer!

Last year’s successful Hike-a-thon was a blast, so we decided to do it again in 2023! This summer, you can raise money for MountainTrue by enjoying your favorite outdoor activities: hiking, biking, and paddling. Mark your calendars for June 15 through August 31, and sign up to support a good cause and have fun outside! Click here for more info on the 2023 MountainTrue-a-thon.

Join us on a Guided Adventure this summer!

MountainTrue’s summer ‘23 Guided Adventures are officially open for registration! These adventures provide the opportunity to get outside in nature, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, and learn from experts along the way. MountainTrue’s staff of ecologists, naturalists, and riverkeepers will teach you to gain a new appreciation for the world around you. With limited spots available, these Guided Adventures will sell out quickly! Click here to sign up today!

Photo: MountainTrue’s new ‘Save the Hellbender’ tshirt, crewneck, hoodie, and hats are now available on the MountainTrue store!

Get your new MountainTrue Merch!

Current MountainTrue members will receive a 5% discount on merchandise (check your email inbox for your discount code). Your MountainTrue merchandise purchase supports our continued work and spreads the word about our mission to protect the places we share. Together, we can do more. Get your MountainTrue merch today!

MountainTrue in the news: Josh Kelly speaks about the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan

An opinion piece by MountainTrue’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly, was recently published in the Asheville Citizen Times. Josh elaborates on the newly-released Forest Plan — which was adopted by the US Forest Service in late March 2023 — and explains how it flies in the face of President Biden’s pledge to protect old-growth forests by putting over 12,000 acres of old growth on the chopping block. Click here to read the full piece.