MountainTrue

2023 Creation Care Alliance Retreat and Symposium
2023-02-06 13:00 - 2023-02-07 17:30 (America/New_York) | NE

2023 MountainTrue-a-thon
2023-06-15 00:00 - 2023-08-31 23:59 | NE
Calling all hikers, bikers and paddlers! Raise money for MountainTrue while doing your favorite activities this Summer. Participants of any experience level collect pledges from family and friends for miles completed between June 15 and August 31st.
We have some awesome prizes this year for the participant raising the most $ for MountainTrue AND for the participant in each category (hiking, biking and paddling) that completes the most miles.
Check out our Resource Page for recommended trails, packing lists and helpful tips on how to ask for support from family and friends. What are you waiting for?! Sign up now and help us put the FUN in FUNDRAISING this Summer.

Fall 2023 Eco-Grief Circle
2023-10-10 12:00 - 2023-11-21 13:15 | NE
Join us for an Eco Grief Circle this Fall! We will meet weekly on Tuesdays beginning October 10 and ending November 21 from 12pm-1:15 ET. This seven-week online experience will be offered in sessions that last about 1 hour and fifteen minutes. Together we will explore grief and sorrow, anxiety and fear, guilt and shame, anger, and despair. This experience is designed to offer mutual support, healing, insight, and love but is not a grief therapy experience. Past participants expressed profound gratitude for being among people who could talk honestly about grief, suffering, and the ecological and social challenges of our time. The leadership team includes counselors, pastors, and environmental advocates.
All times are Eastern time. There is limited space for this online experience. Sign up to let us know you are interested in joining us.

The River Runs On Screening in Hendersonville, NC
2023-10-13 19:00 - 20:45 | Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe street, Hendersonville, NC, 28791
After three years in the making, we’re excited to finally bring to Hendersonville the feature documentary, The River Runs On! This film explores the release of a forest plan that decides the fate of two of the most important national forests in the country – the Pisgah and Nantahala. Featuring some of the top conservationists and most popular spots within the region, the documentary reflects on our relationship with these public lands and what the future may hold for this unique part of the world.
Presented by Mountain True, this screening will be held in the Sanctuary at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The doors will open at 6:30pm and the film will begin at 7:00pm.
Shortly following the film, we will have a Q&A with the director of the film, Garrett Martin, and Mountain True’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly. Members of the audience will be able to ask questions about the Pisgah-Nanatahala Forest Plan and its release.
To learn more about the film, please visit www.theriverrunson.com
Watch the trailer at https://vimeo.com/764170588
Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-river-runs-on-film-screening-tickets-707948552177?aff=oddtdtcreator

MountainTrue 2023 Annual Gathering in Asheville, NC
2023-10-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Devil’s Foot, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28803, United States
You’re invited! We look forward to seeing your smiling faces at our Annual Member Gathering on Saturday, October 14th. This year’s event will be held at Devil’s Foot Beverage in Asheville, NC.
Get ready for a night of fun and camaraderie with like-minded folks as we celebrate our achievements and honor the relationships each of us have to each other and to the natural world. We are all interconnected. Healthy forests and sustainable development make for clean water. The built environment has profound effects on the natural environment. Understanding the interconnectedness of our world guides our work and is key to building a better future for the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains.
General programming will begin at 3 pm and will include voting on new Board Members, reflecting on our achievements this year and honoring outstanding Volunteers.
This year our doors open early for a Plastics Rally beginning at 2 pm. Learn about the progress that MountainTrue, our members and partners have made in the fight against plastic pollution. French Broad Riverkeeper, Hartwell Carson, will discuss our work to pass a plastic bag ban in Buncombe County and how North Carolina towns and counties are empowered to reduce plastic pollution by NC’s Solid Waste Management Act. Attendees will get fired up and learn from local organizers how they can do their part to stop plastic pollution.
But there’s more! Stick around for our exciting Jeopardy game show featuring one contestant from each of our four regions. The winner will get to designate what MountainTrue work donations collected at the event will fund. Interested in playing? Check out the event page for more information.
Come snack on some hors d’oeuvres and grab a drink on us!
“I want more information or want to RSVP”
This event is open to current members of MountainTrue. Click here to check your membership status or email members@mountaintrue.org. If you’re not a current member, we would love to have you join us — You don’t want to miss out on the fun!
Come raise a glass with us to another year of being stronger together!

No Man's Land Film Festival Screening
2023-11-28 19:00 - 21:00 | NE
MountainTrue is excited to host the No Man’s Land Film Festival again this year on November 28, 2023 in coordination with Giving Tuesday – a global generosity movement helping to transform communities and the world. Although you can register to watch the films for free, we hope you will consider supporting the work of MountainTrue with a contribution.
Screening will be offered both in person in Asheville, NC at New Belgium Brewing’s Liquid Center AND virtually.
Full event information and RSVPs can be found here: https://mountaintrue.org/nmlff2023/

2024 CCA Retreat & Symposium
2024-02-02 08:00 - 2024-02-03 17:00 | Montreat Conference Center-Anderson Auditorium, 303 Lookout Rd., Montreat, NC, 28757
Sacred Symbiosis: Relationships for Creation Justice
The theme of our 2024 Creation Care Alliance Symposium is “Sacred Symbiosis.” Our presentations, workshops, and conversations will explore the relationships needed to build and nurture justice for all creation–human and non-human. We’re excited to dive in and learn together!
This retreat is designed with congregational lay leaders, environmental professionals, and clergy in mind. Whether new to creation care or a long-time advocate, you’ll gain new language and tools to inspire your congregation or community and find space to invigorate your imagination, creativity, and spiritual practice.
The symposium will begin on Friday, February 2nd, with a full day of workshops and conversations and will run through Saturday, February 3rd. Our keynote speaker, Mary Crow of Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN), will speak on the 3rd. Unlike past years, Friday and Saturday’s programs are open to all and will not be limited to clergy. We hope you join us!
We will be hosted at the Montreat Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC. If you would like to stay on-site at the conference center, you may book a room through this separate form: ROOM RESERVATION FORM HERE. We have limited rooms available, so please book yours early to ensure your spot.
Discounts:

Early-bird discount. Register before December 4th to receive $15 off both days of the conference. If you attend both days, that is $30 savings!
Group discount. Groups of three or more people from the same congregation are eligible for the group discount of $10 off both days of the conference. If your group attends both days, that is a $20 discount per person. This offer is open until the close of registration on January 19th. Go here to register your group and receive your discount.

Student discount. If you are a current student, you can attend the symposium for a fraction of the cost ($20 on Friday and $30 on Saturday). We hope you will join us!

We don’t want cost to be a barrier to anyone who would like to attend. Scholarships are available to those in need. Please contact Sarah Ogletree at sarah@creationcarealliance.org for more information. Put “scholarship” in the subject line of your email. We’re happy to assist!
Friday’s Workshops:

Get to Know Your Neighbors: The Trees of Southern Appalachia
Transforming Food Systems as People of Faith
Beekeeping as Creation Care
Housing & Faith Communities: The Creation Care Connection
Electrification & Solar: A Congregational Approach
Community Organizing 101
The Why & How of Seedsaving
Creation Care in Worship: A Conversation for Clergy

Saturday’s Workshops:

Keynote by Mary Crow
Success Stories from Congregations: Get Inspired!
Working for Energy Justice
Eco-Grief Ritual & Meditation
Understanding & Protecting Your Watershed
“Painting the Sacred” Workshop
Supporting Local Farmers
Planning Earth Day in Your Congregation: A Conversation with Religious Educators
Creative Writing Workshop
Forming your Green Team 101
Guide to Creation Care 2.0 w/ Sarah Ogletree

For full workshop descriptions, click here

Plastic Jesus: Real Faith in a Synthetic World Webinar
2024-03-12 13:00 - 14:00 | virtual
Everywhere we look in our culture, you will find plastic. One place where you will not find plastic, however, is in the Bible. Join us for a conversation about plastic and the call to a genuine faith with special guests Avery Davis Lamb (Co-Director of Creation Justice Ministries) and Anna Alsobrook (MountainTrue Watershed Science and Policy Manager).
We will discuss the plastic crisis and what we can do–highlighting MountainTrue’s campaign to address single-use plastic pollution and Creation Justice Ministries’ new resource for Christian faith communities on Earth Day Sunday, Plastic Jesus: Real Faith in a Synthetic World.
*This webinar will be recorded with a copy of our conversation sent out to all who register. Even if you can’t attend in person, we hope you sign up to get the recording!

Earth Day Kid's Merchandise Design Contest
2024-04-22 08:00 - 2024-05-31 23:59 | NE
Calling all budding artists aged 10-14. In Honor of Earth Day, MountainTrue is hosting our first Kid’s Merchandise Design Contest.
The winner will receive the chance to work with a professional designer to make their design merchandise ready AND a wearable item with their design on it. They will also be featured in a MountainTrue e-newsletter as the contest winner.
Complete guidelines and requirements are below:
Theme: I love mountains
1. A preference will be given to designs that incorporate the beauty and biodiversity of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains
2. A preference will be given to designs that encourage others to share your love of our mountains and region
We want you to use your creativity to show why you love mountains. What makes them special to you?
Other rules:
1. No designs will be considered if they contain offensive material or profanity
2. Applicant must be within the age range at the time of submission
3. Must be available in August to meet virtually with the designer
4. No restrictions on the number of colors used for the design or the number of entries you can submit
Submission deadline: May 31, 2024
Winner selection Process: Three finalists will be selected by MountainTrue staff on June 3rd. The three final designs will be presented to MountainTrue supporters and the general public for voting through June 30th. The final winner will be notified during the first week of July.
Submit my design. (Parent/Guardian permission required to participate).

Earth Month Vigil in Asheville, NC
2024-04-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Land of Sky UCC, 15 Overbrook Pl, Asheville, NC, 28805
Join the Creation Care Alliance for a time of ecumenical prayer in the Educational Garden at Land of the Sky UCC in Asheville. Our service will be followed by refreshments in the fellowship hall in addition to an opportunity to put your hands in the soil.
Please bring a blanket or camping chair if you want to sit during the prayer service (which will last 20-30 minutes). We look forward to lifting our prayer for the earth alongside your own!
This event is rain or shine. We’d love for you to bring your kids! In fact, if you have little ones attending, email sarah@mountaintrue.org and we will incorporate some extra special stuff for them.

5Point Adventure Film Regional Screenings benefiting MountainTrue
2024-05-21 19:30 - 21:30 | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
MountainTrue is excited to announce the 5 Point Film Festival and raffle presented by Mosaic Realty! All proceeds from the event go to fund the work of MountainTrue.
MountainTrue is hosting 3 separate screenings of the films on May 21st. Read below for regional information:
Asheville, NC: Join us at The Grey Eagle on Tuesday, May 21st for an evening of fun, adventure, and community. Don’t want to worry about making dinner? Come early and grab food from the Grey Eagle Taqueria. Drinks will be available for purchase from the bar.
Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the show starts at 7:30. Come early to grab your refreshments, pick up some MountainTrue merchandise and chat with MountainTrue staff. And, bring a friend!
The fun doesn’t stop there. We are thrilled to offer a raffle for items including brand names Yeti, Fat Tire and Stio: $5 for 1 ticket or 5 tickets for $20. Buy your tickets online or at the event. The drawings will take place after the films, so stick around to see if you won.
**RAFFLE is ONLY for the Asheville, NC screening.
Parking on site is limited but there is plenty of parking around the River Arts District.
Tickets for the Asheville films are being sold through the Grey Eagle Website.
**Members of MountainTrue will receive a discounted ticket price. Keep an eye on your inbox for the Member Survey Email which will include your discount code. Not a member of MountainTrue? Join now!
**Ticket purchases are non-refundable (but rest assured, your ticket sales go to fund the work of MountainTrue).
Brasstown, NC: Regretfully, we have had to cancel this showing.
Etowah, NC: More info here
About 5Point Film
OUR MISSION is to build community and inspire change by showcasing and celebrating impactful stories of adventure. We are dedicated to uplifting diverse storytellers and stories that allow us to better understand the world around us.
Film line-up (subject to minor changes):

JACKSON GOLDSTONE – SOLO (3 mins)
DIRECTOR: SCOTT SECCO
PRODUCERS: SEB KEMP, DANIEL GILLOOLEY
(CANADA, 3 MIN)
When he’s not turning heads trackside, Jackson Goldstone will be found turning trails into his own personal playground. While his 9 to 5 is piloting his Syndicate V10 downhill bike down heinous tracks in pursuit of podium glory, he absolutely loves to get out on his local trails with his daily driver and have some fun.ABOVE THE NOISE (6 mins)
DIRECTOR: ADAM DE SILVA
PRODUCER: EXPLORE IMPOSSIBLE
(UNITED KINGDOM, 6 MIN)
Above The Noise is a documentary short that explores how athlete Maja Kuczynska uses the sport of skydiving to escape the chaos of the modern world.CANYON CHORUS (17 mins)
DIRECTOR: CHRIS CRESCI
PRODUCER: DAVIS LOVE
(USA, 17 MIN)
Set against the backdrop of Desolation Canyon, UT, Mikah Meyer, a world-record traveler and LGBTQ+ advocate, reflects with three close friends and his mentor, Larry Edwards, on their stories and the power of mentorship within the queer community.SOUNDSCAPE 14
DIRECTOR: TIMMY O’NEILL
(USA, 15 MIN)
Soundscape features Erik Weihenmayer, a global adventure athlete and author who is completely blind, as he ascends a massive alpine rock face deep in the Sierra Nevada. Using expert camera work from Mikey Schaefer and emotive, novel animation to bring to life a concept by adaptive climbing pioneer Timmy O’Neill, the film is a surprising and soulful adventure.ELLADJ (6 mins)
DIRECTOR: MIKE SCHWARTZ
(CANADA, 6 MIN)
Elladj follows the remarkable journey of Elladj Balde, a Canadian figure skater who found his voice and fan base through wild ice-skating. The film centers on the transformative power of embracing one’s passion over measurable results.
**INTERMISSION**

SLIDES ON THE MOUNTAIN (30 mins)
DIRECTOR: SETH GILLIS
PRODUCERS: SANDY WARD, ALINE MAYERHOFFER
(CANADA, 30 MIN)
Two brothers from the Lil’wat Nation, Ricky and Talon, set out to ski Ts’zil (Slides On The Mountain) but face a steep learning curve before they can make their historic attempt.
FALL HARVEST (3 mins)
DIRECTOR: KEENAN DESPLANQUES
(USA, 2 MIN)
In 2023, Nicholi Rogatkin had a season-ending injury and was forced to sit out for the summer. Fall Harvest highlights the magic of getting back on a bike again after an injury.

STRONG GRANDMA (15 mins)
DIRECTORS: CECILIA BROWN, WINSLOW CRANE-MURDOCH
PRODUCER: CECILIA BROWN
(USA, 15 MIN)
95 year old Catherine Kuehn is a world record winning deadlifter. As she prepares for her last competition she reflects on the love, and the loss, that brought her to this moment.
WATCH THE TRAILER!
A HUGE Thank you to our Event Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors: Caley Bowman, Rika Taylor and Mosaic Realty

Supporting Sponsors: Altura Architects, Youngblood Bicycles and Second Gear.

2024 MountainTrue Nolichucky BioBlitz in Erwin, TN
2024-06-01 09:00 - 16:30 | USA Raft, 2 Jones Branch Road, Erwin, TN, 37650
SAVE THE DATE! Each year, MountainTrue hosts a BioBlitz to record all the species we can find in a given area. We identify and catalog organisms using the online app iNaturalist. The BioBiltz this year will be on June 1st in Erwin, TN. There will be two options: a water-based adventure with a fee AND a land-based adventure that is FREE. Read on below for more information.
Come soak up the beauty of the Nolichucky River in Erwin, TN as we collect data to help support a Wild & Scenic Designation for this special place. This year’s BioBlitz will be based out of the USA Raft Adventure Resort. https://www.usaraft.com/
USA Raft has generously donated their facilities plus six guided rafts to take biophiles of all types down the Nolichucky Gorge, the deepest gorge in the Eastern U.S. and one of the best whitewater runs in the Appalachians. For just $120, you can have a full day adventure with lunch provided in a guided raft surrounded by experts in birds, vascular and nonvascular plants, insects, mammals, mushrooms and more. Rafts will stop at biological hotspots in the seldom explored Nolichucky Gorge. Participants may see rarities like hellbenders, piratebush, Virginia spirea, bleeding heart, ospreys, and eagles.
For land lovers, other groups will hike with experts in salamanders, mammals, plants, and mushrooms. One of our land based groups will spend the morning hiking and the afternoon snorkeling in the river, weather permitting. There is no ticket fee for the land-based BioBlitz. (No lunch is provided for land adventurers).*Group sign-ups are taken at the event and are first come, first serve. Group availability is subject to change.
Be sure to bring camp chairs and a change of dry clothes to share stories around the campfire from 4:30 p.m. on. Food and drink are available on site from the Take-out tavern, and there is usually live music on Saturday afternoons.
**Kids 10 years and older are welcome to join the water-based day if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the trip.**Kids aged 6 and up are welcome to join the land-based day if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the trip.
Meet-up location for both water-based and land-based events: USA Raft in Erwin, TN at 9 am with our investigating and documenting wrapping up around 4:30 pm.

Register:
Registration for the Water-based BioBlitz is now closed. Please contact amy@mountaintrue.org with any questions.

Register for Land-based BioBlitz!

This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us In-person Book Discussion in Asheville, NC 8/11
2024-08-11 16:00 - 18:00 | NE
This summer, we invite you to join MountainTrue’s Creation Care Alliance Program in reading This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us by the founder of Black Liturgies, Cole Arthur Riley. We will read at our own pace, taking time with each chapter and idea.
On Sunday, August 11th, we will gather in person in the Asheville area to discuss our learnings, questions, and how this book influenced us.
The exact location will be provided to registered participants closer to the event.
A virtual discussion will also be hosted on the evening of August 15th. Please click here if you prefer to register for the virtual screening.
Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy of this book. We can’t wait to discuss it with you and spend some sweet time in fellowship!

This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us VIRTUAL Book Discussion 8/15
2024-08-15 19:00 - 20:30 | NE
This summer, we invite you to join MountainTrue’s Creation Care Alliance Program in reading This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us by the founder of Black Liturgies, Cole Arthur Riley. We will read at our own pace, taking time with each chapter and idea.
On Thursday, August 15th, we will gather virtually via Zoom to discuss our learnings, questions, and how this book influenced us–as well as spend some quality time together.
An in-person discussion in the Asheville area is scheduled for Sunday, August 11th, so if you would rather join us physically, please register for the in person event here.
Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy of this book. We can’t wait to discuss it with you and spend some sweet time in fellowship!

MountainTrue 2024 Annual Gathering in Asheville, NC
2024-09-14 15:30 - 17:30 | Devil’s Foot, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28803, United States
You’re invited to the Annual MountainTrue Member Gathering on Saturday, September 14th. We will be back at Devil’s Foot Beverage in Asheville, NC this year.
Come early at 3 pm to meet our Board Members. General programming will begin at 3:30 pm and will include reflecting on our achievements to date in 2024 and honoring outstanding Volunteers. We will have heavy snacks and MountainTrue will cover the cost of your first beer, wine or n/a beverage.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Stick around after the business wraps for a fiery round of MountainTrue-themed trivia.
This event is open to current members of MountainTrue. Check your current membership status here or by emailing members@mountaintrue.org. If you’re not a current member, we would love to have you join us — You don’t want to miss out on the fun!
Come raise a glass with us to another year of being stronger together!
This event is free to current members but, if you would like to help us cover the cost of the event, the suggested donation per attendee is $25. This can be made as an additional donation on the registration form.

2025 CCA Summit: Faith-Based Organizing & Theological Action in the Wake of Helene near Asheville, NC-POSTPONED
2025-05-17 09:00 - 17:00 | Montreat Conference Center-Anderson Auditorium, 303 Lookout Rd., Montreat, NC, 28757
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our faith communities showed up in powerful and beautiful ways — providing comfort, aid, and support during a time of immense need. As we look ahead to healing and long-term resilience, we know that organizing and collective action are essential to building a stronger, more sustainable future for our region.
That’s why we had planned to transform our annual Creation Care Alliance Summit into a Faith and Organizing Summit led by Dr. Timothy Conder and Dr. Dan Rhodes of the Black Mountain School of Theology and Community.
While we remain deeply excited about this training, we have decided to postpone the event as we continue the process of hiring two key staff members: an Organizing Director for MountainTrue and an Organizer for the Creation Care Alliance. We believe these roles are essential to fully supporting our covenant partners and making this training as impactful and meaningful as possible.
We now aim to offer the summit in Winter 2025/2026 and look forward to building something deep and lasting together. (If you want to receive an email notification when the new Summit date has been confirmed, please click here.)
If you purchased a ticket, you may choose to: Receive a full refund or have your ticket fee converted to a tax-deductible donation. Please reply to sydney@mountaintrue.org with your preference.
If you or someone you know is interested in helping build a more just, sustainable, and connected region, please consider applying or sharing the open positions linked below: 👉 View Open Positions at MountainTrue 📬 Questions? Reach out at amy@mountaintrue.org
Thank you for your understanding, your support, and your commitment to this work.

2025 MountainTrue BioBlitz at Hickory Nut Gap Farm near Asheville, NC 6/21
2025-06-21 12:30 - 17:00 | Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Rd, Fairview, NC, 28730
Each year, MountainTrue hosts a BioBlitz to record all the species we can find in a given area. We identify and catalog organisms using the online app iNaturalist. The BioBiltz this year will be on June 21st at Hickory Nut Gap Farm near Asheville, NC.
Volunteers will hike with experts in reptiles/amphibians, mammals, birds, plants and mushrooms.*Group sign-ups are taken at the event and are first come, first serve. Group availability is subject to change.
We will meet at 12:30 pm to complete waivers and sign-up for groups. The BioBlitz will kick off at 1 pm and end at 5 pm. But the fun doesn’t stop there. We hope our volunteers will stick around for the barn dance at Hickory Nut Gap from 5 to 9 pm. All BioBlitz volunteers will receive free admission to the barn dance.
Garage BBQ food truck will be on site where you can purchase dinner. MountainTrue will provide snacks.
Please bring: water, sunscreen, bug spray, notebook (if desired), sturdy close-toed shoes and any snacks, etc. that you may need.
**Kids aged 6 and up are welcome to join if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the trip.
Thanks to our friends at Hickory Nut Gap Farm for hosting us!

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