MountainTrue

French Broad River Clean-Up Penrose Boating Access Area to Blantyre Park near Hendersonville, NC 8/16
2025-08-16 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Blantyre Park, 120 Grove Bridge Rd., Hendersonville, NC, 28739
Volunteers are invited to help clean up trash with French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, Jack Henderson, and other members of MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper team.
The clean-up will be boat-based and focus on the French Broad River in Transylvania and Henderson counties between Penrose Boating Access Area and Blantyre Park.
MountainTrue can provide canoes (with paddles and PFDs) to volunteers with previous paddling experience, but attendees are otherwise requested to bring their own boats. MountainTrue will also provide gloves, trash bags, a dumpster for trash removal, and a shuttle to the put-in.
If you need to borrow a boat from MountainTrue, please use the boat request form. (We have a limited number of boats so you must complete this form to borrow a boat).ALL participants, regardless of whether you are borrowing a boat or bringing your own, must sign-up through the “sign-up” link to ensure we can adhere to safety standards for the maximum number of participants.
Please bring:

PFD if bringing your own boat.
Appropriate clothing and footwear for paddling and cleaning up trash (closed-toed shoes recommended).
Drinking water, snacks, lunch.
Change of clothes for after the event.

Kids under the age of 18 are allowed as long as accompanied by a parent/guardian AND are experienced paddlers.
To thank you for your time, volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours.
This event has been generously-sponsored by Explore Brevard through the Transylvania County TDA’s Transylvania Always grant program. Transylvania Always’ mission is to address the impact of users on the county’s public lands, specifically the safe and enjoyable use of natural resources, and we’re fortunate to have received funding to support our work to clean up the French Broad River.

We are also partnering with Conserving Carolina, a Hendersonville-based land trust servicing Polk, Henderson, and Transylvania counties, and parts of Rutherford and other surrounding counties. Their mission is to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of the natural world, and we are grateful that their work includes bringing staff and volunteer support to clean-ups and other initiatives that overlap with ours.

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MountainTrue Water Quality Sample Blitz in Mud Creek Watershed near Hendersonville, NC-Aug, 12, 19 & 26th
2025-08-19 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Ingles-Hendersonville, 1980 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC, 28792
We’re doing an intensive water quality look across the Mud Creek watershed. For three weeks, we’ll be taking samples specifically looking at bacteria pollution in Mud Creek.
We’ll meet at the Ingles parking lot (address below), where MountainTrue staff will give you materials and teach you what you need to know. From there, we’ll all go grab samples from different locations and then meet back at the Ingles parking lot by 2PM to drop samples off, so MountainTrue staff can bring them back to the lab to process.
Bring lunch and a small cooler if you have one. We’ll provide sampling materials and gloves. We’ll be working off of Google Maps, so it’s helpful to have that app on your phone, or partner with someone who does. Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
Meet-up location: We will meet at Tunnel Rd. Ingles (1980 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791
Please wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
Samples will be taken on three consecutive weeks. Please sign up for the shifts that work for you.

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MountainTrue Riverkeeper Beer Series Clean-up in Asheville, NC with Hi-Wire Brewing 8/23
2025-08-23 13:00 - 17:00 | Hi-Wire Brewing RAD location, 284 Lyman St, Asheville, NC, 28801
Our region’s rivers were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, and with breweries playing a key role in our tourism economy, MountainTrue, the French Broad Riverkeeper, and Hi-Wire Brewing are teaming up to help restore our waterways.
Join us on August 23rd for a river cleanup! We’ll head out for an on-the-water cleanup, then return to the brewery to celebrate with beer and prizes.
We encourage you to bring your own boat to clean-up. Please make sure you bring a PFD if you bring your own boat. If you need to borrow a boat, MountainTrue has boat spots for 20 people***Please click here to reserve your spot in a MountainTrue boat.
All participants, regardless of whether borrowing a boat or bringing their own, MUST pre-register using the “sign-up” link to ensure we can adhere to safety standards.
More details about meet-up location and shuttles will be emailed to registered participants the week before the event.
All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours!
Kids under the age of 18 are welcome as long as accompanied by a parent or guardian AND they feel comfortable in a boat for several hours.
A HUGE thank you to Hi-Wire Brewing, Eno and Recover brands for sponsoring this event!
The afterparty will be at the RAD location: 284 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801

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RISE: A Fly Fishing Festival celebrating the French Broad River Community in Asheville, NC 8/24
2025-08-24 11:00 - 20:00 | Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, 9 Midnight Drive, Asheville, 28806, United States
Join Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins and Uproar for the inaugural Fly Fishing Festival on August 24th in Asheville, NC. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit MountainTrue & RiverLink.
The festival will take place just weeks from the one-year anniversary of Helene — a highly anticipated milestone for the people and businesses that have worked tirelessly to stand each other back up. Much like a native brook trout chasing a dry fly, together we will RISE to shift the current toward recovery on the river.
What to expect?
*casting and fly-tying competitions
*fly fishing clinics
*kid-friendly programming
*raffles
*shoppable A-frame cabin “takeovers” by outdoor brands
*live music in the Wrong Way Meadow
*food and drinks from Imposter Pizza Co., Chop Shop Butchery, and featured local breweries
*Fish Flash Tattoo Studio (Multiple local tattoo artists will offer river-centric flash designs)
The event is FREE to attend.
ABOUT WRONG WAY RIVER LODGE & CABINS
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is Asheville’s only outdoor-centered hotel, an urban cabin campground on the French Broad River Greenway in West Asheville, NC, opened by two locals and former river guides. Sixteen A-frame cabins built into the landscape give guests a basecamp for Asheville at the intersection of urban and the outdoors. The communal River Lodge anchors the property as a place to eat, drink, gather, and shop. The core mission of Wrong Way is to connect guests with the transformational qualities of the outdoors through comfortable accommodations, convenient access, inspiring experiences, and a little local culture. wrongwaycampground.com
ABOUT UPROAR CONCEPT
The Uproar Concept is a partnership between Nate Jordan and Derek DiLuzio founded on a shared drive to create, reimagine how creative content is crafted, celebrate the great outdoors, build authentic connections, and develop a more sustainable future. The company was founded with a goal of providing exceptional creative deliverables capable of elevating any brand. Uproar believes in working collaboratively with our clients to create disturbances in the market that command attention and achieve results. uproarconcept.com
For questions about the event, please contact: kelsey@dearclivepr.com
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BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour screenings benefiting MountainTrue in Asheville, NC Sept 12 & 13th
2025-09-12 19:00 - 21:30, 2025-09-13 19:00 - 21:30 | Wortham Center for Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC, 28801
MountainTrue is BEYOND thrilled to bring the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Asheville, NC on September 12th & 13th — and you’re invited for not one, but TWO unforgettable nights of high-altitude excitement! 🏔️🎬
Join us for a celebration of jaw-dropping adventure, heart-pounding sports, wild places, and inspiring stories from around the globe. 🌍 Whether you’re a climber, paddler, trail fanatic, or armchair adventurer — there’s something here to spark your spirit.
✨ Can’t get enough? We’ve got you covered: each night features a completely different lineup of films, so go ahead — double-dip the adventure!
Current MountainTrue Members will receive a PRESALE code on July 1st. (Not a member but don’t want to miss the first shot at tickets? Join here). The presale runs from July 1st at 10 am through 11:59 pm on July 11th. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on July 12th at 10 am.
This event is going to be hotter than a campfire on a chilly night! Don’t get left at basecamp — snag your tickets now and secure your spot for the adventure! 🥾🔥
Full event info
Want your own adventure? Check out our BANFF Premier Winner’s Choice Raffle!
This night would not be possible without our LOCAL Sponsors. Please join us in thanking and supporting:
Headwaters Sponsor:

Hellbender Sponsors:

Tangerine Darter Sponsors:

BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour screenings benefiting MountainTrue in Asheville, NC Sept 12 & 13th
2025-09-12 19:00 - 2025-09-13 21:30 | Wortham Center for Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC, 28801
MountainTrue is BEYOND thrilled to bring the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Asheville, NC on September 12th & 13th — and you’re invited for not one, but TWO unforgettable nights of high-altitude excitement! 🏔️🎬
Join us for a celebration of jaw-dropping adventure, heart-pounding sports, wild places, and inspiring stories from around the globe. 🌍 Whether you’re a climber, paddler, trail fanatic, or armchair adventurer — there’s something here to spark your spirit.
✨ Can’t get enough? We’ve got you covered: each night features a completely different lineup of films, so go ahead — double-dip the adventure!
Current MountainTrue Members will receive a PRESALE code on July 1st. (Not a member but don’t want to miss the first shot at tickets? Join here). The presale runs from July 1st at 10 am through 11:59 pm on July 11th. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on July 12th at 10 am.
This event is going to be hotter than a campfire on a chilly night! Don’t get left at basecamp — snag your tickets now and secure your spot for the adventure! 🥾🔥

Full event info

MountainTrue Post Hurricane Helene river clean-up AND after-party with Oak & Grist near Swannanoa, NC 9/20
2025-09-20 10:00 - 14:00 | NC
Come join the Mountain True team and Oak and Grist as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in the Swannanoa River. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up. All volunteers are invited for FREE food after the clean-up, sponsored by Oak & Grist.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, lunch/snacks, and perhaps a change of clothes for afterward in case you get wet or dirty. We will have plenty of trash bags, gloves, safety glasses, and buckets for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, hand saws, rakes, etc., however, feel free to bring your own if you would like. We will have our dump trailer there for the removal of collected garbage and recyclables.
LOCATION:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/f5iWAy1t5xn8pvLJ9

82 State Rd 2754
Asheville, NC 28805
35.581049, -82.473118

We will meet in the parking lot across the river from the buildings (No one needs to cross the bridge). Participants will be wading during the event.

You’re invited!Our friends at Oak & Grist will feed all volunteers and their immediate family members for FREE at their distillery after the clean-up.1556 Grovestone Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711The after-celebration starts around 3:30 pm. Please make sure to RSVP so they can ensure there is enough food for everyone.
The distillery will also be contributing 5% of seasonal cocktail, beer, and wine sales for the day to MountainTrue. So tell your friends that even if they can’t make the clean up, they can still support our efforts by raising a glass for a good cause.
To thank you for your time, volunteers are also eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours.

Stories of Resilience: Films from the year since Hurricane Helene in Hendersonville, NC 9/27
2025-09-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Hendersonville Theater, 229 S Washington Street, Hendersonville, NC, 28739
One year after Hurricane Helene, join MountainTrue, Conserving Carolina, Henderson County-Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity for powerful PBS NC films + a live panel on river recovery, community strength & hope. $10 supports local impact. Let’s rise together!
This special screening features a series of short films produced by PBS NC that shine a light on our region’s rivers and the communities working to protect them. From disaster response to long-term conservation, these powerful stories highlight what it means to build a safer, more sustainable future.
One film follows MountainTrue in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene as they responded to the dramatic transformation of the Green River and distributed well testing kits to local residents. Another explores how Conserving Carolina is restoring natural floodplains, a type of work that not only reduces flood risk but also revives vital wildlife habitats. One of these restored areas is in a neighborhood built by Henderson County & Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity, providing both protection and a peaceful green space for residents.
Following the screening (just under an hour), stay for a 30-minute panel discussion featuring representatives from MountainTrue, Conserving Carolina, and Henderson County & Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity. They’ll answer your questions and share more about the work being done to make our communities stronger and more resilient.
Your $10 ticket helps bring this event to life and support local impact. Net proceeds will be divided equally among Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue, and Henderson County & Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity. If you feel inspired to give more, you’ll have the option to contribute above the ticket price—every extra dollar will further support these three great causes. Please note: donations through ticket sales will be treated as anonymous gifts.
Ticket sales will open at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Register!

MountainTrue & NECHAMA Reverse Tashlich river clean-up & celebration near Asheville, NC 9/28
2025-09-28 10:00 - 14:00 | NC
Join Jewish disaster relief organization, NECHAMA, and MountainTrue for a river clean-up and celebration of Reverse Tashlich. Reverse Tashlich, an initiative by Repair the Sea, invites communities to take hands-on, meaningful action during the High Holidays by cleaning up our waterways. Clean-up will focus on Hurricane Helene Debris and will be land-based.
Participants can expect to learn about NECHAMA and take part in a short ritual to honor Reverse Tashlich during the clean-up.
During Tashlich on Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, followers symbolically cast “sins” into water. In Reverse Tashlich, that ritual is turned into action by removing human “sin” from the water – cleaning up local waterways and starting the year with purpose and care.
Join us for a more extensive celebration after the clean-up at the Jewish Community Center in Asheville, NC from 2:30 to 4 pm. Can’t join the clean-up? Just come for the party!
LOCATION: The exact location will be communicated closer to the cleanup and is dependent on the Army Corps of Engineers. We expect to be close to the Asheville, NC area.
Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring drinking water, snacks, weather-appropriate attire, and a change of clothes for afterward in case you get wet or dirty. We will have plenty of trash bags, gloves, safety glasses, and buckets for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, hand saws, rakes, etc., however, feel free to bring your own if you would like. We will have our dump trailer there for the removal of collected garbage and recyclables.
To thank you for your time, volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours.
NECHAMA, rooted in the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, is the sole national Jewish organization dedicated to disaster relief and have been in the region helping out since Hurricane Helene.

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MountainTrue French Broad River Section 10 Clean-Up #1 in Tennessee 10/2
2025-10-02 09:00 - 17:00 | Paint Rock, Lower Paint Creek Rd, Greeneville, TN, 37743
Volunteers are invited to help clean up Helene-deposited trash from the French Broad River in Cocke County, Tennessee with MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper team and outfitters associated with the Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association. This clean-up will be boat-based and focus on the river between the North Carolina / Tennessee state line at Paint Rock and Wolf Creek Boat Launch in Del Rio. This stretch of river is often referred to as “Section 10” and contains numerous class II rapids.
Previous whitewater paddling experience is required and experience with river clean-ups is strongly encouraged. MountainTrue can provide a limited number of rafts and inflatable kayaks to volunteers, but attendees are otherwise requested to bring their own boats and equipment. If you bring your own gear, make sure to bring a whitewater-suitable PFD and weather-appropriate clothing. MountainTrue will provide gloves, grabbers, trash bags, a dump trailer for trash removal, and a shuttle to the put-in.
We will meet at Paint Rock on River Road on the state line at 9:00 AM; drop boats, gear, and non-drivers; and then drive vehicles to the take-out at Wolf Creek Boat Launch in Del Rio. We will then be shuttled back up to Paint Rock where we will put on the river and head downstream. This section is 6 miles and will likely take around 6 hours to paddle.
If you need to borrow a boat from MountainTrue, email (jack@mountaintrue.org) or call (703-638-3616) Jack Henderson at least 2 days before the event.
Please Bring: whitewater-appropriate paddling equipment and clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, drinking water, snacks, lunch, a change of clothes for afterwards, and any medications you might need on the water.
All participants must sign-up in advance to ensure we adhere to logistics and safety standards.
**Kids under the age of 18 are allowed as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and are experienced whitewater paddlers.
To thank you for your time, volunteers are also eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours.
This event has been generously funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Reservoir & Community Cleanups program and is occurring in partnership with Cherokee National Forest’s Unaka Ranger District. We are very grateful for both entities for their support.

Stronger than the Storm: A MountainTrue Gathering honoring the challenge, the recovery & the people making it happen in Asheville, NC 10/2
2025-10-02 17:30 - 20:00 | Asheville Yards, 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC, 28801
It’s been nearly a year since Helene, and we’re still here and stronger than ever. To mark the one-year anniversary, we decided to focus on what matters most: coming together to honor people like you who are helping our mountain communities recover. This event will be our Annual Member Gathering, Volunteer Appreciation, and community celebration rolled into one special event! We hope you will join us as we recognize this milestone with an inspiring celebration of the people, the progress, and the power of community.

📅 Thursday, October 2, 2025
📍 Asheville Yards — 75 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
🕠 Doors open at 5:30 PM
What’s in store?
🎵 Live music by Unihorn (featuring members of Empire Strikes Brass!)
🌭 Delicious local food
🎨🖌️ Face painting & fairy hair
🎁 Door prizes
📰 Community resources
…and a whole lot more!
This is the commemorative event that you don’t want to miss, so mark your calendars. In the spirit of community, we hope you will invite your friends and neighbors. There is something for everyone, so don’t forget to bring the kiddos and the young at heart.
Entry will be FREE for MountainTrue supporters. One drink ticket is included with your MountainTrue supporter ticket.
MountainTrue Members & volunteers: please check your email on Aug. 25th for the rsvp code for free entry
$10 entry fee for the general public. (Kids 12 and under are free). Cash bar and Blue Collar Diner food truck on-site for delicious, local dinner!
**We don’t want the entry fee to this community celebration to be a financial burden for anyone. If you would like to attend but cannot afford the entry fee, please contact amy@mountaintrue.org.

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Please join us in thanking our event sponsor: Earth Equity Advisors!

MountainTrue French Broad River Section 10 Clean-Up #2 in Tennessee 10/9
2025-10-09 09:00 - 17:00 | NC

MountainTrue French Broad River Section 10 Clean-Up #3 in Tennessee 10/16
2025-10-16 09:00 - 17:00 | NC

MountainTrue Post Hurricane Helene river clean-up AND after-party with Oak & Grist near Swannanoa, NC 11/15
2025-11-15 10:00 - 14:00 | NC
Come join the Mountain True team and Oak and Grist as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in the Swannanoa River. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up. All volunteers are invited for FREE food after the clean-up, sponsored by Oak & Grist.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, lunch/snacks, and perhaps a change of clothes for afterward in case you get wet or dirty. We will have plenty of trash bags, gloves, safety glasses, and buckets for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, hand saws, rakes, etc., however, feel free to bring your own if you would like. We will have our dump trailer there for the removal of collected garbage and recyclables.
LOCATION:
The exact location will be emailed to participants closer to the event date. Location is largely based on where the Army Corps of Engineers is working, parking, and other factors. We expect to be in or around Swannanoa, NC.
You’re invited!
Our friends at Oak & Grist will feed all volunteers and their immediate family members for FREE at their distillery after the clean-up.
1556 Grovestone Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711
The after-celebration starts around 3:30 pm. Please make sure to RSVP so they can ensure there is enough food for everyone.
The distillery will also be contributing 5% of seasonal cocktail, beer, and wine sales for the day to MountainTrue. So tell your friends that even if they can’t make the clean up, they can still support our efforts by raising a glass for a good cause.

To thank you for your time, volunteers are also eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours.

Giving Tuesday Clean-up with MountainTrue & Pirani near Asheville, NC 12/2
2025-12-02 11:00 - 15:00 | NC
Join MountainTrue for a special Giving Tuesday river clean-up sponsored by our friends at Pirani Life. Pirani will graciously donate $2 per pound of trash removed (up to $5,000). Help us clean up the river AND raise funds! (This will be a land-based clean-up, but be prepared to wade in the water).
The clean-up location will be in Buncombe County, but the exact location will be set closer to the event and emailed to registered participants (dependent upon many factors).
Kids aged 14 and up are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
***IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION EMAIL ONCE YOU HAVE REGISTERED, PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM/JUNK FOLDERS FOR EMAILS FROM MOBILIZE.
All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours!

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