MountainTrue

Father’s Day River Clean-Up
2017-06-18 12:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Jean Webb River Park, 30 Riverside Dr., Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Join us for a SPECIAL Dad’s Day River Clean Up with MountainTrue, Asheville GreenWorks, and RiverLink. Dads, moms, sisters, brothers, sons, and daughters….everyone’s invited! We’ll put in at Jean Webb River Park and float on down to the Salvage Station, picking trash and tires from the river the whole way. French Broad Chocolates has promised some goodies for us at the take-out, and we encourage folks to cool off with a cold brew at the Salvage Station.

Details:
– June 18 at 12:30pm – 3pm
– 1.5 mile paddle on French Broad

Meet at Jean Webb River Park (30 Riverside Dr. Asheville NC 28801). We’ll put on the river and float down to the Salvage Station. French Broad Outfitters will shuttle us back to our cars at the end of the paddle.

Boats, gloves, trash bags, and paddle gear will be supplied by MountainTrue, Riverlink, and Asheville Greenworks. Bring some water, a hat, and sunscreen.

This event is a great opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day, make a tangible contribution to Asheville’s most important natural asset, and raise awareness about issues that affect the cleanliness of our French Broad River.

Follow this link to sign up today!

Watauga Riverkeeper River Clean Up
2017-06-18 15:00 - 18:00 | The Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis, NC, 28604, United States
Powered by Eventbrite

Upper French Broad RiverFest Volunteer Sign Up
2017-06-24 10:00 - 17:00 | Champion Park, Main Street, Rosman , 28772, United States
MountainTrue needs your help at the Second Annual Upper French Broad RiverFest!
The Transylvania French Broad Stewards, a volunteer organization that promotes the natural and economic vitality of the Upper French Broad River in Transylvania County, is hosting the second annual Upper French Broad Riverfest! This family friendly event will celebrate the Upper French Broad River with live music, food, local vendors and exhibitors, and lots of activities for kids of all ages, including a canoe relay, free tubing for kids, fishing games, water quality and critters (sponsored and led by MountainTrue), reptiles and more. MountainTrue is a major partner is conducting the event, as well as the Town of Rosman and Headwaters Outfitters. Our sponsors include Transylvania Tourism, Transylvania County, Dugans Pub, and Keystone Camp. We need your help to make the event a success!
Volunteers will be assigned to various stations such as setup, cleanup, recycling and trash, water cooler table, runners, event guides, tubing supervisor, shuttle driver, canoe relay race supervisor, and registration/info table. Some exhibitors who are conducting kids’ activities may need occasional help. ​
All volunteers will receive a free Upper French Broad Riverfest volunteer t-shirt! Volunteers will be expected to wear the t-shirt at the event.
When: June 24, 2017, 10:00am-5:00pm
Where: Champion Park, Rosman, NC 287722
Here’s a link to sign up to help!

2017 Riverkeeper Beer Series at Wedge Brewing Co. at The Foundation
2017-07-08 13:00 - 19:00

2017 Riverkeeper Beer Series at Wicked Weed Brewing
2017-07-29 03:00 - 17:00
Join us for another great summer of great beers and fun on the river with the French Broad Riverkeeper Beer Series, presented by MountainTrue and Blue Ridge Orthodontics and sponsored by Mix 96.5.
From June through August, there will be five French Broad Riverkeeper Beer Series events that will include clean-ups and float trips on the French Broad River. Floaters and clean-up volunteers are then invited to sample a new limited-release beer from one of six participating breweries, including Hi-Wire Brewing, New Belgium Brewing, Oskar Blues Brewery, Wedge Brewing Company and Wicked Weed Brewing. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these very special beers goes to support the work of the French Broad Riverkeeper protecting the French Broad River watershed.
Each French Broad Riverkeeper Beer Series event will also be co-sponsored by a local outdoor gear manufacturer who will donate prizes, apparel and gear that will be raffled off at the release parties to support the cause. Supporting gear builders include Astral, Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO), Liquid Logic Kayaks, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), and Watershed.
Presented by MountainTrue and Blue Ridge Orthodontics and sponsored by Mix 96.5, the French Broad Riverkeeper Beer Series:

July 29 – Beer release party at Wicked Weed Brewing.
No float trip this time, just a beer release party from 3-5pm
August 3 – Save the French Broad River Concert featuring Michael Franti and Spearhead at the Salvage Station.
Get your tickets here: Buy Tickets on Eventbrite
August 12 – River float with a beer release party at Oskar Blues Brewery.
Get your tickets here: Buy Tickets on Eventbrite
August 19 – River float with beer release party at New Belgium Brewing.
Tickets coming soon.

The Riverkeeper Beer Series includes the August 3 Save the French Broad River Concert starring Michael Franti & Spearhead. Tickets for the concert are on sale now. Get more information and Buy Tickets for the Save the French Broad Concert on Eventbrite.

Save the French Broad Concert
2017-08-03 18:00 - 23:00 | The Salvage Station, 466 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC, 28804, United States
MountainTrue, the French Broad Riverkeeper, Blue Ridge Orthodontics and Mix 96.5 are pleased to announce the 2017 Riverkeeper Beer Series, including the French Broad River Concert on August 3 starring Michael Franti & Spearhead. Get your tickets here: Buy Tickets on Eventbrite.
French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson explains:
Asheville and the region love the French Broad River and the Riverkeeper Beer series is a great way to celebrate that. The Michael Franti concert combined with the river floats and beer release parties are a great way to enjoy summer in Asheville and support our work keeping the French Broad River a clean and safe place for people to paddle and play.
Tickets for the concert go on sale Friday, April 7. General Admission is $31 advance / $36 at the door. VIP tickets are $100. VIP ticket holders will have an opportunity to attend a short, intimate acoustic set by Michael Franti prior to the show, access to food by Salvage Station, reserved viewing area with private bar during the main concert, and complimentary special release beers by Hi-Wire Brewing, Wedge Brewing Co., Wicked Weed Brewing, Oskar Blues Brewery, and New Belgium Brewing.
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD
Michael Franti is a musician, filmmaker and humanitarian who is recognized as a pioneering force in the music industry. Long known for his globally conscious lyrics, powerful performances, and dynamic live shows, Franti has continually been at the forefront of lyrical activism, using his music as a positive force for change.
“I make music because I believe it can change people’s lives and make a difference in the world,” enthuses Franti, “music gives us new energy and a stronger sense of purpose.” He and his band Spearhead, known for their authentic and uplifting music, have found global success with multi-platinum songs like “Say Hey (I Love You)”, the chart breaking 2010 release of The Sound Of Sunshine. Franti and his band guarantee a show that will be thought provoking as well as energetic.
Franti has a brand new single, “Once A Day” from his upcoming debut album on Fantasy Records. “Once a Day” was inspired by his son’s diagnosis with a rare kidney disease called FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) in the hopes that this song would inspire anyone in the world who is going through challenging times. “My belief is that through music, dance and gratitude for this life we can all ‘rise up’,” explains Franti. “Once A Day” was produced by Supa Dups (Eminem, Damian Marley, Bruno Mars) and features special guest Sonna Rele. This new song has the same feel-good, inspiring vibe as “Say Hey (I Love You),” his 2x platinum hit single.
Giving back has always been at the heart of Franti’s mission, he has dedicated his life to spreading the joy of music and positivity to millions of people. Franti’s humanitarian, social justice, and peace efforts continue to inspire his music and are infused throughout his upcoming album on Fantasy Records due to release in May 2016.
We hope you’ll join us for what’s sure to be an amazing show!

2017 Riverkeeper Beer Series at Oskar Blues Brewery
2017-08-12 14:00 - 20:00

2017 Riverkeeper Beer Series at New Belgium Brewing Co.
2017-08-19 13:00 - 19:00

30th Annual Big Sweep River Clean Up
2017-09-09 09:00 - 16:00
Join us Saturday, September 9 for the 30th annual NC Big Sweep River Clean Up!
MountainTrue is partnering with community organizations including GreenWorks, RiverLink, AmeriCorps Project Conserve and Mills River Partnership to bring as many volunteers together as possible. With support from our Riverkeeper programs on the French Broad, Watauga, Broad and Green Rivers, we plan to make this the best Big Sweep yet. Come on out to be part of the effort!
Please note that roadside clean up spots are still available, but registration for river clean ups out of the Asheville/Hendersonville area are closed.
Please see the headers below to determine which sign-up to use (and if you have any questions about the best location for you to select, please contact Jack Henderson at wqa@mountaintrue.org). Looking forward to seeing you on the water!
If you want to help clean-up the French Broad River near Asheville/Hendersonville, please sign-up using this link.
If you want to help clean-up the Watauga, Broad or Green River, please sign-up with this link.
After signing up, our team will be in touch with you closer to the date to sort out all details of gear, meeting location, etc. Let’s make this the greatest Big Sweep yet!

Volunteer to Build a New Campsite on the French Broad Paddle Trail
2017-09-19 09:30 - 16:30 | Westfeldt Park, 83 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC, 28732, United States
Come help us add a new campsite to the French Broad Paddle Trail! We’re looking to class up the French Broad with a new campsite at the FB’s confluence with Mud Creek. We’ll need help mowing grass, weed-eating, back-hoe driving, outhouse, stair, and picnic table building, as well as invasive species removal. Please RSVP here to let us know you’re coming!
Bring/Wear:

closed-toed shoes
water
rain gear
loppers, pruners, work gloves (We’ve got a few of these, but if you’ve got some, it’d be helpful to bring them)
lunch

We’ll meet at Westfeldt Park and caravan from there to the campsite. Please RSVP here to let us know you’re coming!
Contact Anna Alsobrook at anna@mountaintrue.org with any questions.

Public Utilities Commission Hearing on Proposed Duke Energy Rate Increase
2017-09-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Buncombe County Court House, 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Duke Energy is asking the NC Utilities Commission (NCUC) for permission to raise our residential electric rates over 16% in order to pay for their coal ash mess. Duke also wants to almost double the fixed charge we pay them before we even flip a switch!
This means more money out of your pocket to pay for Duke Energy’s mess. For years, Duke has known about and either ignored or fought to avoid cleaning up their leaking toxic coal ash pits, and we have been paying the price for their negligence.
Come to the public hearing of the Utilities Commission on Wednesday September 27th to tell commissioners to make Duke pay for their own mistakes. Click here to see details about the hearing and to RSVP.
Raise your voice to tell Duke Energy we won’t pay for their dirty energy!

Paddle Protest: Protect Our Water, Move Your Ash!
2017-10-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Old Cliffside Mill, 35.238986, -81.767038
Join MountainTrue and the Broad River Alliance on Saturday, October 14 for a paddle protest on the Broad River to hold Duke Energy accountable! Duke Energy’s own data shows that unlined coal ash pits at the Cliffside Power Plant (James E. Roger’s Energy Complex) are polluting the Broad River with toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, mercury and lead. Recent water testing by MountainTrue confirms this finding, but Duke Energy has refused to clean up their toxic mess.
We will paddle a short section of the Broad River, stopping in front of the power plant for a photo with a banner that reads,“Protect Our Water, Move Your Ash!”
You can bring your own boat, or borrow one from MountainTrue. Bring your own water and a snack.
Meet us at 11 am at the Old Cliffside Mill on Hwy 221-A, beside the bridge over the Second Broad. (We will have signs directing you.) We’ll be parking at the Cliffside United Methodist Church. We’ll take out at Lake Hauser by 1 pm.
See you there!

2017 MountainTrue Annual Gathering
2017-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | New Belgium Brewing Company, 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
We who are MountainTrue have much to celebrate this year. In the response to threats to our waters, lands and communities, we have come together to raise our collective voice on behalf of the future we want to uphold and protect. We will also be welcoming the Asheville Design Center to the MountainTrue family! Our merger creates one organization better able to pursuing a holistic approach to our built and natural environments.
To celebrate these developments and also camaraderie of fellow MountainTrue members, we hope you will come out to the 2017 Annual Gathering – see you there!

To check and see if your membership is current, click here.
If you would like to join or renew your membership, click here.

Impacts of Livestock Operations on Water Quality Presentation
2017-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Sanctuary Brewing Company, 147 1st Ave E, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
Hartwell Carson, French Broad Riverkeeper, and Gray Jernigan, Green Riverkeeper, will present on the impacts to our waterways from raining animals for food, particularly from large scale, industrial livestock operations.
This event is brought to you by Sanctuary Brewing Company, Asheville Vegan Outreach, and MountainTrue!

Paddle-n-Plant: Live Staking with the French Broad Riverkeeper
2018-02-02 10:00 - 16:00, 2018-02-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2018-02-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Westfeldt Park, 83 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC, 28732, United States
The French Broad Riverkeeper and MountainTrue are combating sediment erosion in our local waterways. Sediment is a major polluter in our river basin, clogging fish and aquatic habitats, increasing water temperatures, and transporting toxic substances. We are helping to reduce the amount of sediment that flows into our rivers by planting live-stakes along eroding riverbanks. These stakes will grow into trees that will stabilize the sides of the rivers and creeks where we plant them, and will reduce the overall amount of sediment getting into the river.
We’ll be planting through March, so come out to one or more of our Paddle-n-Plant work days!
Follow this link to sign up & read more about what to bring, what to expect, and what other work day dates are coming up!

Paddle-n-Plant: Live Staking with the French Broad Riverkeeper and the Creation Care Alliance
2018-03-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Westfeldt Park, 83 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC, 28732, United States

Know Before You Go: Guide to the French Broad Paddle Trail
2018-03-08 18:30 - 20:00 | The Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St., Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
MountainTrue, Headwaters Outfitters, and the Wedge are excited to offer this free course on paddling the French Broad! We will cover topics including the history of the paddle trail, how to pack, trip suggestions, leaving no trace, and paddling with your kids and pets!
We will also be selling our French Broad Paddle Trail Maps, written by Chris Gibbs and our very own French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson for $17.95. This map includes information about different river accesses and take out sites from Rosman, NC to Newport, TN.
See you there!

Know Before You Go: Guide to the French Broad Paddle Trail
2018-03-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Forks of the River Taproom, 25 Parkway Rd, Rosman, NC, 28772, United States
MountainTrue, Headwaters Outfitters, and the Forks of the River Taproom are excited to offer this free course on paddling the French Broad! We will cover topics including the history of the paddle trail, how to pack, trip suggestions, leaving no trace, and paddling with your kids and pets!
We will also be selling our French Broad Paddle Trail Maps, written by Chris Gibbs and our very own French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson for $17.95. This map includes information about different river accesses and take out sites from Rosman, NC to Newport, TN.
See you there!

Campsite Build Day!
2018-03-16 10:00 - 15:00, 2018-03-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Yadkin Rd, 30 Yadkin Rd, Fletcher, NC, 28732
We’re opening a new paddle-in only campsite this summer, and need some help in getting it ready. This site will fill a current gap in the Trail, allowing folks to paddle from Brevard to Asheville (let’s be honest, it’s more like Oskar Blues – Sierra Nevada – New Belgium) more easily. Work will include mowing, clearing, step-building, picnic table construction, invasives removal, and general campsite maintenance. We’ve got lots of tools, loppers, and gloves, but bring your own if you like. Email anna@mountaintrue.org for any questions and click here to RSVP!
To Bring:

Wear clothes you don’t care to get dirty
Lunch
Water Bottle
Sunscreen

SMIE Spring Training
2018-03-17 09:00 - 16:00 | Blue Ridge Community College, 180 W Campus Dr, Flat Rock, NC, 28731, United States
Are you invested in the health of your local rivers and streams? Do you want to get involved in a meaningful way? Then MountainTrue has an opportunity for you!
We rely on volunteers to monitor stream health throughout Henderson County and participate in bio-monitoring twice per year, once in April and once in October. Through the Stream Monitoring Information Exchange (SMIE) bio-monitoring program, we sample aquatic macro-invertebrates, or aquatic insects, as indicators of water quality. Bugs tell us a lot about the health and vitality of our rivers and streams.
Learn how you can help at our SMIE training on March 17. Learn the protocols of biomonitoring including how to collect and identify bugs, record data, and utilize sampling equipment. The first half of the day will take place at Blue Ridge Community College followed by a field site visit after lunch!
Both new and returning SMIE volunteers are welcome! Please bring a water bottle, a pen or pencil, waders if you have them (some waders will be provided and not all participants will need to enter the stream).

Live Staking with the Watauga Riverkeeper
2018-03-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Cove Creek School, 930 Vanderpool Rd, Vilas, NC, 28692
Sediment is a major polluter in our river basin, clogging fish and aquatic habitats, increasing water temperatures, and transporting toxic substances. Come to help Andy Hill, the Watauga Riverkeeper reduce the amount of sediment that flows into our rivers by planting live-stakes along eroding riverbanks. These stakes will grow into trees that will stabilize the sides of the rivers and creeks where we plant them, and will reduce the overall amount of sediment getting into the river.
Make sure to bring:

warm layers (dress for weather, but also make sure it’s things you don’t mind to get dirty)
rubber boots and/or waders (We have some, but not many so bring your own if you have them.)
pocket knife and/or clippers/garden shears (if you have them)
water to drink
really, just what you think you need to keep warm and dry that day.

French Broad River Adventures
2018-04-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Diamond Brand Outdoors, 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC, 28803
The French Broad River runs through western North Carolina from Rosman into Tennessee’s Douglas Lake. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the river as it travels through rolling farmland, national forests, urban areas, and quirky mountain towns. Choose from a litany of options such as day trips, tube floats, section paddles, and more.
Hartwell Carson, the French Broad Riverkeeper, will discuss the French Broad River Paddle Trail and the annual MountainTrue French Broad River Paddle Trip, a multi-day paddle-camping adventure with the rare opportunity to camp on Sierra Nevada Brewery, Asheville, NC‘s riverfront property scheduled for August 1-3 this year. The trail was ranked as one of the world’s premiere travel destinations by Outside Magazine in 2016.
Kids and well-behaved pets are welcome at this free presentation.

Film Screening: Under Contract
2018-04-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Sanctuary Brewing Company, 147 1st Ave E, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
For the first time in a full-length documentary, contract farmers tell their stories, and industry experts reveal how the corporate production model pits farmer against farmer. Under Contract: Farmers and the Fine Print takes audiences across the American South and to Southern India to understand what’s happening to farmers living under contract and what we can do to change our food system for the better. The story of the contract farmer is the story of what’s changing in rural America.
Power in agriculture is changing hands, but few people know what’s happening to the farmers producing our food. Under Contract tells this story through the lens of global poultry farming. In the U.S. alone, 97% of the chicken produced is raised by family farmers under contract with large companies. Around the world and all across agriculture, contract farming is taking hold. But farmers who sign contracts often face unfair challenges and hidden risks under the terms offered by large firms. Under Contract provides a timely glimpse into the little understood fine print of modern agriculture.

French Broad River Campsite Build
2018-04-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Westfeldt Park, 83 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC, 28732, United States
Come help MountainTrue add a new campsite to the French Broad Paddle Trail! We’re looking to class up the French Broad with a new campsite at the FB’s confluence with Mud Creek. We’ll need help mowing grass, weed-eating, back-hoe driving, outhouse, stair, and picnic table building, as well as invasive species removal.
You should bring/wear:

closed-toed shoes
water
rain gear
loppers, pruners, work gloves (We’ve got a few of these, but if you’ve got some, it’d be helpful to bring them)
lunch

We’ll meet at Westfeldt Park and caravan from there to the campsite!

8th Annual Green River Spring Cleaning
2018-04-14 11:30 - 18:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Join MountainTrue’s Green Riverkeeper, Shane Benedict of Liquidlogic Kayaks, fellow paddlers and enthusiasts for a clean up of the Green River Gorge! Join a group of advanced paddlers on the upper an narrows sections, beginners and intermediate paddlers on the lower section, or support the effort by picking up litter along Green River Cove Road and trails of the Green River Game Lands to help us beautify this special place. Bring your own boat or reserve a seat in one of a limited number of canoes available for paddlers comfortable on Class II whitewater of the lower gorge. If you are on the water you will need to bring all your paddling gear and boat (unless you are confirmed as using one of MountainTrue’s, first come first served). If you are on shore please bring sturdy shoes and clothing to be ready for any type of weather. Please bring your own water and food for the day while we are out on the clean up.
Come to The Gorge (166 Honey Bee Dr, Saluda, NC 28773) afterwards for the culminating after party beginning at 5pm! Register below!

Riverkeeper Beer Series Pickup, Paddle, Party- Sanctuary Brewery
2018-04-21 13:00 - 17:00 | Sanctuary Brewing Company, 147 1st Ave E, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
Join MountainTrue, 98.1 The River, and Lazy Otter Outfitters at Sanctuary Brewery for the next great installment of the Riverkeeper Beer Series! Come ready to float, clean up our river, and taste the release of the Riverkeeper Beer at the afterparty.
Participants will meet at Lazy Otter Outfitters (10 Banner Farm Rd, Mills River) and float downstream on a lazy float and trash hunt. After the float, Sanctuary will host an afterparty for the cleanup crew with Riverkeeper Beer on tap. Boats and paddling gear are provided, but folks are welcome to bring their own. This section of the river is flatwater and suitable for all paddlers.
The first ten folks to register will receive the 2018 Recover Brands Riverkeeper Beer Series shirt. Everyone will have a chance to win some great prizes from the Asheville Gear Builders for finding the weirdest trash, most tires, creepiest trash, and best overall trash haul.
Get your tickets here!

12th Annual Spring Green Bash
2018-05-05 | Green River Adventures, 111 E. Main Street, Saluda, NC, 28773, United States
It’s time for Saluda’s best block party of the year! This year’s Bash will benefit Mountain True’s Green Riverkeeper program and will feature live music by Time Sawyer and local legend Aaron Burdett, beer by Oskar Blues, Subaru demos by Prestige Subaru, a kayak raffle by Liquid Logic Kayaks, and footwear demos by Astral Designs. For more information or to make reservations for any of the amazing adventures prior to the party (see schedule below), please call Green River Adventures at 828-749-2800. We look forward to seeing everyone on May 5th!
Upper Green Inflatable Kayak Trip: 8:30am-12:30pm
Big Bradley Waterfall Rappel: 9:00am-1:00pm
Waterfall Trek: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Lower Green Inflatable Kayak Trip: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Lower Green Inflatable Kayak Trip: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Time Sawyer opens for the Aaron Burdett Band: 5:00pm
Aaron Burdett Band: 6:00pm
