MountainTrue

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Marshall 11/14
2024-11-14 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Redmon Dam River Access, 2753 Redmon Rd., Marshall, NC, 28753, United States
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene at Redmon Dam River Access downstream of Marshall. We will be focusing on the park itself, along with riparian areas on river-right, extending downstream as far as we can walk.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (loppers, saws, shovels, ladders, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage.
We hope to provide lunch for volunteers at the end of the event, but that is not guaranteed, so bring water and snacks. and any food or drinks that you need.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Sample Blitz in Asheville 11/14
2024-11-14 10:00 - 15:00 | MountainTrue — Asheville, 29 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Help members of the French Broad River water team take water samples to assess Hurricane Helene’s impact on some of our sewer infrastructure. We’ll meet at the MountainTrue Asheville Office where we will give out supplies and a map before dividing up to grab samples and do visual assessments of some of our region’s sewer lines. We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders, and bring any snacks or drinks you may need.
End time will depend on how quickly we complete our sampling.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups or Sampling!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Alexander 11/21
2024-11-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Alexander River Park, 2590 Old Marshall Highway, Alexander, NC, 28701
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene at Whittier Branch, a future French Broad Paddle Trail campsite adjacent to Alexander River Park. If Alexander River Park is still closed, we will focus on the riparian areas upstream of the park and also the island, via ferrying over from river-right.
Please bring a boat if you have one, and if you do – bring your PFD and appropriate clothing and footwear.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (loppers, saws, shovels, ladders, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage.
We hope to provide lunch for volunteers at the end of the event, but that is not guaranteed, so bring water and snacks. and any food or drinks that you need.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

Join MountainTrue at the 2024 Asheville Holiday Jamboree on Nov. 23rd
2024-11-23 11:00 - 17:00 | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
In light of the exhaustion of local resources and the catastrophic events of the past month+, the Asheville Holiday Parade has become the Asheville Holiday Jamboree this year. The event will take place on Saturday, November 23rd from 11 am to 5 pm in Pack Square Park.
MountainTrue will have a tent at the event, showing that we are MountainStrong and we need YOU! Let’s celebrate the resilience of our community and bring some much-needed joy to the season.
We need volunteers to take shifts dressed as Native Species, engaging with people and handing out native seed packets.
Volunteer Shifts Needed:
11 am to 1 pm
1 pm to 3 pm

When you aren’t hanging around the MountainTrue tent, make sure to catch some of the performances at the main stage.
If you want to help but aren’t sure what to wear, find some ideas Appalachian Endemics and Native Species List for 2024
**The official theme for the Jamboree is Winter Wonderland so if you want to add a snowy element to your costume, let your creativity take the “reins”!
Please reach out to amy@mountaintrue.org with any questions.

French Broad River Clean-Up: Paddling Glen Bridge to Bent Creek in Asheville, NC 12/5
2024-12-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Bent Creek River Park, 1610 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC, 28806
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene along the river between Glen Bridge River Park and Bent Creek River Park. This will be a boat-based paddling clean-up on a 5-mile section of class 1 river. All participants must have prior paddling experience and have proper cold-weather attire.
MountainTrue has up to 8 canoes available to borrow, but participants can bring their own boat – canoes, jon boats, and drift boats would be best (not kayaks or inflatables). This will be a paddling-only event (no option for only working the access points).
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (loppers, saws, shovels, ladders, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage.
Please bring any water or food that you need. Please scroll to the bottom to register.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Alexander 12/12
2024-12-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Alexander River Park, 2590 Old Marshall Highway, Alexander, NC, 28701
Come help the French Broad Riverkeeper team clean up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene at Alexander River Park in Buncombe County. We will be removing garbage from within the park itself and along the riparian areas upstream and downstream of the park. Please note that this will be a land-based clean-up (no boats).
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

Swannanoa Watershed Sample Blitz in Asheville 12/12
2024-12-12 10:30 - 15:00 | MountainTrue — Asheville, 29 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Help members of the French Broad River water team take water samples to assess Hurricane Helene’s impact. We’ll meet at the MountainTrue Asheville Office where we will give out supplies and a map before dividing up to grab samples. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, send you off to collect samples and have you drop samples back at our office to process. This event will be focused in the Swannanoa watershed.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders, and bring any snacks or drinks you may need.
End time will depend on how quickly we complete our sampling.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups or Sampling!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Holiday Clean-up in Marshall 12/19
2024-12-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Barnard Park, 1995 Barnard Rd, Marshall, NC, 28753
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene at Barnard Park. We will be removing trash and debris from the park itself and along the riparian areas upstream, downstream and across the river. Please note that this will be a land-based clean-up (no boats).
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks. Please dress for the weather and expect to get dirty. If you have festive holiday clothing you don’t mind getting dirty please wear it!
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

2025 Paddling Film Festival World Tour RAFFLE benefiting MountainTrue in Asheville, NC
2025-01-01 - 2025-03-06
2025 Paddling Film Festival Raffle featuring TWO raffle packages with a variety of outdoor swag.
Buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win!
All ticket sales benefit the work of MountainTrue. You do not need to be present at the film screening to win. Full raffle guidelines below.
HOW TO ENTER THE RAFFLE:
1. Enter online by completing this form and paying with a credit card OR (Online ticket sales cut off at 11:59 pm on March 5th, 2025)
2. Pay in person at the event on March 6th in Asheville, NC.
P.S. Want to watch the films? Join us for the Paddling Film Festival in Asheville, NC on March 6th.

Buy Tickets for the 2025 Paddling Film Festival World Tour Screening in Asheville, NC benefiting MountainTrue (Screening March 6th)
2025-01-01 19:00 - 2025-03-06 21:30 | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
It’s back!! MountainTrue is excited to bring the Paddling Film Festival World Tour back to Asheville, North Carolina on Thursday, March 6th in honor of World Water Day. World Water Day, held on March 22nd every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater.
What better way to celebrate than by watching the best paddling films and being in community with other clean water supporters?! You’ll be inspired to explore rivers, lakes, and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle, and appreciate the wild places.
Doors to the Grey Eagle will open at 6 PM, and the show will begin at 7. Seats are general admission so come early to snag your spot and grab some food from the Grey Eagle Taqueria.
Tickets are being sold by The Grey Eagle and are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Kids under the age of 12 are $5. (*Venue convenience fees not included in ticket pricing). Buy film tickets now!
We’ll have several short films before an intermission, which will feature a short presentation about the work of MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper Program and a RAFFLE featuring TWO Raffle Packages with a variety of outdoor gear and swag. What are you waiting for? Grab a raffle ticket now!
The Films:

Film
Duration

Ganga Girls
0:19:17

Streamers, Steamers and Struggles on the Krka
0:08:23

Ay Chihuahua!
0:17:07

Duration of 1st half
0:44:47

Interval
0:15:00

Made x Mtns
0:06:40

The Smoke that Thunders
0:04:30

Van by a River-The Abby Holcombe Story
0:15:01

Sbonelo
0:09:00

Duration of 2nd half
0:35:11

Total Event Time
1:49:58

A HUGE Thank you to our sponsors for making this event happen:

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Alexander 1/18 hosted by United by Blue
2025-01-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Alexander River Park, 2590 Old Marshall Highway, Alexander, NC, 28701
There is still a large amount of debris along the French Broad River in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Join us in coming together to help the Asheville community by cleaning up the French Broad River. Removing debris from the river will allow for outdoor recreation and tourism to return to the area as well as get rid of any materials that might be leaching harmful chemicals into the water. Now more than ever it is important for us to come together and support communities in need.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks.
We will provide free bagels and coffee for volunteers in the morning, but feel free to bring water and any food that you need. United by Blue will also be donating sustainable giveaways for volunteers!
After the cleanup, New Belgium Brewing has graciously donated FREE BEER for volunteers. We will head to the New Belgium Brewery at 21 Craven Street after we wrap the cleanup.
SIGN-UP HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/french-broad-river-cleanup-tickets-1082664922929?aff=oddtdtcreator
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

Save the Date! French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Alexander, NC 1/23-CANCELED
2025-01-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Walnut Island River Park, 3042 Old Marshall Hwy, Alexander, NC, 28701
Due to the incredibly cold weather we are experiencing this week, this event has been canceled. Please sign up for the clean-up on January 30th instead! Come help the French Broad Riverkeeper team clean up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Livestaking Workday near Fletcher or Brevard 1/23 CANCELED
2025-01-23 10:00 - 15:00
Due to the incredibly cold temperatures in the area this week, this event has been canceled. Please check out one of the other upcoming Live Staking dates! Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the French Broad after Hurricane Helene. We’ll plant stakes that will eventually grow into trees.
Please bring:

Lunch/snacks
Warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather and make sure it’s things you don’t mind getting dirty)
Rubber boots and/or waders
An extra set of dry clothes

We will email you with the exact location and more details closer to the event date.
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather and will be in touch about final location. Expect work locations to be either in Fletcher or in the Rosman/Brevard areas. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go, but we will let you know beforehand.

French Broad River Live Staking Workday near Fletcher or Brevard 1/25-CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
2025-01-25 10:00 - 15:00
Due to the blast of cold weather that has hit our region, the ground is frozen in the areas that we planned to work. This event will be canceled. Please check our Events Calendar for upcoming workdates in February. Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the French Broad after Hurricane Helene. We’ll plant stakes that will eventually grow into trees.
Please bring:

Lunch/snacks
Warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather and make sure it’s things you don’t mind getting dirty)
Rubber boots and/or waders
An extra set of dry clothes

We will email you with the exact location and more details closer to the event date.
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather and will be in touch about final location. Expect work locations to be either in Fletcher or in the Rosman/Brevard areas. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go, but we will let you know beforehand.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up near Asheville 1/30
2025-01-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Walnut Island River Park, 3042 Old Marshall Hwy, Alexander, NC, 28701
Come help the French Broad Riverkeeper team clean up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas upstream and downstream. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

Everett Rd. Transylvania County Clean-up with MountainTrue & Conserving Carolina 2/8
2025-02-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Everett Rd. Clean-up, 44 Everett Rd, Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team and Conserving Carolina as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Transylvania County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas upstream and downstream. Please note this will be a land-based clean up.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. (Expect to get dirty!) We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses), but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (loppers, saws, shovels, ladders, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage.
Please bring water and snacks and any food or drinks that you need.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Live Staking Workday near Fletcher or Brevard 2/20-CANCELED
2025-02-20 10:00 - 15:00
Due to extremely cold weather, we are forced to cancel this event. The ground will be too cold. Please check out our other live staking event on February 22nd! Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the French Broad after Hurricane Helene. We’ll plant stakes that will eventually grow into trees.
Please bring:

Lunch/snacks
Warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather and make sure it’s things you don’t mind getting dirty)
Rubber boots and/or waders
An extra set of dry clothes

We will email you with the exact location and more details closer to the event date.
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather and will be in touch about final location. Expect work locations to be either in Fletcher or in the Rosman/Brevard areas. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go, but we will let you know beforehand.

French Broad River Live Staking Workday near Fletcher or Brevard 2/22
2025-02-22 10:00 - 15:00
Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the French Broad after Hurricane Helene. We’ll plant stakes that will eventually grow into trees.
Please bring:

Lunch/snacks
Warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather and make sure it’s things you don’t mind getting dirty)
Rubber boots and/or waders
An extra set of dry clothes

We will email you with the exact location and more details closer to the event date.
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather and will be in touch about final location. Expect work locations to be either in Fletcher or in the Rosman/Brevard areas. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go, but we will let you know beforehand.

French Broad River Clean-up at Silverline Park in Woodfin, NC 3/8
2025-03-08 11:30 - 15:30 | Silverline Park, 1050 Riverside Drive, Woodfin, NC, 28804
Hosted by the Town of Woodfin in cooperation with Riverlink and MountainTrue–join us for a land-based clean-up after Hurricane Helene.
Youth aged 14 and older are welcome to participate. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, 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.

Register Now!

French Broad River Clean-up at Silverline Park in Woodfin, NC 3/8 & 3/9
2025-03-09 11:30 - 15:30 | Silverline Park, 1050 Riverside Drive, Woodfin, NC, 28804
Hosted by the Town of Woodfin in cooperation with Asheville Greenworks and MountainTrue–join us for a land-based clean-up after Hurricane Helene.
Youth aged 14 and older are welcome to participate. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, 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.

Register Now!

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Marshall, NC 3/19
2025-03-19 10:00 - 14:00
Please join the French Broad Riverkeeper team as we partner with the National Forest Service to reopen the Stackhouse parking point. We will work to remove mud from the stairs and ramp area and clean trash in and around the access point. If you have shovels, rakes, and mud boots, please bring them. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, 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: Stackhouse Takeout Marshall, NC 28753

Register Now!

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Hot Springs, NC 3/27
2025-03-27 10:00 - 14:00
Please join the French Broad Riverkeeper team as we partner with the National Forest Service to reopen the Murray Branch River access park. We will work to remove trash and debris from the riparian area in and around the park. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas upstream and downstream. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, 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: Clean-up was originally scheduled for Asheville, NC but has been moved to Murray Branch Park 935-2392 River Rd, Hot Springs, NC 28743

Register Now!

Black Mountain Parks Clean up with MountainTrue and Black Mountain Recreation & Parks 4/2
2025-04-02 10:00 - 14:00
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper and the Black Mountain Recreation and Parks team as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas.Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, 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: Buncombe County Exact location TBD (Awaiting ACOE to finish at City of Asheville sites). Once confirmed, the location will be updated in the event listing and will be emailed to registered participants.
Kids aged 14 and up are welcome to join as long as supervised by a parent or guardian.

Register Now!

Hurricane Helene Recovery Panel & Discussion at NC Arboretum in Asheville, NC 4/3
2025-04-03 17:30 - 19:30 | NC Arboretum Education Center, 100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
Join MountainTrue and a panel of experts to discuss recovery in our area after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Panelists will address the impacts of natural disasters, what recovery means for our region and how the community can support these efforts.
This event is free of charge, but if you feel moved to make a donation to support critical work in our area, we invite you to do so when you register. The North Carolina Arboretum is generously donating use of the Education Auditorium for this event. All donations associated with the registration of this event will be split 50/50 with the NC Arboretum. Click here to learn more about the NC Arboretum.
The event will kick-off with social time from 5:30 to 6 pm with snacks and beverages provided for attendees. The panel will run from 6 to 7:30 pm.
**IF this event is FULL, please email amy@mountaintrue.org to be placed on the waitlist. You MUST be pre-registered to be granted admission to this event.
It is our hope to record this event as a resource for the community. If you cannot attend and wish to receive a link to the video, please click here to receive a notification when it is available.
About the Panelists and topics to be covered:
Moderator:
Jack Igleman of Carolina Public Press

Jack Igelman is the lead environmental reporter for Carolina Public Press and teaches economics and environmental studies at Warren Wilson College. During his two decades as a reporter, he’s written dozens of articles about people’s relationship to our landscape.
Floodplain Policy & Resilience:
Jenny Brennan-Climate Analyst, SELC

Jenny Brennan works to translate climate science and community needs into local, state, and federal policy changes that increase resilience to climate impacts. Jenny is from South Carolina and currently lives in Virginia, and through her work at the Southern Environmental Law Center she gets to focus her advocacy on her home region. As a Climate Analyst within SELC’s Climate Initiative and Co-Leader of Resilience work for the organization, Jenny focuses on disaster recovery reform, flooding policy, extreme heat, nature-based solutions, land use, climate justice, and applied climate science. Jenny is a proud alum of the College of Charleston and Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment.
Housing Needs:
Meg Fenton Lebeck- Executive Director of Housing Assistance Corporation

Margaret Fenton Lebeck is Executive Director of Housing Assistance Corporation, which has nearly doubled its staffing in response to this disaster. Founded as a home repair program in 1988, the organization has produced a dozen affordable housing complexes and builds single-family homes. Lebeck has previously served as executive director for Love Light + Melody, as chief of staff for Global Ministries of The UMC/ UMCOR, and as a researcher for UNICEF. Lebeck holds a master’s degree in Peace, Conflict and Development and is the recipient of Fulbright and Rotary International World Peace Fellowship awards.
Legislation & MountainTrue Programs:
Gray Jernigan-MountainTrue Deputy Director and General Counsel

Gray Jernigan is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Vermont Law School. He joined MountainTrue in 2016 as Southern Regional Director. A year later, he founded the Green Riverkeeper program and assumed that title in addition to his regional director duties. In 2023, he stepped into the role of Deputy Director & General Counsel where he oversees regional and programmatic goals of the organization across its entire service area and leads MountainTrue’s legislative advocacy efforts.
Recreation Economy:
Amy Allison-State Director of Outdoor Economy

Amy Allison is the Director of North Carolina’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Office, within the North Carolina Department of Commerce. In this role, she leads efforts to strengthen and grow the state’s outdoor recreation economy by fostering collaboration with outdoor businesses, local governments, and communities that depend on North Carolina’s diverse and abundant outdoor landscapes. Her office focuses on key areas including economic development, conservation, education and workforce training, as well as public health and wellness to ensure the state’s strategic growth as a place where residents, outdoor businesses, and recreation communities can thrive.
Throughout her dedicated career in the outdoor recreation sector, Allison has built strong ties within North Carolina’s vibrant outdoor community and beyond. She proudly calls Western North Carolina home. When she’s not working, Allison enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and seeking out new adventures.
Resilient Forests:
Greg Cooper-Sustainable Forests Initiative

Greg Cooper is the Director of Conservation Implementation with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative where he works on topics related to biodiversity, climate-informed forestry and how they relate to forest certification. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina and is a Registered Forester. As a forester, he has worked for The Nature Conservancy and the United States Forest Service. He has experience living and working in Appalachian Forests from Maine to Georgia and is especially interested in protecting the biodiversity within and promoting the resilience of our forests. Greg has a Master of Forestry and Environmental Management from the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University and an
undergraduate degree in Biology from Drew University in New Jersey.
Access to the Arboretum: Your on-site program registration grants you admission to the Arboretum the day of your program. You are welcome to come before, or remain after, to explore the grounds. If you are not a member, please let the Gatehouse attendant know you are here for the program. Please arrive early to allow time for entry, parking, and taking care of any other needs before your program. Restrooms are available in the Education Center, Baker Center, and portable toilets are scattered in the landscape. While this program takes place at a public location, please do not bring any pets or unregistered guests, including children, with you.
If you’re using GPS to get to the Arboretum, make sure you’re heading to 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville NC, 28806. Campus map linked here.

MountainTrue River Clean-up in Buncombe County, NC 4/10-CANCELED
2025-04-10 10:00 - 14:00
Due to bad weather, this event is CANCELED. Please check out our other upcoming clean ups!
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. This is a land-based clean-up.
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 date. (We are waiting to find out where the Army Corps has already cleaned). Thank you for your patience. We expect to be close to the Asheville, NC area.

MountainTrue Earth Day River Clean-up and Plastics Audit near Asheville, NC 4/19
2025-04-19 10:00 - 15:00
Come help us celebrate Earth Day as we clean our rivers. In the process, we’ll inventory all the types of plastic we find, creating a database of all the types of plastic litter we see.
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 date. (We are waiting to find out where the Army Corps has already cleaned). Thank you for your patience. We expect to be close to the Asheville, NC area.

Register Now!

MountainTrue River Clean-up in Buncombe County, NC 4/22
2025-04-22 10:00 - 14:00
Help the French Broad Riverkeeper celebrate Earth Day as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. This is a land-based clean-up.
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:
We will be in Biltmore Village.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YivdYBVdktAo4ui76?g_st=ac
Coordinates:
35°34’05.7″N 82°32’33.6″W

Everyone can park in front of the (closed) Ichiban resturant.
2 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Register Now!

Black Mountain Parks Clean up with MountainTrue and Black Mountain Recreation & Parks 4/23
2025-04-23 09:00 - 12:00
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper and the Black Mountain Recreation and Parks team as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas.Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves, and bring drinking water, 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: Black Mountain, NC
Kids aged 14 and up are welcome to join as long as supervised by a parent or guardian.

Register Now!

Hickory Springs Clean-up near Micaville, NC with MountainTrue and Partners 4/27
2025-04-27 13:00 - 16:00
Join the French Broad Riverkeeper team and our partners, The South Toe Conservation Fund, Rural Reach WNC, Beacon Network, and the South Tote Trash Team as we clean up an area near Micaville, NC. We will work to clean up a stretch of Ayles Creak and other small creeks in the area. This community was hit hard by Hurricane Helene and needs our help to remove trash and debris from the creek and riparian areas.
Kids 14 and up are welcome. A parent or legal guardian must sign their waiver. The parent or legal guardian must be onsite with the minor at all times.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, 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:455 Hickory Springs Rd, Micaville, NC 2875535.879773, -82.222487We will meet in the gravel lot of Hickory Springs Manufacturing.
To extend our appreciation for MountainTrue volunteers, all volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership. To accept your membership, please email members@mountaintrue.org
Our Partners:

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MountainTrue Post Hurricane Helene river clean-up in Buncombe County, NC 5/17
2025-05-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Pearson Bridge River Access, 706 Riverside Dr., Asheville, NC, 28801
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas as we float down the French Broad River. We will bring boats to transport the trash while others paddle near the banks to pick up debris.**Prior experience with boating is required.
Meet-up LOCATION: Pearson Bridge River Access (located behind Frend Broad Outfitters). 706 Riverside Dr.., Asheville, NC 28801The stretch we will float will be water level dependent, and that call will be made that morning based on conditions.
Boat Info: MountainTrue has 8 spots in canoes if you don’t have your own boat. If you intend to borrow a canoe from Mountain True you must have recent canoe experience and you must email cleanup@mountaintrue.org to reserve a spot in a canoe.**If you bring your own boat please ensure it is functional beforehand. All participants must have a personal flotation device. If you are unsure if you have the appropriate experience, please reach out to cleanup@mountaintrue.org
Please wear closed-toe shoes, weather appropriate attire (including things you don’t mind getting wet). 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.
To thank you for your time, all volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours.

Register Now!
