French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Alexander 1/18 hosted by United by Blue
2025-01-18 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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 | NC
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!

MountainTrue Post Hurricane Helene river clean-up in Buncombe County, NC 5/22
2025-05-22 10:00 - 14:00 | 119 Thompson Street, 119 Thompson St., Asheville, NC, 28803
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 upstream and downstream. Please note this will be a land-based cleanup.
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.
Meet-up LOCATION: 119 Thompson St, Asheville, NC 28803 This is an empty lot from a destroyed building on the corner of Thompson St. and Glendale Ave.
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.

Register Now!

Say hi to MountainTrue at the FREE Fly Fishing Film Screening in Hendersonville, NC 5/22
2025-05-22 18:30 - 21:00 | Trailside Brewing, 873 Lennox Park Dr., Hendersonville, NC, 28739
Say hi to MountainTrue at Trailside Brewing Co. at the FREE Fly Fishing Film screening on Thursday, May 22.

Anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure seekers are invited to join the tour as it visits cities nationwide, showcasing stunning cinematography, unforgettable stories, and the heart-pounding excitement of fly fishing.
This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet, with a diverse film lineup that highlights remote locations, unique challenges, and the passionate anglers who pursue them.
We’re excited to have Hendersonville Outfitters, a local fly fishing company, as our co-host and emcee, and Mountain True as our local non-profit partner.

What to Expect: A curated selection of films about adventure and fly fishing Drinks from Trailside Brewing & food available for purchase FREE & open to all ages!

An Unforgettable NightThe Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Now in its 19th year, F3T has become a beloved annual tradition for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts across the country. The event provides an opportunity for the fly fishing community to come together, share stories, and experience the best of the sport’s cinematic world.

Along with the films, attendees can look forward to exclusive giveaways and plenty of camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or someone new to the sport, F3T offers something for everyone.

Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and come celebrate adventure with us! Let us know you’re coming—we can’t wait to see you on May 22! Doors open at 5:45 p.m., film screening begins at 6:30 p.m.

Conservation Conversations hosted by MountainTrue in Asheville, NC 5/28
2025-05-28 17:30 - 19:00 | The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Come meet some of the organizations in your community working to recover and conserve the places we love and share. We will have time for socializing and sipping from 5:30 to 6 pm, followed by a block of short presentations from each organization, providing information on current conservation initiatives and how YOU can get involved with these efforts. There will be time for questions at the end.
The RAD Brewing Company has graciously provided use of their upstairs taproom for this event. Please come early to find parking and get settled. (Beer, wine and n/a drinks will be available for purchase from the bar). Master BBQ will have their food truck on site. We hope you will consider supporting this local business!
Come on out and bring a friend or two.

French Broad River Clean-Up - Pisgah Forest River Access to Penrose Boating Access Area 5/31
2025-05-31 10:00 - 15:00 | Penrose Boating Access Area, Apac Drive, Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768
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 County between Pisgah Forest River Access and Penrose Boating Access Area.
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 at Pisgah Forest River Access.
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.

Sign-up!

2025 BANFF Premier Adventure Raffle: Kayak/paddle AND Winner's choice of 3 adventure packages. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
2025-06-01 09:00 - 2025-09-13 23:59 | NC
🎉 Get ready, Asheville! Not only is the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour coming to town, but MountainTrue is cranking up the heat with the BANFF Premier Adventure Raffle — and tickets are ON SALE NOW! 🚨Want to add some serious adventure to your life? One lucky winner will paddle away with a Moken 10 Lite V2 kayak in Green Flash, a sleek Day Tourer 230 cm paddle in Lime Camo, AND get to pick from 3 epic adventure packages of their choice!
Don’t miss your shot at glory — grab your raffle tickets and get ready to ride the wave of adventure!
Scroll to the bottom to read full raffle guidelines or to purchase tickets.
A BIG THANKS to feelfree Kayaks for their generous donation of the kayak and paddle.

Moken 10 Lite V2 in Green Flash:

AND, Winner’s choice of 3 adventure packages:

Prize Package # 1:
Colorado Front Range Adventure Getaway
3-Night Stay in Colorado with Choice of Cog Railway or Rocky Mountain National Park for 2
This Experience Includes:
Adventure Activity for two
3-night stay in a standard guest room in Colorado Springs or Boulder, Colorado
Winspire booking & concierge service
Reservations are subject to availability, blackout dates, and major holidays.
Prize Package # 2:
Grand Canyon Starry Nights
3-Night Stay at in a Sky Dome with Grand Canyon Sunset Tour for 2
This Experience for 2 Includes:
Grand Canyon Sunset Tour
3-night stay at Clear Sky Resorts in a Sky Dome
Winspire booking & concierge service
Blackout Dates: The week of major US holidays and major local events. Additional dates may apply. This package is available late April – November.
Prize Package # 3:
Snowy Slopes of Jackson Hole
Snowy Slopes of Jackson Hole: Lift Tickets with 3-Night Stay for 2
This Experience for 2 Includes:
3-night stay in a Grand King or 2 Queen room at Alpine House
Daily breakfast
$1000 Jackson Hole Gift Card to purchase lift tickets
Winspire concierge & booking service
This package is available for the months of November, December, January, February, and March.
**These packages do NOT include airfare or transportation.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: Online ticket sales end at 11:59 pm on September 11th, 2025. Unless the 150 tickets have already sold out, tickets will be available to purchase at the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour screenings in Asheville, NC on September 12th and 13th.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Winspire Travel packages and experiences must be booked within one year of the purchase date. The actual travel date must occur within two years of the purchase date. Reservations are subject to availability, blackout dates, and major holidays. Reservations must be booked 60 days in advance of travel. Purchases through charity fundraisers are non-refundable.
Certificates cannot be resold or replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Transportation is the responsibility of the winner unless otherwise stated.
SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION OF WINNER: The Winner will be drawn and notified on September 15, 2025 and will be notified by telephone and/or email. If the potential winner cannot be reached after 10 days from the first notification attempt, or if an entrant is found to be ineligible, or a prize notification is returned as undeliverable, such prize will be forfeited, and an alternate winner will be selected by random drawing.
ELIGIBILITY: Present employees and board directors of MountainTrue and any immediate family members residing with the employees are not eligible to participate. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Contest void where prohibited.
Ticket purchases are non-refundable and are not tax-deductible. By entering the raffle, participants agree that MountainTrue, its agents and employees have no liability whatsoever for any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind which result from the date of award. The prize is non-transferable, and cannot be exchanged for cash. MountainTrue may use winner’s name and likeness for publicity purposes without further compensation. MountainTrue is not responsible for any failure of communication or failure of the Internet or its website. MountainTrue reserves the right to modify these rules and will give prompt announcement of any rule changes. All decisions of MountainTrue are final and binding in all matters related to this raffle.

MountainTrue Riverkeeper Beer Series Clean-up with New Belgium 6/7
2025-06-07 13:00 - 17:00 | New Belgium Brewing Company, 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
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 New Belgium are teaming up to help restore our waterways.
Join us on June 7 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.
MountainTrue can provide a spot in a boat for 20 people but we encourage folks to bring their own boats to clean-up. Please make sure you bring a PFD if you bring your own boat. **To borrow a boat from MountainTrue, please click here).
All participants, regardless of whether you are borrowing a boat or bringing your own, MUST pre-register so we can adhere to safety standards.
Meet-up location and shuttling info will be emailed to 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 New Belgium, Eno and Recover brands for sponsoring this event!

Sign-up

MountainTrue Riverkeeper Beer Series Clean-up in Hot Springs, NC with Big Pillow Brewing 6/8
2025-06-08 13:00 - 17:00 | Big Pillow Brewing, 25 Andrews Ave N, Hot Springs, NC, 28743
Calling all paddlers! 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 Big Pillow Brewing are teaming up to help restore our waterways.
Join us on June 8 for a river cleanup! We’ll head out for an on-the-water cleanup on the whitewater section 9 of the French Broad River.
We will meet at NOC and Blue Heron, and shuttle to Barnard, then have a shuttle back from Stackhouse. The after party will be at Big Pillow, with prizes and shirts for the weird and wild trash.
We encourage you to bring your own boat and PFD. (MountainTrue can provide boat spots for only 12 people but we have loads of space for folks bringing their own boats). Please click here to reserve your spot in a MountainTrue boat.
All participants (whether bringing your own boat or borrowing) MUST pre-register to ensure we can adhere to safety standards.
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 they are accompanied by a parent or guardian AND they feel comfortable in a boat for several hours.
A HUGE thank you to Big Pillow Brewing, Eno and Recover brands for sponsoring this event!

Sign up!

Life Depends on Rivers at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville 6/12
2025-06-12 17:00 - 19:00 | New Belgium Brewing Company, 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
Toast the French Broad! Join New Belgium Brewing, American Rivers, RiverLink, and MountainTrue to raise a pint for Asheville’s hometown river: the French Broad. American Rivers has named the Rivers of Southern Appalachia, including the French Broad and neighboring rivers recovering from Hurricane Helene, among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2025. Together, we are spotlighting Western North Carolina’s revival — and calling on state and national leaders to protect our rivers and make sure our community is prepared for future storms. Let’s come together riverside to drink great beer, connect with friends, and take action for the French Broad.
RSVP here (or just show up!)
Life Depends on Rivers® celebration and action for the French Broad
June 12, 5:00-7:00 pm
Come hungry: food trucks will be open!
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring
partnerships to safeguard the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers®. America’s Most Endangered Rivers® highlights ten rivers whose fate will be decided in the coming year and encourages decision-makers to do the right thing for the rivers and the communities they support.
RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed for all. RiverLink accomplishes its mission by improving watershed health and climate resilience, providing permanent public access to the river through conservation and recreation easements, reclaiming contaminated lands for public use and enjoyment,
empowering over 1,000 volunteers each year, and annually educating over 5,000 students, as well as the public at large, about the importance of a healthy French Broad River watershed.
MountainTrue champions resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Our members protect our forests, clean up our rivers, plan
vibrant and livable communities, and advocate for a sound and sustainable future for all. MountainTrue is active in the Broad, French Broad, Green, Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, New,
and Watauga watersheds and is home to the Broad Riverkeeper, French Broad Riverkeeper, Green Riverkeeper, and Watauga Riverkeeper. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,
MountainTrue is committed to leading the recovery of our region with a vision to rebuild stronger, safer, and better prepared for the impacts of climate change.

French Broad River Clean-Up - Morrow Landing to Hap Simpson Park near Brevard, NC 6/14
2025-06-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Hap Simpson Park, 666 Greenville Hwy, Brevard, NC, 28712
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 County between Morrow Landing and Hap Simpson 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.

Sign-up!

MountainTrue Post Hurricane Helene river clean-up in Buncombe County, NC 6/18
2025-06-18 10:00 - 14:00 | NC
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 upstream and downstream. Please note this will be a land-based cleanup.
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:126 Swannanoa River Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
https://maps.app.goo.gl/spZTbxeHnhrLbYGL9

There is parking available across the street from the river in the old antique mall / Hajoca PVC pipe area.
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.

Sign-up
