French Broad River Clean-Up - Pisgah Forest River Access to Penrose Boating Access Area 5/31
2025-05-31 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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
🎉 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
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

MountainTrue Riverkeeper Beer Series Clean-up in Asheville, NC with Wicked Weed Brewing 6/21
2025-06-21 13:00 - 17:00 | Pearson Bridge, 706 Pearson Bridge Rd., Asheville, NC, 28806
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 21 for a river cleanup! We’ll head out for an on-the-water cleanup, then return to the brewery to celebrate with beer and prizes.
We encourage you to bring your own boat and PFD. (MountainTrue can provide boat spots for only 20 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 Wicked Weed Brewing, Eno and Recover brands for sponsoring this event!

Sign up!

MountainTrue Riverkeeper Beer Series Clean-up in Brevard, NC with Oskar Blues 6/28
2025-06-28 13:00 - 17:00 | Pisgah Forest River Access, 3520 Wilson Rd., Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768
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 Oskar Blues are teaming up to help restore our waterways.
Join us on June 28 for a river cleanup! We’ll head out for an on-the-water cleanup, then return to the brewery to celebrate with beer and prizes.
We encourage folks to bring their own boats to clean-up but, MountainTrue can provide a spot on a boat for 20 people if you don’t have one. Please make sure you bring a PFD if you bring your own boat.Please click here to reserve your spot in a MountainTrue boat.
All participants, regardless of whether borrowing a boat or bringing their own, MUST pre-register so we can adhere to safety standards.
Meet-up location: Pisgah Forest River Access (3520 Wilson Rd, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768). Shuttling info: Everyone will meet at Pisgah Forest River Access at 1:00 PM and be shuttled to the put-in at Hap Simpson Park.
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 Oskar Blues, Eno and Recover brands for sponsoring this event!
Additionaly, 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!

Post Hurricane Helene Swannanoa River clean-up in Asheville, NC with REI Co-op 6/29
2025-06-29 10:00 - 14:00 | 2 Hendersonville Rd, 2 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC, 28803
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper and REI Asheville as we work to clean up Hurricane Helene damage along the Swannanoa River in the Biltmore Village area. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
***Fun swag will be provided to each volunteer. Stick around after for a cold drink and social time with fellow volunteers.
Kids aged 14 and up are welcome as long as accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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.
Thanks to REI co-op for their support!

Sign up!

French Broad River Clean-Up - Island Ford River Access to Morrow Landing near Dunns Rock, NC 7/19
2025-07-19 10:00 - 15:00
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 Island Ford River Access and Morrow Landing.
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.
Meet-up coordinates: Island Ford River Access (GPS Coordinates: 35.17843014706829, -82.75543437584966)
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 Hominy Creek Water Quality Sample Blitz near Asheville, NC July 22, 29 & Aug 5th
2025-07-22 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-29 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Ingles-Enka, 1572 Sand Hill Rd., Candler, NC, 28715
We’re doing an intensive water quality look in Hominy Creek. For three weeks, we’ll be taking samples specifically looking at bacteria pollution in Hominy Creek.
We’ll meet at the Ingles parking lot (address below), where MountainTrue staff will give you materials and teach you what you need to know. From there, we’ll all go grab samples from different locations and then meet back at the Ingles parking lot by 2PM to drop samples off, so MountainTrue staff can bring them back to the lab to process.
Bring lunch and a small cooler if you have one. We’ll provide sampling materials and gloves. We’ll be working off of Google Maps, so it’s helpful to have that app on your phone, or partner with someone who does. Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
Meet-up location: Ingles Parking Lot 1572 Sand Hill Rd, Candler, NC 28715
Please wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
Samples will be taken on three consecutive weeks. Please sign up for the shifts that work for you.

Sign-up!

Nolichucky Mine Public Hearing in Bakersville, NC 7/29
2025-07-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Former Bowman Middle School Auditorium, 410 S. Mitchell St., Bakersville, NC, 28705
Something deeply troubling is happening in our backyard — and state regulators need to hear from all of us. Horizon 30, a proposed mining operation in North Carolina, is currently operating illegally on the banks of the Nolichucky River in Poplar, NC. That’s not an exaggeration — it’s a fact.
Let’s make our voices heard. The public hearing on July 29 at 6pm. It will be in Bakersville at the Former Bowman Middle School Auditorium (410 S. Mitchell Ave.)
This company has been mining without a valid permit, in direct violation of the North Carolina Mining Act. Even worse, DEMLR (Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources) — the agency tasked with enforcing these laws — has issued three separate notices ordering Horizon 30 to stop operations.
The company has ignored every single one.
To make matters worse, Horizon 30 hasn’t just continued operating — it has expanded from 5 acres to over 50 acres. That’s a tenfold increase in activity, with zero public accountability and no environmental oversight.
So why does this matter?
Because when companies like Horizon 30 operate without permits, they skip the critical safeguards designed to protect:

Our water and wetlands from contamination and sedimentation
Our air from dust and pollution
Our communities — especially nearby homes, farms, and schools — from noise, traffic, and health impacts
Our ecosystems from habitat destruction

DEMLR’s job isn’t just to process permits. It’s to enforce the law. And in this case, enforcement means denying Horizon 30’s permit and holding the company accountable for months of unpermitted and unlawful activity.
Approving this permit now would send a clear message: that mining companies can break the law, ignore warnings, expand at will — and still get what they want in the end.
We can’t let that happen.
Can’t make it to the public hearing? Click HERE to submit your comments! We can send comments to DEMLR until Aug 8. You can use the template provided or customize it to your liking.

Snorkel the French Broad River Headwaters in Rosman, NC 8/2
2025-08-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Champion’s Park River Access, Champion Park's River Access - 39 Old Turnpike Rd, Rosman, NC, 28772
Join MountainTrue staff and partners for a guided snorkeling experience on the French Broad River’s headwaters at Champion Park in Rosman, NC. Come reconnect with the river post-Hurricane-Helene. We will be guided by Kevin Merrill – Owner & Biologist with Oxbow River Snorkeling.
Kevin has intimate knowledge of the fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates on this particular site and within Western North Carolina in general. You’ll learn about what you’re seeing, the conservation and preservation efforts occurring to help protect these species and their habitats, and the state of the river after the Hurricane.
Masks, snorkels, wetsuits, and booties can be rented through our partnership with Mountains to Seas. If you rent equipment, please make sure to complete ALL of the sizing fields for each ticketed guest to ensure we get the correct size for wetsuits and booties. The water in August can still be pretty chilly so please plan accordingly. Gear rentals are helping our friends in the recreation field keep their doors open.
Due to the sensitivity of the site and the capacity of our guides, we will be limiting this adventure to two separate two-hour time slots with no more than ten people each.
The first tour starts at 10:00 AM and the second tour at 12:00 PM.
Please Note that snorkeling tours like this one are at the mercy of Mother Nature. High water velocity and poor visibility following a heavy rain event may create conditions unfavorable for this activity to continue as planned. If this occurs for our scheduled date, we will unfortunately need to cancel and refund any expenses.
Register:**If the ticket type or timeslot that you need are not available please contact amy@mountaintrue.org for assistance or to be put on the waitlist. Registration will close on August 1st.

Register for the 10 am tour

Register for the 12 pm tour!

MountainTrue Riverkeeper Beer Series Clean-up in Asheville, NC with Wedge Brewing Co. 8/9--FULL!
2025-08-09 13:00 - 17:00 | The Wedge Brewery, 37 Paynes Way, Asheville, NC, 28801
Our region’s rivers were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, and with breweries playing a key role in our tourism economy, MountainTrue, the French Broad Riverkeeper, and Wedge Brewing Co. are teaming up to help restore our waterways. This event if FULL. Please check out our other volunteer opportunities.
Join us on August 9th for a river cleanup! We’ll head out for an on-the-water cleanup, then return to the brewery to celebrate with beer and prizes.
We encourage you to bring your own boat to clean-up. Please make sure you bring a PFD if you bring your own boat. If you need to borrow a boat, MountainTrue has boat spots for 20 people
All participants, regardless of whether borrowing a boat or bringing their own, MUST pre-register using the “sign-up” button to ensure we can adhere to safety standards.
Meet-up location and shuttle 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 Wedge Brewing Co., Eno and Recover brands for sponsoring this event!

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

Sign-up!

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

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

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

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

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

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RISE: A Fly Fishing Festival celebrating the French Broad River Community in Asheville, NC 8/24
2025-08-24 11:00 - 20:00 | Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, 9 Midnight Drive, Asheville, 28806, United States
Join Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins and Uproar for the inaugural Fly Fishing Festival on August 24th in Asheville, NC. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit MountainTrue & RiverLink.
The festival will take place just weeks from the one-year anniversary of Helene — a highly anticipated milestone for the people and businesses that have worked tirelessly to stand each other back up. Much like a native brook trout chasing a dry fly, together we will RISE to shift the current toward recovery on the river.
What to expect?
*casting and fly-tying competitions
*fly fishing clinics
*kid-friendly programming
*raffles
*shoppable A-frame cabin “takeovers” by outdoor brands
*live music in the Wrong Way Meadow
*food and drinks from Imposter Pizza Co., Chop Shop Butchery, and featured local breweries
*Fish Flash Tattoo Studio (Multiple local tattoo artists will offer river-centric flash designs)
The event is FREE to attend.
ABOUT WRONG WAY RIVER LODGE & CABINS
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is Asheville’s only outdoor-centered hotel, an urban cabin campground on the French Broad River Greenway in West Asheville, NC, opened by two locals and former river guides. Sixteen A-frame cabins built into the landscape give guests a basecamp for Asheville at the intersection of urban and the outdoors. The communal River Lodge anchors the property as a place to eat, drink, gather, and shop. The core mission of Wrong Way is to connect guests with the transformational qualities of the outdoors through comfortable accommodations, convenient access, inspiring experiences, and a little local culture. wrongwaycampground.com
ABOUT UPROAR CONCEPT
The Uproar Concept is a partnership between Nate Jordan and Derek DiLuzio founded on a shared drive to create, reimagine how creative content is crafted, celebrate the great outdoors, build authentic connections, and develop a more sustainable future. The company was founded with a goal of providing exceptional creative deliverables capable of elevating any brand. Uproar believes in working collaboratively with our clients to create disturbances in the market that command attention and achieve results. uproarconcept.com
For questions about the event, please contact: kelsey@dearclivepr.com
RSVP

BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour screenings benefiting MountainTrue in Asheville, NC Sept 12 & 13th
2025-09-12 19:00 - 21:30, 2025-09-13 19:00 - 21:30 | Wortham Center for Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC, 28801
MountainTrue is BEYOND thrilled to bring the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Asheville, NC on September 12th & 13th — and you’re invited for not one, but TWO unforgettable nights of high-altitude excitement! 🏔️🎬
Join us for a celebration of jaw-dropping adventure, heart-pounding sports, wild places, and inspiring stories from around the globe. 🌍 Whether you’re a climber, paddler, trail fanatic, or armchair adventurer — there’s something here to spark your spirit.
✨ Can’t get enough? We’ve got you covered: each night features a completely different lineup of films, so go ahead — double-dip the adventure!
Current MountainTrue Members will receive a PRESALE code on July 1st. (Not a member but don’t want to miss the first shot at tickets? Join here). The presale runs from July 1st at 10 am through 11:59 pm on July 11th. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on July 12th at 10 am.
This event is going to be hotter than a campfire on a chilly night! Don’t get left at basecamp — snag your tickets now and secure your spot for the adventure! 🥾🔥
Full event info
Want your own adventure? Check out our BANFF Premier Winner’s Choice Raffle!
This night would not be possible without our LOCAL Sponsors. Please join us in thanking and supporting:
Headwaters Sponsor:

Hellbender Sponsors:

Tangerine Darter Sponsors:

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

Full event info

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

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

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

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

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

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

Register!

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

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