MountainTrue

VWIN Sampling Weekend in the High Country 5/13-5/14
2023-05-13 - 2023-05-14 | NC

Guided River Snorkel near Boone, NC 5/20
2023-05-20 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Watauga Upper Gorge Access, 2531 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679, United States

Trash Trout River Clean Out near Boone, NC 6/8
2023-06-08 14:00 - 16:00 | NC
Want to get in the river AND contribute to its health? Assist with cleanout and inventory of trash types and brands found within the Trash Trouts. This weeks trash trout clean out will be at Winkler’s Creek. Made from recycled materials, this passive litter collection device will be sure to get you asking questions and feeling good about what we can do to mitigate the trash found in the river. We’ve got the boots and waders, just bring your love for river health! Sign up so we know your sizes and how many people to bring equipment for.
Please note under MountainTrue policy, we will never share your contact information with external groups or individuals.
**Note: Dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions with short notice. Please follow our Watauga Riverkeeper Instagram and Watauga Riverkeeper Facebook Page or email hannah@mountaintrue.org to receive the most up-to-date information on event changes/cancellations.

VWIN Sampling Weekend in the High Country 6/10-6/11
2023-06-10 - 2023-06-11 | NC

Beech Mountain Concert Series
2023-06-10 17:00 - 22:00 | Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Beech Mountain Summer Music Series is back, come jam out with us on the mountain and listen to The Revivalists with Son Little. The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!) RAIN OR SHINE EVENT!
Ticket Options:
General Admission: $55
VIP: $150 (includes one complimentary drink ticket, early entry, premium viewing area near VIP tent/bar, and VIP portable restrooms)
VIP gates open at 5PM // General Admission gates open at 5:30
*Patrons are permitted to bring camping chairs and blankets
*A portion of the proceeds will benefit MountainTrue
Purchase tickets and access up to date show information here: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2023/

2023 MountainTrue-a-thon
2023-06-15 00:00 - 2023-08-31 23:59 | NC
Calling all hikers, bikers and paddlers! Raise money for MountainTrue while doing your favorite activities this Summer. Participants of any experience level collect pledges from family and friends for miles completed between June 15 and August 31st.
We have some awesome prizes this year for the participant raising the most $ for MountainTrue AND for the participant in each category (hiking, biking and paddling) that completes the most miles.
Check out our Resource Page for recommended trails, packing lists and helpful tips on how to ask for support from family and friends. What are you waiting for?! Sign up now and help us put the FUN in FUNDRAISING this Summer.

Trash Trout River Clean Out near Boone, NC 7/6
2023-07-06 14:00 - 16:00 | NC

VWIN Sampling Weekend in the High Country 7/8-7/9
2023-07-08 - 2023-07-09 | NC

Beech Mountain Concert Series
2023-07-15 17:00 - 22:00 | Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Beech Mountain Summer Music Series is back, come jam out with us on the mountain and listen to Amos Lee with Langhorne Slim! The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!) RAIN OR SHINE EVENT!
Ticket Options:
General Admission: $55
VIP: $150 (includes one complimentary drink ticket, early entry, premium viewing area near VIP tent/bar, and VIP portable restrooms)
VIP gates open at 5PM // General Admission gates open at 5:30
*Patrons are permitted to bring camping chairs and blankets
Purchase tickets and access up to date show information here: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2023/

Beech Mountain's Passport to Adventure Stream Ecology Hike
2023-07-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Buckeye Recreation Center, 1330 Pine Ridge Rd, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Free to the public! Take a walk with MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper staff and learn about stream ecology on the mountain. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the wildlife around us through the lens of science and advocacy. A huge thank you to Beech Mountain Parks & Recreation for hosting Watauga Riverkeeper as a guest speaker in their summer outdoor series called “Beech Mountain’s Passport to Adventure”.
This hike is not strenuous but expect to get wet and wear the appropriate clothing! Bring a water bottle, snack, any safety equipment they may need (ie. walking stick).

Valle Crucis Park BioBlitz
2023-07-23 09:30 - 16:30 | The Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis, NC, 28604, United States
Join MountainTrue’s High Country team for the 3rd annual BioBlitz at Valle Crucis Community Park on Sunday, July 23. This is an annual event – hosted by MountainTrue on iNaturalist – that seeks to get experts, naturalists, and curious others outdoors to document every living organism we can find. Stop by anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to explore the meadows and wetlands along the river and help us find and identify as many different plants, animals, and fungi as we can for the park’s species list!
For the most up to date information, registration, and FAQs, please visit the Valle Crucis Community Park website.

Guided River Snorkel near Boone, NC 7/29
2023-07-29 10:00 - 12:30 | Watauga Upper Gorge Access, 2531 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679, United States
Join our High Country Water Team in exploring aquatic wildlife in the Watauga River. We will get up close and personal with many native fish species, such as the tangerine darter. Using view buckets, we can see under the water’s surface and observe the life teeming below. This is a great opportunity to learn about aquatic ecosystems, and what makes the Watauga River truly unique. Our staff will provide viewbuckets, identification books, and a wealth of knowledge of the region.
Important: *Option to rent a wetsuit and snorkel for a fully immersive experience at an additional cost*. If you would like to rent a wetsuit and snorkel gear, be sure to purchase both a ticket ($10-$30) and the additional ticket for rental gear ($20). Please also indicate what size wetsuit you will need based on the sizing chart linked here.
The rain date for this event will take place on August 26th.

Cancelled - Trash Trout River Clean Out near Boone, NC 8/4
2023-08-04 14:00 - 16:00 | NC
This event has been cancelled due to high amounts of rainfall. Please consider signing up for another trash trout event we have in the future.

Want to get in the river AND contribute to its health? Assist with cleanout and inventory of trash types and brands found within the Trash Trouts. This weeks trash trout clean out will be at Winkler’s Creek. Made from recycled materials, this passive litter collection device will be sure to get you asking questions and feeling good about what we can do to mitigate the trash found in the river. We’ve got the boots and waders, just bring your love for river health! Sign up so we know your sizes and how many people to bring equipment for.
Please note under MountainTrue policy, we will never share your contact information with external groups or individuals.
**Note: Dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions with short notice. Please follow our Watauga Riverkeeper Instagram and Watauga Riverkeeper Facebook Page or email hannah@mountaintrue.org to receive the most up-to-date information on event changes/cancellations.

VWIN Sampling Weekend in the High Country 8/12-8/13
2023-08-12 - 2023-08-13 | NC

Beech Mountain Concert Series
2023-08-12 17:00 - 22:00 | Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Beech Mountain Summer Music Series is back, come jam out with us on the mountain and listen to Grace Potter with Morgan Wade! The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!) RAIN OR SHINE EVENT!
Ticket Options:
General Admission: $55
VIP: $150 (includes one complimentary drink ticket, early entry, premium viewing area near VIP tent/bar, and VIP portable restrooms)
VIP gates open at 5PM // General Admission gates open at 5:30
*Patrons are permitted to bring camping chairs and blankets
Purchase tickets and access up to date show information here: http://beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2023/

Riverkeeper Float Fest in Todd, NC
2023-08-19 10:00 - 17:00 | NC
It’s that time of year… The Riverkeeper Float Fest is back and better than ever! Join us on Saturday, August 19, for a fun-filled & family-friendly event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at River & Earth Adventures’ New River Outpost in Todd, NC. Click here for more event details.

Antlers & Acorns: The Boone Songwriters Festival
2023-09-04 - 2023-09-09 | 559 W King St, Boone, NC 28607, 559 W King St., Boone, NC, 28607, United States
Antlers and Acorns: The Boone Songwriters Festival brings together the wordsmiths, the weavers of chords and sharps and flats, the storytellers, the prophets, and the liars. The town is the venue, the bars and restaurants, the cafes, and the stage. Fans of words and music will walk the streets from one welcoming door to the next to hear their favorite singer/songwriter tell the stories of their songs, where they came from, and where they went.
For a week each September King and Howard Streets and beyond will be filled with fans of great songwriting for the chance to sit and listen to the ones who pen the songs we love and be among the first to hear what’s coming from these artists. Good food, great drinks, and songs that stay with you while surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains just as the colors of the leaves begin to turn. There will be opportunities for VIP passes, tours of breweries, and lots of interaction with the songwriters and musicians coming to the mountains for this unique weekend. To view the event schedule, click the link here.
Form more information and to purchase tickets, visit Working Title Farm’s website here. VIP tickets are available for pre-purchase, general admission tickets are available day-of. All questions about tickets should be sent to workingtitlefarm@yahoo.com.

Watauga Tailwaters End of Summer Guided Paddle near Johnson City, TN
2023-09-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Blevins Boat Ramp, Blevins, Johnson City, TN, 37601, United States
Join MountainTrue’s Riverkeeper water team staff on a guided tailwater float on the Watauga River. The Watauga Riverkeeper and French Broad Riverkeeper teams have decided to team up to spend the Friday afternoon on the water. We welcome all ages and skill levels for paddlers. Reserve your boat and spot on this awesome trip, as supply is limited. You are also welcome to BYOB (bring your own boat).
We will meet at Blevins Boat Ramp and provide a shuttle and boats. The rain date for this event will be September 30th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure attendance.

End of Summer Volunteer Appreciation Cookout
2023-09-21 06:00 - 20:30 | The Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis, NC, 28604, United States
To celebrate the end of Swim Guide season, we would like to celebrate our volunteers for their efforts in our clean water work. This is also a chance to reconnect with our volunteers involved with our monthly VWIN chemical sampling program. We are so excited to share stories of how their sampling has made a difference in the New and Watauga River watersheds with our dedicated volunteers. Volunteers, feel free to bring a friend, kids, or a loved one. To RSVP please email hannah@mountaintrue.org.
Pets are allowed if they are well-behaved and good around children. Please bring your reusable water bottle!

The River Runs On screening in Boone, NC
2023-09-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 West King Street, Boone, NC, 28607, United States
Join Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC) on September 22nd at the Appalachian Theater in Boone for a thought-provoking documentary that explores the delicate balance between human intervention and the preservation of our natural heritage.
After the screening of “The River Runs On,” stay for a panel discussion featuring local experts (including MountainTrue’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly) who will shed light on the intricacies of the Pisgah-Nantahala Forest Plan.
Ticket purchases will support the CCC. MountainTrue is proud to be a part of the panel discussion. Buy tickets here.

Fall 2023 Eco-Grief Circle
2023-10-10 12:00 - 2023-11-21 13:15 | NC
Join us for an Eco Grief Circle this Fall! We will meet weekly on Tuesdays beginning October 10 and ending November 21 from 12pm-1:15 ET. This seven-week online experience will be offered in sessions that last about 1 hour and fifteen minutes. Together we will explore grief and sorrow, anxiety and fear, guilt and shame, anger, and despair. This experience is designed to offer mutual support, healing, insight, and love but is not a grief therapy experience. Past participants expressed profound gratitude for being among people who could talk honestly about grief, suffering, and the ecological and social challenges of our time. The leadership team includes counselors, pastors, and environmental advocates.
All times are Eastern time. There is limited space for this online experience. Sign up to let us know you are interested in joining us.

MountainTrue 2023 Annual Gathering in Asheville, NC
2023-10-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Devil’s Foot, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28803, United States
You’re invited! We look forward to seeing your smiling faces at our Annual Member Gathering on Saturday, October 14th. This year’s event will be held at Devil’s Foot Beverage in Asheville, NC.
Get ready for a night of fun and camaraderie with like-minded folks as we celebrate our achievements and honor the relationships each of us have to each other and to the natural world. We are all interconnected. Healthy forests and sustainable development make for clean water. The built environment has profound effects on the natural environment. Understanding the interconnectedness of our world guides our work and is key to building a better future for the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains.
General programming will begin at 3 pm and will include voting on new Board Members, reflecting on our achievements this year and honoring outstanding Volunteers.
This year our doors open early for a Plastics Rally beginning at 2 pm. Learn about the progress that MountainTrue, our members and partners have made in the fight against plastic pollution. French Broad Riverkeeper, Hartwell Carson, will discuss our work to pass a plastic bag ban in Buncombe County and how North Carolina towns and counties are empowered to reduce plastic pollution by NC’s Solid Waste Management Act. Attendees will get fired up and learn from local organizers how they can do their part to stop plastic pollution.
But there’s more! Stick around for our exciting Jeopardy game show featuring one contestant from each of our four regions. The winner will get to designate what MountainTrue work donations collected at the event will fund. Interested in playing? Check out the event page for more information.
Come snack on some hors d’oeuvres and grab a drink on us!
“I want more information or want to RSVP”
This event is open to current members of MountainTrue. Click here to check your membership status or email members@mountaintrue.org. If you’re not a current member, we would love to have you join us — You don’t want to miss out on the fun!
Come raise a glass with us to another year of being stronger together!

No Man's Land Film Festival Screening
2023-11-28 19:00 - 21:00 | NC
MountainTrue is excited to host the No Man’s Land Film Festival again this year on November 28, 2023 in coordination with Giving Tuesday – a global generosity movement helping to transform communities and the world. Although you can register to watch the films for free, we hope you will consider supporting the work of MountainTrue with a contribution.
Screening will be offered both in person in Asheville, NC at New Belgium Brewing’s Liquid Center AND virtually.
Full event information and RSVPs can be found here: https://mountaintrue.org/nmlff2023/

Speckled Trout Pint Night to support the Watauga Riverkeeper on 12/7 in Blowing Rock, NC
2023-12-07 18:00 - 20:00 | The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop, 922 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605, United States
Join us for a pint in Blowing Rock at the Speckled Trout to hear from the Riverkeeper and the team about the state of rivers, meet the High Country team, and learn about our awesome work!
Bring some friends, and let’s raise a glass to supporting clean water for good beer and good fishing!

Live Staking Work Day near Boone, NC 12/15
2023-12-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Wards Mill Dam, 443 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679, United States
Come plant native trees with MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper at the historic former site of Wards Mill Dam! This project has been completed for 2 years, and we are able to continue repairing the vegetative buffer thanks to support from TVA’s Shade Your Stream program and the Tennessee River Basin Network.
If you’re looking to get outside and help us restore and replenish streambanks, these work days are a great way to meet new friends and do some good work for Mother Nature too!
Live staking involves taking dormant cuttings of a living tree and planting them along the river’s edge. For the remainder of 2023, our live staking goals prioritize improving riparian habitat connectivity at high-priority stream sites in the Watauga drainage following the historic Ward’s dam removal.
What to bring:

Lunch/snacks
warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather, but also make sure it’s things you don’t mind to get dirty)
rubber boots and/or waders (We have some, but not many so bring your own if you have them.)
water to drink

We will meet at the Old Watauga River Rd at the Ward’s Mill Dam site. Park along the sides of the gravel road. Please DO NOT block the barn or driveways.

Live Staking Work Day near Sugar Grove, NC 2-2
2024-02-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Wards Mill Dam, 443 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679, United States
Come plant native trees with MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper at the historic former site of Wards Mill Dam! This project has been completed for 2 years, and we are able to continue repairing the vegetative buffer thanks to support from TVA’s Shade Your Stream program and the Tennessee River Basin Network.
If you’re looking to get outside and help us restore and replenish streambanks, these work days are a great way to meet new friends and do some good work for Mother Nature too! Live staking involves taking dormant cuttings of a living tree and planting them along the river’s edge. For our 2024 livestaking season, our goals prioritize improving riparian habitat connectivity at high-priority stream sites in the Watauga drainage following the historic Ward’s dam removal.
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 (We have some, but not many so bring your own if you have them.) water to drink

There is parking along the side of the road.

Trash Trout River Clean Out near Boone, NC 2-9
2024-02-09 14:00 - 16:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
Want to get in the river AND contribute to its health? Assist with cleanout and inventory of trash types and brands found within the Trash Trouts. This week’s trash trout clean out will be at Winkler’s Creek. Made from recycled materials, this passive litter collection device will be sure to get you asking questions and feeling good about what we can do to mitigate the trash found in the river.
We’ve got the boots and waders, just bring your love for river health! Sign up so we know your sizes and how many people to bring equipment for.
Kids are welcome at this event, however, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the event.
Please Bring:

Water
Snacks

Live Staking Work Day near Sugar Grove, NC 2-17
2024-02-17 10:00 - 14:00 | Wards Mill Dam, 443 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679, United States
Come plant native trees with MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper at the historic former site of Wards Mill Dam!
If you’re looking to get outside and help us restore and replenish streambanks, these work days are a great way to meet new friends and do some good work for Mother Nature too! Live staking involves taking dormant cuttings of a living tree and planting them along the river’s edge. For our 2024 livestaking season, our goals prioritize improving riparian habitat connectivity at high-priority stream sites in the Watauga drainage following the historic Ward’s dam removal.
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 (We have some, but not many so bring your own if you have them.) water to drink

There is parking along the side of the road.

Winter Tree ID Hike-LOCATION CHANGE
2024-03-07 12:00 - 16:00 | NC
We have learned that the Parkway is closed in the stretch where the Flatrock Loop Trail is, so we are making a last-minute location change.

Updated location: Bull Gap on the the Blue Ridge Parkway

Park at the gate. This section of trail is surprisingly diverse and even offers some long-range views. We will meet at noon and return to our vehicles by 4 p.m.

Do you want to improve your ability to identify trees in all seasons? Winter is the time to do that! On this hike we will be treated to an afternoon in an ancient oak forest and views from a granitic outcrop. Along the way, participants will learn both basic and advanced techniques for tree identification. We will also discuss forest ecology, wildlife habitat, and more.
This hike is moderately strenuous and open to all knowledge levels. Children are welcome if they can hike up to 3 miles. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
Please bring:
*Sturdy hiking shoes
*Clothes/layers appropriate for the weather
*Snacks
*Rain Gear
*At least 1 liter of water
We love our four-legged friends but pets are not permitted on this hike.

Trash Trout River Clean Out near Boone, NC 3-8
2024-03-08 14:00 - 16:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
