Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series 7/19/24
2024-07-19 16:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | 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 say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
July 19th Line-up: Need to Breathe with Yola!
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series 7/20/24
2024-07-20 16:30 - 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 say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
July 20th Line-up: Dispatch with Maggie Rose!
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series 7/21/24
2024-07-21 16:30 - 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 say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
July 21st Line-up: Greensky Bluegrass!
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

Watauga Riverkeeper’s Dam Removal Talk in Blowing Rock, NC
2024-07-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605
Hear from MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper, Andy Hill, and High Country Watershed Outreach Coordinator, Hannah Woodburn, about dam removal projects in the High Country and the state of dam removal in the Southeast. We hope you enjoy learning about this conservation topic and its connection to improving water quality and habitat for sensitive and rare aquatic species.
Free for Members of the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum; $8 General Admission.
Purchase tickets here.
About the speakers:

Andy Hill, High Country Regional Director of MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper
Andy has a passion for clean, cold, fishable, drinkable, and swimmable water. As a long-time fly fisherman, educator, and guide, he is intimately familiar with our watershed from the headwaters to the tailwater and is passionate about protecting the places we love.
Andy’s love for the Southern Appalachians brought him to Appalachian State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Experiential Education and his Master’s in College Outdoor Program Administration. Following his passion for outdoor recreation, Andy has led community service trips both locally and around the globe for several adventure travel programs. Also a NOLS graduate, he thrives on using the outdoors as a source of learning and connecting people with our shared wild places.
Andy is active in the community as the founder of Fish Goat Guide Service based in Valle Crucis, and the proud founder of the Fly Fishing Program at Lees-McRae College. He is also an adjunct instructor at Appalachian State University, teaching courses in Natural Resource Management, Paddlesports, and Leadership and Group Dynamics, and serves on the board of the High Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Andy lives on a tributary of the Watauga with his wife, Bettie, and their young children. They can often be found splashing around our watershed.
Hannah Woodburn,High Country Watershed Outreach Coordinator
Hannah serves as both a staff scientist and community organizer at MountainTrue. In this role, she is responsible for managing all of the active water quality programs, volunteer coordination, and educational outreach in the High Country. She graduated from Appalachian State University in December 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Science. After serving as an AmeriCorps member with MountainTrue, Hannah became full-time in July 2022. She is currently working to complete her Master’s Degree requirements at App State in General Biology, with a primary focus on the health of freshwater systems in the Southern Blue Ridge. Hannah is dedicated to protecting the integrity of the streams, lakes, and rivers that make the High Country so special.

Trash Trout Cleanout in Boone, NC 7/27
2024-07-27 11:00 - 12:30 | 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 cleanout 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, waders and gloves, just bring your love for river health! Please provide boot/wader size for all registered participants.
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
Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
You are welcome to bring your own boots and waders if you have them

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series 8/10/24
2024-08-10 16:30 - 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 say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
August 10th Line-up: Sylvan Esso with Soccer Mommy!
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us VIRTUAL Book Discussion 8/15
2024-08-15 19:00 - 20:30
This summer, we invite you to join MountainTrue’s Creation Care Alliance Program in reading This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us by the founder of Black Liturgies, Cole Arthur Riley. We will read at our own pace, taking time with each chapter and idea.
On Thursday, August 15th, we will gather virtually via Zoom to discuss our learnings, questions, and how this book influenced us–as well as spend some quality time together.
An in-person discussion in the Asheville area is scheduled for Sunday, August 11th, so if you would rather join us physically, please register for the in person event here.
Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy of this book. We can’t wait to discuss it with you and spend some sweet time in fellowship!

Guided River Snorkel near Sugar Grove, NC 8/16
2024-08-16 14:00 - 16:30 | 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 an excellent 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 regional knowledge.
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 and the additional ticket for rental gear ($40).
**Please also indicate what size wetsuit you will need based on the sizing chart linked here.
Children aged 5 and up are welcome to attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the outing.
Meet-up Coordinates: 321 Upper Gorge Park (36.25481006839172, -81.84969156997231)
Please remember to bring: Water, snacks, towel, and change of clothes

Trash Trout Cleanout in Boone, NC 8/24--CANCELED
2024-08-24 11:00 - 12:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
Due to an unforeseen staffing conflict we regret that we need to cancel this volunteer event. Stay tuned for a reschedule date!
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 cleanout 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, waders and gloves, just bring your love for river health! Please provide boot/wader size for all registered participants.
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
Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
You are welcome to bring your own boots and waders if you have them

Catch MountainTrue's Watauga Riverkeeper Team at King Street Farmer's Market on 9/10 and 9/24
2024-09-10 15:30 - 18:30, 2024-09-24 15:30 - 18:30 | 126 Poplar Grove Connector, 126 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC, 28607
Come visit the MountainTrue booth at the King Street Market on September 10th and September 24th, and stock up on fresh, local food and crafts. This spacious, outdoor market every Tuesday is designed with working families in mind to give them the perfect opportunity to shop locally during the week. Be sure to grab your Hellbender and Riverkeeper merchandise, as well as find out what fun events are coming up!
Catch us 9/10 and 9/24!

MountainTrue 2024 Annual Gathering in Asheville, NC
2024-09-14 15:30 - 17:30 | Devil’s Foot, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28803, United States
You’re invited to the Annual MountainTrue Member Gathering on Saturday, September 14th. We will be back at Devil’s Foot Beverage in Asheville, NC this year.
Come early at 3 pm to meet our Board Members. General programming will begin at 3:30 pm and will include reflecting on our achievements to date in 2024 and honoring outstanding Volunteers. We will have heavy snacks and MountainTrue will cover the cost of your first beer, wine or n/a beverage.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Stick around after the business wraps for a fiery round of MountainTrue-themed trivia.
This event is open to current members of MountainTrue. Check your current membership status here or by emailing 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!
This event is free to current members but, if you would like to help us cover the cost of the event, the suggested donation per attendee is $25. This can be made as an additional donation on the registration form.

Trash Trout Cleanout in Boone, NC 9/19
2024-09-19 15:00 - 16:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607

Watauga Tailwaters Guided Paddle near Johnson City, TN 9/20
2024-09-20 11:00 - 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. Some of our best MountainTrue river experts have teamed up to spend the Friday afternoon on the water with you!
You can bring your own boat (and lifejacket) or rent a boat from MountainTrue but hurry, we have a limited number of available boats.
Children aged 5 and up are welcome to attend as long as they are with a parent/guardian for the duration of the outing. All skill levels of paddling are welcome.
We will meet at Blevins Boat Ramp and provide a shuttle and boats.
Please remember to bring: Water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, towel & change of clothes for after and your life jacket if you are bringing your own boat.
Rain Date: October 4th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure attendance.

Catch MountainTrue's Watauga Riverkeeper team at Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) Oktoberfest in Boone, NC on 9/21
2024-09-21 12:00 - 22:00 | AMB-Boone, 163 Boone Creek Dr., Boone, NC, 28607
Oktoberfest is back and better than ever! Get ready for an all-day celebration filled with brews, brats, and belly-laughing fun! Come visit the MountainTrue table for some fun games, new merch and more information on all the activities we have planned this Fall and Winter.
$5 cover at the door will be donated to charities.
Full event information can be found here.

**CANCELED** MountainTrue Volunteer Appreciation Party in Boone, NC
2024-10-10 17:00 - 19:30 | The Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis, NC, 28604, United States
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 10.
To celebrate the end of Swim Guide season, we would like to celebrate our volunteers’ efforts in our clean water work. This is also a chance to reconnect with our volunteers involved with our monthly VWIN chemical sampling program, live-staking work, and invasive plant removal. 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. Be sure to sign-up so we can account for food and drinks!
This event will be rain or shine.
Don’t forget that MountainTrue volunteers are eligible for a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. To receive your complimentary membership, please email members@mountaintrue.org.

**CANCELED** Trash Trout Cleanout in Boone, NC 10/17
2024-10-17 15:00 - 16:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
**This Trash Trout was removed from Winkler’s Creek before the Tropical Storm and we’re not sure when we’ll be able to re-deploy it.**
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 cleanout 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, waders and gloves, just bring your love for river health! Please provide boot/wader size for all registered participants.
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
Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
You are welcome to bring your own boots and waders if you have them

Watauga Riverkeeper Clean Up- Guy Ford (near Boone, NC)
2024-10-19 09:00 - 14:30 | Wine to Water Warehouse, 689 George Wilson Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
Join us again on Saturday, October 19th for a Watauga River clean-up! We will meet at the Wine to Water Warehouse at 9 am to check in and then head to the clean-up site, arriving by 10 am.
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you bring your own PPE for the clean-up.
Lunch will be provided. While there will be some vegetarian options, it is recommended that you bring your own snacks/lunch if you have any specific dietary restrictions.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**
Locations:
Meet at 9 am: Wine to Water Warehouse (689 George Wilson Rd. Boone, NC 28607)
Clean-up site (arrive by 10 am): Guy Ford (811 2/8 US-321 Sugar Grove, NC 28679)

Watauga Riverkeeper Clean Up- Brookshire Park near Boone, NC
2024-10-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Brookshire Park, 250 Brookshire Rd., Boone, NC, 28607, United States
Join us on Tuesday, October 22nd at Brookshire Park from 1pm to 4pm to help clean up trash along the South Fork of the New River.
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you bring your own PPE for the clean-up.
Lunch will be provided. It is recommended that you bring your own snacks/lunch if you have any specific dietary restrictions.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**

Watauga Riverkeeper Clean Up- Clawson-Burnley Park near Boone, NC
2024-10-24 09:00 - 13:00 | Clawson-Burnley Park, 355 Martin Luther King Jr St, Boone, NC, 28607
Help our team keep the Greenway Clean from 9 am to 1 pm on October 24th. We plan to get outside and make more headway removing trash along the South Fork of the New River.
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you bring your own PPE for the clean-up.
Lunch will be provided. It is recommended that you bring your own snacks/lunch if you have any specific dietary restrictions.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**

Watauga River Hurricane Helene Clean-up near Sugar Grove, NC 11/1
2024-11-01 10:00 - 13:00 | 5486 US-321, 5486 US-321, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679
Join us on Friday, November 1st, for a Watauga River clean-up! We will meet at the clean-up site at 10 am, talk as a group, and then disperse along the river for trash pickup. This area needs a good litter sweep and we are also working to identify any hazardous or large debris items (cars, propane tanks, etc.).
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long-sleeved pants and shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
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.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**

River Clean-up with Middle Fork Greenway and MountainTrue near Boone, NC
2024-11-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Boone Gorge Park, 36°11'25.3"N 81°39'24.7"W
Join us for a rewarding day of community service as we partner with Blue Ridge Conservancy and The Middle Fork Greenway for a River Clean-Up as an ongoing effort to clean up post-Helene. Help us make a difference as we collect litter and debris along the riverbanks.
We plan to meet at Boone Gorge Park on November 7th from 10 am-1 pm to help clean up the Middle Fork New River. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, meet like-minded individuals, and contribute to a healthier environment.
Meet-up coordinates: 36.190361, -81.656861 (Turn off of Blowing Rock Rd./Hwy 321 to Jordan V Cook Rd., then take a slight left on Old Blowing Rock Rd., the entrance will be 0.1 miles on your right). Here is the google link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PemBkNWrqgHfNmwS7
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long-sleeved pants and shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
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.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**

River Clean up at Deer Valley Athletic Club in Boone, NC 11/9
2024-11-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Deer Valley Athletic Club, 507 Bamboo Dr., Boone, NC, 28607
Join us for another river clean up from 10 am-1 pm on Saturday, November 9th at Deer Valley Athletic Club to remove trash from the East Fork of the New River. We are excited to have a great turnout with plenty of parking— there is tons to do on this section of river (tell your friends, and still carpool if you can!).
Meet-up coordinates: (36.1918810, -81.6333086) Deer Valley Athletic Club; on the backside near the river Bamboo Rd, to Sports Club Ln https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y3vkkuqoAZC8XwYYA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long-sleeved pants and shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
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.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**

River Clean-up at Old Cove in Sugar Grove, NC 12/14
2024-12-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Old Cove Creek, 207 Dale Adams Road, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679
Join us for another river clean up from 10 am – 1 pm on Saturday, December 14th (originally scheduled for Nov. 23rd this event was postponed due to the chance of inclement weather). We are excited to have a great turnout (tell your friends, and still carpool if you can!).
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long pants and long-sleeved shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
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.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**
The rain/snow date for this event will be December 21st. Please mark your calendar for both dates.

Catch MountainTrue at the Winter Farmer's Market in Boone, NC
2025-01-18 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Agricultural Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC, 28607
Come visit us at the Saturday Winter Farmer’s Market in Boone, NC! From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., your Watauga Riverkeeper team will be set up with live-staking demos, well-testing kits, and Riverkeeper merch for our High Country community. This is a great opportunity to meet our team, learn about riparian buffer rehabilitation methods, and chat with us about water quality.
Check out the Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture website for more information.

Big Horse Clean Up 2.0 with New River Conservancy in Lansing 2/1
2025-02-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Lansing Creeper Trail Park, 114 S Big Horse Creek Road, Lansing, NC, 28643
Join MountainTrue and other awesome organizations in Lansing, NC, for a clean-up on Big Horse Creek. This cleanup is a collaboration between New River Conservancy, MountainTrue, Keep Ashe Beautiful and Trout Unlimited. (Originally scheduled for 1/29 but has been postponed to 2/1 due to weather).
Please Bring: food and water, and dress in layers for the cold weather.
Meet at: Lansing Creeper Trail Park @ 114 S Big Horse Creek Road, Lansing, NC
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQ7AHP9XeKxskCpCm_G4HOC28LVwQu5lkYAYVoAIGuPdcRYA/viewform

Live Staking Work Day near Boone, NC 2/8--This event is FULL
2025-02-08 10:00 - 13:00
Live staking season is officially here! Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the High Country after Hurricane Helene. We’ll be planting stakes that will eventually grow into trees, and protect our rivers from erosion and pollution. This event is full. Please view our event calendar for more upcoming workdays.
The exact location will be announced at a later date. We will email registered participants with the exact location and meet-up details..
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather. Work locations will be along the Watauga or New Rivers. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go. We will let you know beforehand what the day will hold.
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 and An extra set of dry clothes.

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing but youth are welcome.

Elk River Clean-up near Banner Elk, NC 2/22-CANCELED
2025-02-22 09:30 - 14:30 | Lowe’s Food (Banner Elk), 4000 NC-105, Linville, NC, 28604
Due to inclement weather, this event has been canceled. Please check back for other upcoming events! Come join the Clean Water team as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
Meet-up: Lowe’s Food in Banner Elk @ 4000 NC-105 Linville NC 28604
The group will meet and carpool to our clean-up location on the Elk River.
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.
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.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**

Live Staking Work Day near Boone, NC 2/22-CANCELED
2025-02-22 10:00 - 13:00
Due to inclement weather, we are forced to cancel this event; the ground will be too cold. Please check back for additional upcoming workdays soon! Live staking season is officially here! Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the High Country after Hurricane Helene. We’ll be planting stakes that will eventually grow into trees, and protect our rivers from erosion and pollution.
The exact location will be announced at a later date. We will email registered participants with the exact location and meet-up details..
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather. Work locations will be along the Watauga or New Rivers. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go. We will let you know beforehand what the day will hold.
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 and An extra set of dry clothes.

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing but youth are welcome.
