MountainTrue

MountainTrue Helene Clean-up along the Upper Broad River below Lake Lure 4/13
2025-04-13 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NC
Join MountainTrue’s Broad Riverkeeper and River Clean-up Coordinator, along with help from Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, as we clean up trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Rutherford County along the Upper Broad River, about 4 miles below Lake Lure.
We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas and on an island. This is a land-based clean-up, with some of us wading across to the island.
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 afterwards 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.
For safety reasons, no participants under the age of 18 are permitted. Please check out our other volunteer opportunities for kid-friendly events.
LOCATION:5911 US 64 74A HwyLake Lure, NC 28746coordinates: 35.419832, -82.138415

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Earth Day Riverside Cleanup with Thomas Jefferson Academy near Rutherfordton, NC on 4/22
2025-04-22 15:30 - 17:30 | Public Boating Access on the Broad River at Hwy 221A 35.217227, -81.779467, 35.217227, -81.779467, NC
Join your Broad Riverkeeper and students from Thomas Jefferson Academy for a riverside litter sweep at our newest public river access. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has added another public boating access to the Broad River Paddle Trail and we want to give it a good spring cleaning.
Please bring: water, any snacks needed, gloves, sturdy close-toed shoes and be prepared to get dirty.
This event is rain or shine. Youth are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration.
Meet-up location: Public Boating Access on the Broad River at Hwy 221A
35.217227, -81.779467
We appreciate you and the time you spend volunteering to protect the places we love and share. To show our gratitude, we’re offering MountainTrue volunteers a complimentary, one-year membership. To become a member of MountainTrue, simply email members@mountaintrue.org and request a complimentary membership. If you wish to donate to support our work, you can do so here. Thank you for all the work that you do to protect our environment!
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MountainTrue Post Hurricane Helene Big Hungry clean-up near Flat Rock, NC 5/3
2025-05-03 10:00 - 15:00 | NC
Please join your Green Riverkeeper and MountainTrue’s Cleanup Coordinator to clean up Big Hungry at the confluence of Big Hungry and Green River at the put-in of the Narrows. We will work to remove trash and debris from the banks of Big Hungry. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up, and a hike in is required that is about 3/4 of a mile (so meaning 3/4 of a mile out as well). If you are crossing the riverbed at any point to reach trash on smaller islands, please come dressed to get wet. (You are more than welcome to wear waders if you choose.) This cleanup will require hands-on work in unstable areas, so being able to maneuver around downed debris and tough to reach areas is required. This will be a more strenuous cleanup, so please be prepared.
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:Green River Fund Access Parking Lot957 Gallimore RdFlat Rock, NC 28731

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May Day Floats on the Broad River: Casar to Delight 5/3 (Polkville, NC)-CANCELED
2025-05-03 10:00 - 16:00 | NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch, 4933 Casar Road, Polkville, NC, 28136
Broad Riverkeeper is sad to announce that all May Saturdays Guided Outings will have to be postponed indefinitely. We just learned that contractors, hired by Cleveland County to remove Hurricane debris from the First Broad River, will be working in the entire 50 miles of the waterway over the next few months. We scouted and cleared the first three sections that we had planned for outings. But we don’t have a schedule from the contractors to know when and where they will be working. New potentially dangerous obstacles may be created as the work continues. We recommend that paddlers stay off the First Broad River until we know more as the work progresses. Stay safe! Contact David, your Broad Riverkeeper, david@mountaintrue.org if you have questions.
Join your Broad Riverkeeper in the South Mountain Foothills for a fun paddle on the cool shady waters of the First Broad River. Just downstream from the South Mountain Game Lands and one of our few Outstanding Resource Waters, this is some of the cleanest and life-filled water in the Broad River basin.
Meet up at the brand new NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch (NC 10 PFA, 4933 Casar Road) at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload boats and gear, then take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling. This section is approximately 5 miles. We will be on the water for about 3.5 hours, including a stop for lunch.
Please bring your boat, paddle, and lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes.
* we have some kayaks available to rent, max. 4 rentals
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
The RAIN DATE is May 4th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar.

Green Drinks: Localization & Food Crisis (Hendersonville, NC) 5/8
2025-05-08 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
The post-World War II of the 40’s and 50’s shifted the food paradigm from local to high-yield crops and grocery stores. Steeped in an economy of convenience, this system provides on-demand food, but has shown devastating impacts on the environment, health, and community. Could a shift back to local be the answer to these 3 top issues faced today?
Join us for a discussion entitled, “Localization; the answer to more than just the environmental crisis?” with Tia Wackerhagen, RN, BSN, Food and Agriculture Committee Co-chair, and member of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments.
Tia is a registered nurse for Roof Above in Charlotte North Carolina, serving individuals who have recently come out of chronic homelessness. She is passionate about equality not only in health care, but in food systems. To further strengthen this passion, Tia is pursuing her doctorate in nursing practice in family nurse practitioner specialty at East Carolina University. She serves as co-chair for the Alliance for Healthy Nurses food and agriculture committee.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

May Days on the First Broad River Paddle Trail, Delight to Lawndale, NC 5/10-CANCELED
2025-05-10 10:00 - 16:00 | NC
Broad Riverkeeper is sad to announce that all May Saturdays Guided Outings will have to be postponed indefinitely. We just learned that contractors, hired by Cleveland County to remove Hurricane debris from the First Broad River, will be working in the entire 50 miles of the waterway over the next few months. We scouted and cleared the first three sections that we had planned for outings. But we don’t have a schedule from the contractors to know when and where they will be working. New potentially dangerous obstacles may be created as the work continues. We recommend that paddlers stay off the First Broad River until we know more as the work progresses. Stay safe! Contact David, your Broad Riverkeeper, david@mountaintrue.org if you have questions.
Join your Broad Riverkeeper for another Saturday on the First Broad River. This section of the river is wider and sandier than upstream as the river transitions from the Foothills into the Piedmont.
Meet up at another brand new NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch (Delight Road PFA, Polkville, NC) at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload the boats and gear, then take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling. This section is approximately 7 miles. We will be on the water for about 4.5 hours, including a stop for lunch. The takeout will be at our new Lawndale Park, part of the Stagecoach Greenway https://stagecoachgreenway.com/
Meetup: NCWRC Public Fishing Access on Delight Road
coordinates: 35.442687, -81.615058
Please bring your boat, paddle, lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes.
* we have some kayaks available to rent, max. 4 rentals
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
The RAIN DATE is May 11th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar.
Kids aged 12 and up are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the outing.

May Days on the First Broad River Paddle Trail, Double Shoals to Zion, NC 5/17-CANCELED
2025-05-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Double Shoals Mill, 199 Old Mill Rd., Shelby, NC, 28150, United States
Broad Riverkeeper is sad to announce that all May Saturdays Guided Outings will have to be postponed indefinitely. We just learned that contractors, hired by Cleveland County to remove Hurricane debris from the First Broad River, will be working in the entire 50 miles of the waterway over the next few months. We scouted and cleared the first three sections that we had planned for outings. But we don’t have a schedule from the contractors to know when and where they will be working. New potentially dangerous obstacles may be created as the work continues. We recommend that paddlers stay off the First Broad River until we know more as the work progresses. Stay safe! Contact David, your Broad Riverkeeper, david@mountaintrue.org if you have questions.
The third consecutive Saturday in May on the First Broad River with your Broad Riverkeeper. This section of river has long been a favorite for locals. The owner of Double Shoals Cotton Mill has permitted us for the last 12 years to access the river at the beautiful and historic site. This part of the river has many beautiful rock outcroppings and fun little rapids.
Meet up right behind the mill at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload the boats and gear, then take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling. This section is approximately 6 miles. We will be on the water for about 4 hours, including a stop for lunch.
meetup: behind Double Shoals Cotton Mill, 199 Old Mill Rd, Shelby, NC 28150
coordinates: 35.381143, -81.545053
Please bring your boat, paddle, lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes.
* we have some kayaks available to rent, max. 4 rentals
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
Kids aged 12 and up are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the outing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

May Days on the First Broad River Paddle Trail, Zion to Shelby, NC 5/24-CANCELED
2025-05-24 10:00 - 16:00 | NC
Broad Riverkeeper is sad to announce that all May Saturdays Guided Outings will have to be postponed indefinitely. We just learned that contractors, hired by Cleveland County to remove Hurricane debris from the First Broad River, will be working in the entire 50 miles of the waterway over the next few months. We scouted and cleared the first three sections that we had planned for outings. But we don’t have a schedule from the contractors to know when and where they will be working. New potentially dangerous obstacles may be created as the work continues. We recommend that paddlers stay off the First Broad River until we know more as the work progresses. Stay safe! Contact David, your Broad Riverkeeper, david@mountaintrue.org if you have questions.
Making our way out of the Foothills countryside and into the city. The put in spot is privately owned by the Pentecostal Church. They have been very generous in allowing access for Broad Riverkeeper special outings and events, including 9 years of the annual Sarah Sweep! Shelby folks who see this river from a boat often comment that they had no idea of the river’s beauty here, a real wilderness just outside the city.
Meet in the Church’s lower parking lot at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload boats and gear, then take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling. This section is approximately 6.5 miles and includes a difficult portage around Shelby’s water intake dam. We will be on the water for about 5 hours, including a stop for lunch.
Meetup: Pentecostal Apostolic Church, 125 W Zion Church Rd, Shelby, NC 28150
Coordinates: 35.345901, -81.545462
Please bring your boat, paddle, lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes.
* we have some kayaks available to rent, max. 4 rentals
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
Please no children on this section of the river.

French Broad River Clean-Up - Pisgah Forest River Access to Penrose Boating Access Area 5/31
2025-05-31 10:00 - 15:00 | Penrose Boating Access Area, Apac Drive, Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768
Volunteers are invited to help clean up trash with French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, Jack Henderson, and other members of MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper team.
The clean-up will be boat-based and focus on the French Broad River in Transylvania County between Pisgah Forest River Access and Penrose Boating Access Area.
MountainTrue can provide canoes (with paddles and PFDs) to volunteers with previous paddling experience, but attendees are otherwise requested to bring their own boats. MountainTrue will also provide gloves, trash bags, a dumpster for trash removal, and a shuttle to the put-in at Pisgah Forest River Access.
If you need to borrow a boat from MountainTrue, please use the boat request form. (We have a limited number of boats so you must complete this form to borrow a boat).ALL participants, regardless of whether you are borrowing a boat or bringing your own, must sign-up through the “sign-up” link to ensure we can adhere to safety standards for the maximum number of participants.
Please bring:

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

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

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

Sign-up!

May Days on the First Broad River Paddle Trail, Riverhill to Big Bay, SC 5/31-CANCELED
2025-05-31 10:00 - 17:30 | NC
Broad Riverkeeper is sad to announce that all May Saturdays Guided Outings will have to be postponed indefinitely. We just learned that contractors, hired by Cleveland County to remove Hurricane debris from the First Broad River, will be working in the entire 50 miles of the waterway over the next few months. We scouted and cleared the first three sections that we had planned for outings. But we don’t have a schedule from the contractors to know when and where they will be working. New potentially dangerous obstacles may be created as the work continues. We recommend that paddlers stay off the First Broad River until we know more as the work progresses. Stay safe! Contact David, your Broad Riverkeeper, david@mountaintrue.org if you have questions.
5th Saturday in May, join your Broad Riverkeeper for a special peek at the final section of the First Broad River as it makes its way to the confluence with the “Big” Broad. The put in is on private property. We are accessing with special permission.
Meet beside the bridge on Riverhill Drive at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload boats and gear, then take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling. This section is approximately 9.5 miles (3.5 miles on the First Broad and 6 on the Broad). The river slows down as we near Big Bay, so be prepared to paddle for the final 2 miles. We will be on the water for about 6 hours, including a stop for lunch.
Meetup: northwest side of Riverhill Drive bridge 1724 Riverhill Drive, Shelby, NC
Coordinates: 35.218253, -81.608052
Please bring your boat, paddle, lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes.
* we have some kayaks available to rent, max. 4 rentals
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
Please no children on this section of the river.
The RAIN DATE for this is June 1st. Please save both dates in your calendar.

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

Moken 10 Lite V2 in Green Flash:

AND, Winner’s choice of 3 adventure packages:

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

Green Drinks: Conserving Carolina’s Trails – Conservation and Recreation (Hendersonville, NC) 6/12
2025-06-12 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join Conserving Carolina’s Trails and Land Management Coordinator, Max Howes, for an update on Conserving Carolina’s trail systems! Conserving Carolina has built and maintains ~39 miles of trail in the region, showcasing many acres on, and scenic views from, protected land. He will be going over what makes trails sustainable, why they are important to the region, what it takes to build and maintain trails, trail history, Conserving Carolina’s involvement with the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail, and more! There will be an update on current trail conditions post-Helene, new trail projects, and opportunities to get involved with trail expansion and maintenance.
Max was born and raised in North Carolina, visiting areas across the state while calling Chapel Hill his home until he left for college. He attended Denison University in Ohio where he earned a B.A. in environmental studies with a minor in geoscience. Knowing he wanted to return to North Carolina after graduation, he served two terms with AmeriCorps Project Conserve as Conserving Carolina’s Habitat Restoration and Volunteer Coordinator. He gained a great appreciation for the diverse flora and fauna as well as the mountain trails in the area. He is now Conserving Carolina’s Trail and Land Management Coordinator. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, disc golf, biking, and watching college basketball.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.
Photo courtesy of Conserving Carolina.

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 Lower Green River Clean-up with Conserving Carolina near Saluda, NC 6/21
2025-06-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Green Riverkeeper Office, 7347 Ozone Dr, Suite 4, Saluda, NC, 28773
Join your Green Riverkeeper and Conserving Carolina to Clean the Lower Green!
We will meet at the Green Riverkeeper Office in Saluda, NC at 10 am and carpool down to the river. The exact clean-up location will be announced in an email closer to the event date.
This event will be land and river-based. If you want to be on the river, please plan to bring your own boat (MountainTrue is not providing boats for loan for this event) and appropriate river gear (pfd, helmet, paddles etc).
Please wear closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate attire (including things you don’t mind getting wet). Bring drinking water, lunch/snacks, and perhaps a change of clothes for afterward. We will have plenty of trash bags and gloves for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, etc.; however, feel free to bring your own if you would like.
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.

Sign-up!

MountainTrue Broad River Summer Sweep, Hwy 221 to 221A near Henrietta, NC 6/21
2025-06-21 10:00 - 16:00 | NC
Join your Broad Riverkeeper and Rutherford Outdoor Coalition for a river sweep on a section of the Broad that has just opened up for recreation. North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission completed the Hwy 221 access last year and just recently finished the Hwy 221A access. This is a water-based clean-up.
This 4.5 mile stretch of river is beautiful, wide, and easy to paddle, with a few fun class I-II rapids.
Meetup is at 10:00 AM sharp at the Hwy 221 put-in, 35.206404, -81.838500 . PLEASE ENTER THE COORDINATES for directions.
We will stop for lunch and a swim along the way. Please bring your boat, paddle, and lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes. If you don’t have a boat, we have some kayaks available to loan, max. 4. If you need to borrow a boat, please call David @ 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD size and boat preference.
RAIN Date for this event is June 28th. Please save both dates in your calendar. For safety reasons, no particants under the age of 18 on this clean-up.
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!

2025 MountainTrue BioBlitz at Hickory Nut Gap Farm near Asheville, NC 6/21
2025-06-21 12:30 - 17:00 | Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Rd, Fairview, NC, 28730
Each year, MountainTrue hosts a BioBlitz to record all the species we can find in a given area. We identify and catalog organisms using the online app iNaturalist. The BioBiltz this year will be on June 21st at Hickory Nut Gap Farm near Asheville, NC.
Volunteers will hike with experts in reptiles/amphibians, mammals, birds, plants and mushrooms.*Group sign-ups are taken at the event and are first come, first serve. Group availability is subject to change.
We will meet at 12:30 pm to complete waivers and sign-up for groups. The BioBlitz will kick off at 1 pm and end at 5 pm. But the fun doesn’t stop there. We hope our volunteers will stick around for the barn dance at Hickory Nut Gap from 5 to 9 pm. All BioBlitz volunteers will receive free admission to the barn dance.
Garage BBQ food truck will be on site where you can purchase dinner. MountainTrue will provide snacks.
Please bring: water, sunscreen, bug spray, notebook (if desired), sturdy close-toed shoes and any snacks, etc. that you may need.
**Kids aged 6 and up are welcome to join if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the trip.
Thanks to our friends at Hickory Nut Gap Farm for hosting us!

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MountainTrue Turner Shoals Dam Clean-up with Conserving Carolina near Mill Spring, NC 6/27
2025-06-27 10:00 - 13:00 | 260 Wolverine Trail, 260 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC, 28756
Join your Green Riverkeeper and Conserving Carolina to clean up the Lower Green at Turner Shoals Dam access area. This will be a land-based cleanup along the river.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate attire (including things you don’t mind getting wet). Bring drinking water, lunch/snacks, and perhaps a change of clothes for afterward. We will have plenty of trash bags and gloves for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, etc.; however, feel free to bring your own if you would like.
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.

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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.

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Summertime Long Float with MountainTrue & Rutherford Outdoor Coalition in Rutherfordton, NC 7/12
2025-07-12 09:00 - 17:00 | NC
Join your Broad Riverkeeper and Rutherford Outdoor Coalition for a long, fun paddle on two sections of the Broad that have just opened up for recreation. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recently completed the Hwy 221 access, our take-out point. We’ll start at the Coxe Road access and paddle 14 miles! The first section of the river is upstream of the confluence with the Green River, so is relatively narrow and shaded with some trees to maneuver around. Once the Green enters the Broad, the river is much wider and has more flow and no obstacles, with a few fun class I-II rapids.
Meetup is at 9:00 AM sharp at the Coxe Road access, 35.292635, -81.991388
We will stop for lunch and a swim along the way. With an average speed of 2-3 mph, total time on the river will be 7 to 8 hours. Not recommended for inexperienced paddlers. (Please, no kids on this trip.)
Please bring: your boat, paddle, and lifejacket, water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), and a dry change of clothes. If you want to enjoy the scenery, you are encouraged to bring binoculars as well.
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
The RAIN DATE is July 19th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar.

MountainTrue Lower Green River Clean-up near Saluda, NC 7/18
2025-07-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Please join our Green River work crew for an afternoon cleaning up a small section of the Lower Green. This work day will not require a boat, but volunteers should be prepared to be in and out of the water on steep banks and uneven terrain.
Please be prepared for the day to be strenuous, as you will be pulling large trash from the river and its banks to haul up to the road to be loaded into a dump trailer.
Closed-toed shoes are required. Work gloves and tools will be provided, but please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, hats, medical needs, and appropriate clothing to pull out large and potentially sharp objects from the river. We will meet at Fish Top Access to sign waivers and talk about how the day will run, and then we will carpool to the cleanup location.
All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours!
Please, nobody under the age of 18.

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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 | NC
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.

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MountainTrue Lower Green River Clean-up with Conserving Carolina near Saluda, NC 7/26
2025-07-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Green Riverkeeper Office, 7347 Ozone Dr, Suite 4, Saluda, NC, 28773

Love Your Watershed Happy Hour at Oklawaha Brewing Co in Hendersonville, NC
2025-08-07 17:30 - 19:00 | Oklawaha Brewing Company
Join us for a Love Your Watershed Happy Hour with your local water quality partners and learn more about what you can do to support cleaner rivers and streams in WNC. Drop-by and chat with folks from Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue, Mills River Partnership, and others, and hear about the incredible ongoing efforts to bring our waterways back to life post-Helene. There will be a short presentation, including a “State of the Watershed” update. Thanks to Oklawaha, 10% of beer sales will be donated to the French Broad River Partnership to support this vital work. And don’t miss your opportunity to win a totally rad YETI® Cooler during the raffle!

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 | 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.

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Pint night at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Mills River, NC Benefiting MountainTrue 8/14
2025-08-14 17:00 - 20:00 | AMB Mills River, 46 N Mills River Road, Mills River, NC, 28759
Stop by Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) in Mills River to chat with MountainTrue staff and grab a cold beverage! $1 of all beer pours on August 14th will benefit MountainTrue.
Can’t make it on August 14th? You have all of August to support AMB and MountainTrue! MountainTrue is proud to be AMB’s featured nonprofit for the month of August. $1 of all Hop Rain Drop pours during August will benefit MountainTrue.
Come on out to say hi and help us support our supporters!

Green Drinks: A Brief History of Air – air, air pollution, and solutions (Hendersonville, NC) 8/14
2025-08-14 17:30 - 19:30 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
The history of air and the science of air pollution is part of the history of Western North Carolina. We will take a brief look into the past, present, and future through the lens of combustion and air pollution. We will discuss how science was used to help clean North Carolina’s air, and to continue to study the air and keep it clean for both individual and environmental health.
Keith Bamberger works for the Division of Air Quality out of the Asheville Regional Office of the Department of Environment Quality. His primary responsibility is coordinating the Western North Carolina Air Awareness Program. This program includes direct education and outreach to students and the general public, supporting local governments, non-governmental agencies, and community resources groups in understanding air quality, environmental health, and the intersection between their programs and the health of the air. His responsibilities also include working on many statewide initiatives and committees, and partnerships include NASA Earth to Sky Partnership, the Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition, the Asheville Buncombe Air Quality Agency, NC Soil and Water Conservation District, the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, the Environmental Educators of North Carolina and others. Past work includes nature centers, museums, the National Park Service, and North Carolina 4-H.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.
Photo courtesy of Conserving Carolina.

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.

Sign-up!

6th Annual Virtual Broad River Fishing Tournament 8/23-9/1
2025-08-23 08:00 - 2025-09-01 20:00 | virtual
Calling all Anglers! Go on your own or with your friends to your favorite locations on the Broad River or any tributary. You can fish one day or all week long! The Bass Shack is sponsoring the event this year and offering prizes for Broad’s Best Angler and Biggest Bass..
Recognition as the “Broad’s Best Angler” will be given to the fisherperson with the highest combined total length of their three biggest fish.
Here’s how it works. When you catch a “nice one”, take a photo of the fish lying on a fish ruler and send it via e-mail to david@mountaintrue.org. We will tally up the fish measurements after Labor Day, the last day of the tournament, and announce the winners that week.
Happy Fishing!
