MountainTrue

2023 MountainTrue-a-thon
2023-06-15 00:00 - 2023-08-31 23:59 (America/New_York) | 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.

CANCELLED - Green Clean Series 6/22
2023-06-22 17:30 - 20:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED – Due to ongoing flash floods and rain we are cancelling this event. Please sign up for one of our other upcoming Green Clean events in July and August!
Join the Green Riverkeeper on Thursday, June 22nd to kick off our Green Clean Series! This event will continue to happen the 4th Thursday of every month June-August from 5:30-8ish. You do not have to kayak to be a part of the monthly cleans. We absolutely welcome road-side helpers too! We’ll meet at the Fishtop Access at 5:30pm to split into teams before heading out!
Please bring water, snacks, gear appropriate for the water or roadside (gloves, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, medical needs, etc). We will provide trash bags.
Green River Brew Pub will offer one free drink to clean up volunteers that present a ticket after each clean up this summer! As a thank you, The SPOT offers you a gift to enjoy within a week of your participation in the clean-up!
If you have any questions about the clean-ups please contact our Green Riverkeeper at erica@mountaintrue.org. Let’s protect our special places, friends!

5th Annual Broad River Race Day and Fun Float
2023-07-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Lake Houser Put In, NC
The meetup address is: 1350 Lake Houser Rd, Mooresboro, NC 28114
Coordinates: 35.220358, -81.731398

The River Runs On
2023-07-20 18:00 - 21:00 | New Belgium Brewing Company, 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
The River Runs On explores the release of a forest plan that decides the fate of two of the most important national forests in the country – the Pisgah and Nantahala. Featuring some of the top conservationists and most popular spots within the region, the documentary reflects on our relationship to these public lands and what the future may hold for this unique part of the world.
Presented by MountainTrue, this screening will be held in the brewhouse at New Belgium. The doors will open at 6:00pm and the film will begin at 7:00pm.
**Seating is limited and will be on a first come basis, so be sure to arrive early and snag a beer and seat before it begins! (MountainTrue will receive all bar tips from the event).

Purchase Tickets
Immediately following the film, we will have a panel discussion where members of the audience will be able to ask questions about the Pisgah-Nantahala Forest Plan and it’s release. Joining the discussion will be characters from the film, including Josh Kelly with MountainTrue, David Whitmire from Headwaters Outfitters and Will Harlan from the Center for Biological Diversity.
To learn more about the film, please visit www.theriverrunson.com. Want to watch the trailer? Find it on Vimeo, here.

Limpieza de Broad River Greenway / Trail cleanup at Broad River Greenway
2023-07-21 12:30 - 16:00 | 126 Broad River Dr., 126 Broad River Dr., Shelby, NC, 28152, United States
ENGLISH BELOW
¡Únete a nosotros en el Evento de Limpieza de Senderos durante la Semana Latina de la Conservación!
Fecha: viernes, 21 de julio de 2023
Hora: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Lugar: Estación del Guardabosques de Broad River Greenway, 126 Broad River Dr, Shelby, NC 28152
Coordenadas de encuentro: 35.220426, -81.731488
¡Celebra la Semana Latina de la Conservación uniéndote a MountainTrue y Latinos Aventureros para una tarde de limpieza de senderos en el hermoso Broad River Greenway en Boiling Springs, NC! Juntos, podemos tener un impacto positivo en nuestro medio ambiente y preservar la belleza natural de nuestro entorno.
Trae tu almuerzo en una bolsa y únete a nosotros para disfrutar de una comida relajante junto al río a las 12:30 pm. Luego, aproximadamente a la 1:30 pm, nos dividiremos en tres equipos para limpiar la basura en los diferentes senderos. ¡Trabajemos juntos para mantener el Broad River Greenway impecable! Nos encontraremos nuevamente en la Estación del Guardabosques alrededor de las 3:00 pm para compartir lo que hemos recolectado y terminar el día con un refrescante baño en la playa. ¡Será una gran oportunidad para conectar con personas afines y disfrutar del aire libre!
Para obtener más información, contacta a:
David Caldwell, Guardián del Río Broad: david@mountaintrue.org, 704-284-9002
Vivianette Ortiz, Latinos Aventureros: vortiz@latinosaventureros.org, Whatsapp- +17048796290
¡Unámonos para un día de conservación, comunidad y aventura! No te pierdas esta increíble oportunidad. ¡Te esperamos!
ENGLISH
Join us for a Latino Conservation Week Trail Cleanup Event!
Date: Friday, July 21, 2023
Time: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Broad River Greenway Ranger Station, 126 Broad River Dr, Shelby, NC 28152
Meetup Coordinates: 35.220426, -81.731488
Celebrate Latino Conservation Week by joining MountainTrue and Latinos Aventureros for a trail cleanup afternoon at the stunning Broad River Greenway in Boiling Springs, NC! Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings.
Bring a bag lunch and join us for a relaxing meal by the river bank at 12:30 pm. Afterward, at approximately 1:30 pm, we’ll split into three teams to clean up litter along the different trails. Let’s work together to keep the Broad River Greenway pristine! We’ll meet back at the Ranger Station around 3:00 pm to share what we’ve collected and end the day with a refreshing swim at the beach. It’ll be a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy the outdoors!
For more information and to reserve your spot – please visit the official event page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/limpieza-de-broad-river-greenway-trail-cleanup-at-broad-river-greenway-tickets-676693758247?aff=oddtdtcreator

Green Clean Series 7/27
2023-07-27 17:30 - 20:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Join the Green Riverkeeper on Thursday, July 27th for our Green Clean Series! This event will continue to happen the 4th Thursday of every month June-August from 5:30-8ish. You do not have to kayak to be a part of the monthly cleans. We absolutely welcome road-side helpers too! We’ll meet at the Fishtop Access at 5:30pm to split into teams before heading out!
Please bring water, snacks, gear appropriate for the water or roadside (gloves, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, medical needs, etc). We will provide trash bags.
Green River Brew Pub will offer one free drink to clean up volunteers that present a ticket after each clean up this summer! As a thank you, The SPOT offers you a gift to enjoy within a week of your participation in the clean-up!
If you have any questions about the clean-ups please contact our Green Riverkeeper at erica@mountaintrue.org. Let’s protect our special places, friends!

Broad River Summer Sweep 8/5
2023-08-05 13:00 - 17:00 | Lake Houser Put In, NC

Green Clean Series 8/24
2023-08-24 17:30 - 20:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Join the Green Riverkeeper on Thursday, August 24th for our Green Clean Series! You do not have to kayak to be a part of the monthly cleans. We absolutely welcome road-side helpers too! We’ll meet at the Fishtop Access at 5:30pm to split into teams before heading out!
Please bring water, snacks, gear appropriate for the water or roadside (gloves, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, medical needs, etc). We will provide trash bags.
Green River Brew Pub will offer one free drink to clean up volunteers that present a ticket after each clean up this summer! As a thank you, The SPOT offers you a gift to enjoy within a week of your participation in the clean-up!
If you have any questions about the clean-ups please contact our Green Riverkeeper at erica@mountaintrue.org. Let’s protect our special places, friends!

4th Annual Broad River ‘Virtual’ Fishing Tournament
2023-08-26 - 2023-09-04 | NC
Go out 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!
This is a for-fun and “bragging rights” only tournament, no cash or material prizes will be given. Recognition as the “Broad’s Best Angler” will be given to the fisher person who has the highest combined total length of their three biggest fish. We will also recognize winners for catching the biggest bass, biggest catfish, biggest panfish (bream or crappie) and for the most unusual 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 email to david@mountaintrue.org. We will tally up the fish measurements after Labor Day, the last day of the tournament, and announce winners that week.
Registration is free! Fill out the form below to let us know you’re planning on competing.

8th Annual Sarah Sweep and First Broad River Festival
2023-09-09 | Double Shoals Mill, 199 Old Mill Rd., Shelby, NC, 28150, United States
All are welcome to join us on this lovely section of river that Sarah Spencer held dear to her heart. While paddling the shallow, shaded, cool waters that flow between rock cliffs and rhododendron, Sarah would always stop to pick up any litter along the way. Sarah, Beejay, Billy, and Davey died tragically in 2016 in a car accident. This event is in remembrance and honor of these friends and their love for our river.
Meet us behind Double Shoals Mill at 10:00am Saturday morning (35.381188, -81.544954). We will drop our boats there beside the river and take vehicles down to Zion Church Rd., then catch a shuttle back to the mill to begin. Note: You must provide your own shuttle this year.
Please bring your boat, paddle, and lifejacket, water, lunch, sunscreen, gloves, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), and a dry change of clothes. We have some extra kayaks available only if you reserve them in advance (limited quantity available, please contact David at david@mountaintrue.org to reserve kayaks).
After the clean up we will head back to the Double Shoals Mill for an evening of fabulous local music and food at the First Broad River Festival. We hope you will stay and join us. More details to be sent out to participants who register below. The rain date for this sweep and festival will be September 30th!

Green River Big Sweep in Saluda, NC
2023-09-23 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Join the Green Riverkeeper Saturday, September 23rd for our Big Sweep event! This month’s event will be a part of the Big Sweep movement that happens throughout our region! You do not have to kayak to be a part of the clean. We absolutely welcome road-side helpers too! We’ll meet at the Fishtop Access (2302 Green River Cove Rd, Saluda, NC 28773) at 11:00am to split into teams before heading out! Please bring water, snacks, gear appropriate for the water or roadside (gloves, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, medical needs, etc). We will provide trash bags. If you need gear to get out on the water please contact us as we have a limited amount of duckies, helmets and pfd’s for use.
Join us afterwards at the Green River Brew Depot for a free drink of choice for volunteers and food from The Purple Onion!
If you have any questions about the clean-up please contact our Green Riverkeeper at erica@mountaintrue.org. Let’s protect our special places, friends! Note: Dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions. Please sign up for events via website or send an email to erica@mountaintrue.org to receive the most up to date information on event and workday changes or cancellations.

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.

Green Drinks 10/12 in Hendersonville, NC
2023-10-12 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join us for an informative session led by Michael Huffman, the City’s Stormwater Division Manager, who will be delivering a comprehensive update on the City’s Stormwater Management Program. During this presentation, we will delve into a variety of topics, including: -An Overview of the Program -Insights into Current Capital Projects -Progress in Green Infrastructure Implementation -Funding and Grants -Highlighting Successful Projects -Collaboration Initiatives -The Environmental Benefits Derived from the Stormwater Program -Interactive Q&A Session
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, 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.
About the Presenter: Michael Huffman, serving as the Stormwater Division Manager for the City of Hendersonville, NC, has been an integral part of the city’s progress since 2016. His dedicated efforts have been instrumental in shaping and advancing the City’s Stormwater Program. During his tenure, Michael has transformed the stormwater program into a fully-fledged utility, with a strong emphasis on introducing sustainable stormwater solutions to benefit the community.
Over the past eight years, Michael’s remarkable leadership has yielded significant results, securing over $4 million in grant funding. These funds have supported a wide range of projects, encompassing capital stormwater planning, the implementation of green infrastructure, as well as floodplain and stream restoration initiatives. Michael’s unwavering dedication to preserving and enhancing water quality in our community is evident through his commitment to pioneering innovative practices and methods.
Michael’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his outstanding work, he received the City’s inaugural Sustainability Hero award. Furthermore, he was recently honored as the NC Stormwater Professional of the Year for 2023, underscoring his exceptional achievements and dedication to the field of stormwater management.
5:30 Come grab a drink and meet like-minded folks
6:00 Presentation begins

The River Runs On Screening in Hendersonville, NC
2023-10-13 19:00 - 20:45 | Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe street, Hendersonville, NC, 28791
After three years in the making, we’re excited to finally bring to Hendersonville the feature documentary, The River Runs On! This film explores the release of a forest plan that decides the fate of two of the most important national forests in the country – the Pisgah and Nantahala. Featuring some of the top conservationists and most popular spots within the region, the documentary reflects on our relationship with these public lands and what the future may hold for this unique part of the world.
Presented by Mountain True, this screening will be held in the Sanctuary at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The doors will open at 6:30pm and the film will begin at 7:00pm.
Shortly following the film, we will have a Q&A with the director of the film, Garrett Martin, and Mountain True’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly. Members of the audience will be able to ask questions about the Pisgah-Nanatahala Forest Plan and its release.
To learn more about the film, please visit www.theriverrunson.com
Watch the trailer at https://vimeo.com/764170588
Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-river-runs-on-film-screening-tickets-707948552177?aff=oddtdtcreator

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!

Green Drinks 11/9
2023-11-09 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
This month, we will be joined by native plants expert, Bob Gale. He will offer a presentation titled “If You Plant It, They Will Come!”
Description: Are you interested in how to control non-native invasive plants in your yard, on your street, or in your Homeowner’s Association property? Bob Gale will discuss issues related to non-native invasive plants, methods of control, and ideas for moving your yard toward a more natural ecosystem. His background includes landscaping, arboriculture, and wetland science, and he has worked as a forest ecologist in coastal, piedmont, and mountain regions of the southeast. Bob wrote the natural history portions of the book “A Highroad Guide to the North Carolina Mountains”; and co-authored, with his wife and son, “A Beachcomber’s Guide to Fossils”.
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, 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.

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/

Hendersonville Green Drinks - Considering Tradeoffs: A Growth & Development Mapping Exercise
2023-12-14 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
City Planning Staff will lead participants through a mapping exercise where you will be tasked to balance housing growth and economic development with choices related to transportation, quality of life and conservation. You will have to earn points to unlock game pieces and strive to avoid “raising taxes” in order to “win” the game.
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, 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.
About the presenter: Matthew Manley is an accredited City Planner through the American Planning Association’s American Institute of Certified Planners. He is the project manager for the City of Hendersonville GEN H Comprehensive Plan. Matthew has been with the City of Hendersonville since December of 2020 and helped to shepherd the city through a time of unprecedented growth. He is originally from Greenville, SC and attended Presbyterian College (B.S.) and Clemson University (MCRP). He came to Hendersonville after working in Johnson City, Tennessee and Lyons, Colorado. He lives in town with his wife, Molly, and two toddlers, Quinn and Townes, and the family’s two dogs, Reed and Dega. They are all avid hikers and lovers of nature. Outside of work, if he is not on the trail or working in the yard, you will find him rooting for his Gamecocks and Atlanta Braves!

Christmas Tree Recycling in Hendersonville, NC 1-6-24--Event cancelled due to inclement weather. See event info for more details.
2024-01-06 09:00 - 14:00 | Jackson Park Ball Field, 801 Glover St, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
The 2024 Holiday Recycling event is canceled due to inclement weather. Folks may still drop off their trees at Jackson Park Ballfield #6 Lot, they will be chipped for mulch sometime next week. We will announce when mulch is available for pick-up.

Foam recycling has moved to the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. The next collection will be on Tuesday, January 16 at the Henderson County Convenience Center, learn more here: https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/solid-waste/page/foam-collection-events

Tree lights can be recycled at the NC Cooperative Extension Office in Jackson Park. Tubs will be by the front door and lights can be left between now and Monday. Lights will be recycled to benefit the Henderson County 4H Club.

Thank you City of Hendersonville Public Works, Henderson County Parks & Recreation and Solid Waste teams, and the Henderson County 4H Club for their collaboration in this sustainable holiday effort!

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC 1/11: Conservation Research to Reduce Wildlife Vehicle Collisions, Improve Human Safety, & Connect Habitat in WNC
2024-01-11 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
This month Dr. Liz Hillard, Senior Wildlife Biologist for Wildlands Network, will highlight and discuss research findings from two wildlife road crossing projects here in Western North Carolina. Her research includes monitoring reptile road underpasses for wildlife use in Gorges State Park, and evaluating bear, deer, and elk road conflict areas along I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.
Liz Hillard, Ph.D., is Wildlands Network’s Senior Wildlife Biologist for the Appalachian Region. For the last five years, Liz has been leading research efforts focused on increasing wildlife habitat connectivity and mitigating the effects of roads on wildlife. In addition, she works to build partnerships and engage the public in conservation efforts throughout the Southern Appalachian region. Liz earned a M.S. in Biology from Western Carolina University in 2013 researching elk habitat selection in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and earned her Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University in 2018. Liz is based in Asheville.
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, 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.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC 2/8: Ecusta Trail Update and Plans for the Future
2024-02-08 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join us to learn about the latest developments on planning and construction of the Ecusta Trail, as well as potential trail enhancements and connections that could occur in the future. Initial construction of the Ecusta Trail will be bare bones, but there is the potential for many types of amenities that will vastly improve the user experience and involve community collaboration. During this presentation, Mark Tooley (president of The Friends of Ecusta Trail) will discuss some of the ideas that are being discussed for future development of the trail. Studies have found that the more connectivity a trail has to other trails and popular destinations, the more useful and desirable it becomes. Mark will share information about how the Ecusta Trail connects with existing trails or those being planned in the region which will help provide connectivity for an enhanced user experience.
The Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET) has been in existence for nearly 15 years as an advocacy organization to create a rail trail on the unused rail line between Hendersonville and Brevard. FOET has worked with local governments, private businesses, non-governmental organizations, and non-profits to gain community support for the trail during that time. After Ecusta Rails2Trail LLC. (a subsidiary of Conserving Carolina) purchased the rail line in 2021, FOET has worked with Conserving Carolina to raise private funds to provide required local matching funds for the federal grants that have been received. Those grants that have been awarded, totaling nearly $46 million, will be used to build the entirety of the Ecusta Trail in the next several years.
Mark is a past board member of Conserving Carolina and has been a board member of FOET for nearly 10 years. He has been FOET’s president for the past two years and resides in Transylvania County.
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 more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, 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.

Special Edition Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC 2/22: "Drought, Climate Change, and The Mystery of the Missing Western Water"
2024-02-22 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Hear Rocky Mountain Biological Lab Research Scientist Ian Breckheimer discuss how a team of environmental scientists are revolutionizing our understanding of water in the West and helping us adapt to climate change. Ian was raised in Western North Carolina.
The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the American Southwest, and the river’s 40 million human users are struggling to adapt to a severe drought made worse by climate change. The vast majority of the river’s flow comes from winter snowpack in the Rocky Mountains, and in recent years scientists and water managers have become extremely good at measuring how much water is in the snowpack in early spring. Ideally, we could use this information to forecast how much water will be available for human use in the river the following summer, helping us better conserve this scarce resource. Unfortunately, water forecasting on the Colorado is has been held back by a large and unpredictable amount of snow water (up to 25% of the river’s annual flow) that seems to disappear between the snowpack and the river. Solving the mystery of this “missing” water has brought together a diverse group of hydrologists, ecologists, and atmospheric scientists at a remote field station in Colorado. This talk will gather and synthesize exciting new results from their pioneering work, showing how environmental researchers can play a critical role in helping us adapt to accelerating climate change.
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 more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, 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.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Sustainability Initiatives for the City of Hendersonville
2024-03-14 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join the City of Hendersonville for this month’s Green Drinks to hear from City Sustainability Manager, Caitlyn Gendusa about various sustainability initiatives the City is working on. Participants will hear updates on topics such as zero and low-emission transportation, waste management, energy efficiency, and more. There will also be an update on the City’s first Sustainability Strategic Plan, which is expected to be finalized and adopted this spring. This plan includes a public input survey currently available online for community members to provide their feedback.
Caitlyn Gendusa is the Sustainability Manager for the City of Hendersonville where she works to advance municipal sustainability efforts ranging from energy, transportation, waste management, and land management. Before her work with the City, she worked for four years as the Land Conservation Manager for Upstate Forever, a non-profit land conservation organization in Greenville, SC. Her academic background includes sustainable agriculture and development where she worked on various projects including farm-to-school education, sustainability planning for a conference center, and research on organic agriculture methods. She is originally from Atlanta, GA, but has called Western North Carolina home for five years.
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 more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, 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.

Green River Cove Wildflower Walk near Saluda, NC with MountainTrue and Hemlock Restoration Initiative
2024-03-17 12:30 - 17:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Enjoy a guided hike with MountainTrue Biologist Josh Kelly and Olivia Hall from The Hemlock Restoration Initiative (HRI) at one of the earliest blooming wildflower sites in Western North Carolina.
The moderate, four-mile hike will include information on wildflower identification, tree identification, and forest ecology. Join us as we discuss the importance of hemlocks and Hemlock Woolley Adelgid Management across the game land, including the Paddlers Hemlock Health Action Taskforce (PHHAT) treatment program, a partnership between HRI and the MountainTrue Green Riverkeeper.
Children are welcome as long as they can walk or be carried up to 4 miles. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
Please remember to bring:
Water
Snacks
Raingear
Sturdy footwear
Clothing comfortable for the weather
And a notebook if you wish to document any information
Feeling thirsty after the hike OR can’t attend the hike but want to gather? Join your fellow hikers, supporters and MountainTrue staff at the Green River Brew Depot for a casual hang from 5:30-6:30 pm.
The rain date for this event is March 24th. Please make sure to save both dates in your calendar just in case.

Post Hike Hangout with MT Staff and Supporters in Saluda, NC
2024-03-17 17:30 - 18:30 | The Green River Brew Depot, 26 Church St., Saluda, NC, 28773
Can’t join us for the Green River Cove Wildflower Walk near Saluda on March 17th but want to gather with your fellow MountainTrue supporters and staff? Join us for a casual hangout at The Green River Brew Depot from 5:30-6:30 pm.
If the March 17th hike is canceled due to weather, the hangout will be on the hike rain date: March 24th. Please check our website for any cancellation notices.

World Water Day 2024 with MountainTrue's Clean Water Teams
2024-03-22 - 2024-03-25 | NC
Join us as we celebrate World Water Day throughout our regions. What is World Water Day, you might ask? It’s a day to acknowledge and appreciate the importance of water and the hard work we do around protecting and conserving this precious resource.
Throughout the Southern Blue Ridge, our 4 Riverkeepers and Western Region Water Quality Team diligently work to ensure the health and safety of our rivers, streams, and lakes so they can be resources we can enjoy today and into the future.
On March 22nd, World Water Day here is where you can catch us:
Asheville, NC: We will be at The Rad Brew Co. in Asheville, NC, from 5 to 7 pm. Chat with French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson, and grab a glass of “Stream of Conscience”. A portion of proceeds from “Stream of Conscience” beer sales will benefit the work of MountainTrue.
French Broad Riverkeeper, Hartwell Carson
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Boone, NC: Catch Watauga Riverkeeper, Andy Hill and the High Country Water Team at AMB from 5-8 pm. Raise a glass to over 50 years of the Clean Water Act! Come visit the MountainTrue team at AMB and lets cheers to fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water. We couldn’t have good beer or good fishing without good water!
Peace, Love and Water Symposium at Appalachian State University (ASU) from 3-5 pm. Visit the Watauga Riverkeeper team at ASU’s World Water Day celebration! This event will have tabling activities, geology museum tours, and presentations from local water activists. Thank you to our friends at the Office of Sustainability for having us!
Watauga Riverkeeper, Andy Hill
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Hendersonville, NC: Catch Green Riverkeeper, Erica Shanks at Trailside Brewing Company from 5-8. Come listen to music and grab a drink (n/a options also available).
Green Riverkeeper, Erica Shanks
Shelby, NC: Broad Riverkeeper, David Caldwell will be at Newgrass Brewing from 4-7 pm.
Broad Riverkeeper, David Caldwell
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And on Monday, March 25th we’ll be in Bryson City at Mountain Layers Brewing Co. from 5 to 7 pm. Come chat with Western Regional Director, Callie Moore and learn more about our restoration work at Island Park, the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, Swim Guide, and more!
Western Regional Director, Callie Moore
Let’s give a cheers for our hardworking Riverkeepers and Clean Water Team!

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Hendersonville Water and Sewer - Utility Update
2024-04-11 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join us for an informative session led by Adam Steurer, Utilities Director, who will summarize utility history, operations, project updates, and initiatives. Hendersonville provides 80,000 people with water service and 21,000 people with sewer service in Hendersonville and surrounding Henderson County.
Adam Steurer, Utilities Director, is passionate about leading the Hendersonville water and sewer utility in providing the highest level of service to the community while enhancing sustainability through conscientious stewardship of water resources.
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 more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, 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.

Spring Wildflower Hike near Shelby, NC 4-12
2024-04-12 10:30 - 14:30 | Broad River Greenway Canoe Access, 126 Broad River Drive, Shelby, NC, 28152, United States
Join our MountainTrue Broad Riverkeeper, David Caldwell, as we explore the downstream trail at our Broad River Greenway. David will discuss the value and concerns associated with the Broad River along the way.
Meeting location is the Broad River Greenway main parking lot beside the Ranger Station and bathrooms at 10:30 sharp.
This out and back hike is approximately 5 miles with almost no elevation change, although the terrain is rugged. Children are welcome on this hike if they can hike 5 miles.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the hike.
While we love our furry friends, please no dogs on this hike.
Please bring:

Appropriate outerwear
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Water
Lunch and snacks
Walking stick (if you have one)

The rain date for this event is April 19th. Please hold both dates in your calendar.

CANCELED: Macroinvertebrate and Water Quality Volunteer Training in Saluda, NC
2024-04-13 09:30 - 16:00 | Saluda Library, 44 W Main St, Saluda, NC, 28773
This event has regretfully been canceled. Join your Green Riverkeeper for a full day of volunteer training for our Clean Water programs! Most of the day, you will learn about our SMIE (Stream Monitoring Information Exchange) program, which looks for macro-invertebrates in our local creeks and streams to determine stream health.
We will also add time to discuss and demonstrate how to take samples for our summer Swim Guide E. Coli monitoring and monthly samples for our VWIN (Volunteer Water Information Network) program.
The morning session will be classroom-style at the Saluda library. In the afternoon we will be on private property at Big Hungry sampling for bugs in a gorgeous location! (Registrants will follow each other to the private location day of training.)
We are limiting class attendance to 15 people to ensure everyone has a great hands-on experience. After the training, you can sign-up to volunteer with our clean water programs that stand out to you!
Participants need to be prepared to get into the creek in the afternoon. Waders will be provided but shoes that can get wet and go over the wader booties are required.
**Please be prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen and any medical supplies participants may need. There are local spots to grab lunch after the morning session to take to the afternoon location, or participants may bring their own lunch.
**For questions about future opportunities, please email erica@mountaintrue.org

MountainTrue's Henderson County Convenience Center Tour in Hendersonville, NC
2024-04-18 16:30 - 17:30 | Henderson County Convenience Center, 265 Convenience Center Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28791
Join us for a tour of the Henderson County Convenience Center and Compost Facility. Learn about the recycling options Henderson County offers to residents including single-stream recycling, glass recycling, food waste collection, Hard to recycle items like foam packaging, florescent lights, electronics, cooking oil, appliances, and more.
This is an excellent visit for individuals who are looking to find out more about recycling options in Henderson County or individuals interested in visiting the compost facility.
This tour will include walking on uneven surfaces so please wear appropriate close-toed shoes. Kids are welcome with a supervising parent or guardian.
If the tour is full, please email amy@mountaintrue.org to be put on the waitlist.
Parking instructions will be sent to registrants closer to the event date.
