MountainTrue co-hosting Trivia @ Innovation Brewing, Sylva NC 11/25
2024-11-25 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Innovation Brewing, 414 W Main Street, Sylva, North Carolina, 28779
MountainTrue is co-hosting Monday Night Trivia at Innovation Brewing in Sylva, NC!
Join Kate, MountainTrue’s Americorps member, for a fun evening of craft beverages and friendly competition! Test your MountainTrue knowledge with a chance to win Innovation Brewing gift cards and MountainTrue merchandise.
When: 7:00pm (arrive early to sign-up )
Where: Innovation Brewing 414 W Main Street, Sylva NC
See you there!

Community Invasive Plant Workday on Jackson County Greenway in Cullowhee, NC Fall Series 2024
2024-12-06 13:00 - 16:00
MountainTrue, in partnership with the Mainspring Conservation Trust, is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitat at the Jackson County Greenway. We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive shrubs like Chinese privet and Multiflora rose then treating the stumps.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Please register in advance so that we will have enough tools, gloves, etc. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate. Please, no pets. Please bring:
Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water and snacks
Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and natural beauty of the Greenway!!
Contact western region program associate Kate Bridgers with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).

Community Invasive Plant Workday at Pinnacle Park, Sylva NC 12/11
2024-12-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Pinnacle Park, FISHERS CREEK RD, Sylva, North Carolina, 28779
MountainTrue, in partnership with the Mainspring Conservation Trust and the Pinnacle Park Foundation, is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitat at the Pinnacle Park in Sylva. We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive shrubs like Chinese privet, Autumn Olive, and Burning Bush then treating the stumps.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Please register in advance so that we will have enough tools, gloves, etc. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate. Please leave pets at home.
Please bring:
Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water
Medications you may need
Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and natural beauty of Pinnacle Park!!
Contact western region program associate Kate Bridgers with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).

First Day Hike to the Wesser Bald Fire Tower via the Appalachian Trail near Nantahala, NC
2025-01-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Tellico Gap Trailhead Parking, Aquone, NC, 28781
Join Western Regional Director Callie Moore for a winter hike on the first day of the new year! This 2.3-mile loop is considered moderately challenging; however, avid hikers would likely consider it easy. There are 748 feet of elevation gain over the first 1.3 miles and then descending the same amount over the last mile of the hike. At the top, we’ll have a stunning 360-degree view across Nantahala National Forest from the platform of a historic fire tower.
Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leash.
Meet-up location:
Tellico Gap Trailhead Parking, Aquone, NC 28781 35.2770536,-83.5876857
Please bring (if desired): Water, Hiking Stick/Pole, Warm layers, Close-toed shoes, Sunscreen

Invasive Plant Removal Workday at Little Tennessee Greenway, Franklin, NC 1/18
2025-01-18 13:00 - 16:00 | 803 Ulco drive, TASSEE SHELTER 803 Ulco Drive, Franklin, North Carolina, 28734
MountainTrue, in partnership with the Mainspring Conservation Trust and the Friends of the Greenway (FROGs), is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitats at the Little Tennessee Greenway in Franklin, NC.
We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive plants like Chinese privet, Autumn Olive, Kudzu and Multiflora Rose.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Please register in advance so that we will have enough tools, gloves, etc. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate. Please leave pets at home.
Please bring:
Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water
Medications you may need
Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and native plant heath of the Little Tennessee Greenway!
Contact western region program associate Kate Bridgers with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).
RAIN DATE: JAN 25th

Community Invasive Plant Workday at Pinnacle Park | Sylva, NC | 2/7
2025-02-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Pinnacle Park, FISHERS CREEK RD, Sylva, North Carolina, 28779

Winter Tree ID Hike at the Jackson County Greenway in Cullowhee, NC
2025-02-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Jackson County Greenway, 342 Old Cullowhee Rd, Sylva, North Carolina, 28779
Learn how to identify trees in the winter with Western Region Program Coordinator, Tony Ward. The Jackson County Greenway offers a paved, relatively flat walk and features a wide diversity of native trees perfect for identification! During this walk in the woods along the Tuckasegee River, we will discuss the different ways that you can identify trees in your area. This hike is open to all skill levels of tree identifiers. Registration is required.
Although we love our furry friends, please no pets on this outing.
In the event of inclement weather, this outing will be held on Saturday, February 15th at 1pm.

Valentine's Day Invasive Plant Workday at Jackson County Greenway, Cullowhee NC 2/14
2025-02-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Jackson County Greenway, 342 Old Cullowhee Rd, Sylva, North Carolina, 28779
MountainTrue, in partnership with the Mainspring Conservation Trust, is hosting a Valentine’s Day volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitat at the Jackson County Greenway. We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive shrubs like Chinese privet and Multiflora rose then treating the stumps.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Please register in advance so that we will have enough tools, gloves, etc. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate. Please, no pets.
Please bring:

Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water and snacks
Any medication you might need
Your valentine (optional but encouraged <3)

Spread love, not invasive species!
Contact western region program associate Kate Bridgers with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).

Winter Bird Watch on Lake Chatuge near Hayesville, NC
2025-02-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Chatuge Dam, 1407 Chatuge Dam Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904, 1407 Chatuge Dam Rd,, Hayesville, NC, 28904
Join other MountainTrue folks in our 17th annual caravan around the Lake Chatuge shoreline to view a wide variety of birds. Typically, 18-25 different species are observed on the outing, ranging from small songbirds to larger birds of prey and wintering waterfowl typically associated with more northern climes (e.g. loons!). Retired Young Harris College professor and MountainTrue member, Brenda Hull will lead the bird watch again this year. A spotting scope is provided for up-close views, but participants should still bring binoculars and a favorite bird identification guide, if they have them. Please leave pets at home for this outing.
Registration is required.
In the event of inclement weather, this outing will be held on Saturday, February 22nd.

Community Invasive Plant Workday on the River Walk in Murphy, NC 2/22
2025-02-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Historic L&N Depot, 4 Railroad St, Murphy, NC 28906, Historic L&N Depot, 4 Railroad St., Murphy, NC, 28906
MountainTrue, in coordination with Heritage Partners and the Town of Murphy, is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitats along the Murphy River Walk & Canoe Trail.
We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive plants like Chinese privet, Autumn olive, kudzu and multiflora rose. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate. No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Advance registration is required. The rain date for this event is Saturday, March 1.

Please bring:

Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts (recommended)
Water (and snacks)
Medications you may need

Please leave pets at home.

Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and native plant health along the Hiwassee River! Contact western region program coordinator, Tony Ward with any questions: tony@mountaintrue.org.

2025 Watershed Gala in Young Harris, GA 2/28
2025-02-28 17:30 - 20:00 | Charles Suber Banquet Hall, Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA, 30582
The Watershed Gala is an upscale social gathering that celebrates good water quality still being measured in many rivers, lakes, and streams and recognizes those who work to sustain it. This year’s event will feature a menu of heavy hors d’oeuvres, along with wine, beer, sodas, and water.
An in-person silent auction will be held throughout the event with beautiful art and craft items made right here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as unique opportunities to relax, dine, and play!
After the presentation of the Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award, several select items will be auctioned live by local auctioneer and entertainer, Tim Ryan.
Ticketing information here:
There are three ticket options for this year’s event:

Ten reserved tables for eight guests are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $400/each. Purchase reserved tables here.
Individual table seats are available for $60/each. You will have a place at an unreserved table with eight other guests. Purchase table seats here.
Individual tickets without a table seat are available for $45/each. There will be high-top tables around the room to set a drink or a plate on. Purchase individual (no guaranteed seat) tickets here.

Join us for an evening of laughter, fun, and camaraderie and celebrating our 2025 Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award winner, John Strawn!
The deadline for purchasing tickets is Thursday, February 20th.
Full event information can be found here.
If you are interested in sponsoring the Watershed Gala, please contact callie@mountaintrue.org.

MountainTrue Invasive Plant workday in Blairsville, Georgia at Union County Farmers Market 3/8
2025-03-08 13:00 - 16:00 | 290 Farmers Mkt Wy, Blairsville, GA 30512, 290 Farmers Mkt Wy, Blairsville, GA, 30512
MountainTrue, in coordination with Union County Government, is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitats along Butternut Creek, in preparation for more trail development and planting of native plants. We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive plants like Chinese privet, Autumn olive, kudzu and multiflora rose. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training.
The RAIN DATE for this event is March 15, 2025. Please save both dates on your calendar.
Tools and gloves are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you would like.
Please bring:

Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water and snacks
Any medication you might need

While we love our furry friends, pets are not allowed at this workday. Anyone under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event.
Pre-registration is required. Register here.
Contact Tony Ward with any questions about the event.

Community Invasive Plant Workday on Jackson County Greenway in Cullowhee, NC 3/21
2025-03-21 13:00 - 16:00
MountainTrue, in partnership with the Mainspring Conservation Trust, is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitat at the Jackson County Greenway. We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive shrubs like Chinese privet and Multiflora rose then treating the stumps.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Please register in advance so that we will have enough tools, gloves, etc. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate. Please, no pets.
RAIN DATE: MARCH 28th
Please bring:
Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water and snacks
Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and natural beauty of the Greenway!!
Contact Western Region program associate Kate Bridgers with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).

Register Now!

Help Memorialize the old-growth forest at Brushy Mountain near Cashiers, NC 3/22-CANCELED
2025-03-22 10:00 - 16:00 | The Village Green Playground, 71 US-64, Cashiers, NC, 28717
The top of Brushy Mountain had a very old forest that MountainTrue unsuccessfully tried to protect from a logging project by Nantahala National Forest. The site was logged in the fall of 2024. We are seeking volunteers to help document the age of the trees by counting rings on cut stumps. This information will be compiled in a report that we will use to memorialize the forest and raise awareness of the value of old growth.
Children are welcome if they can hike 4 strenuous miles and are accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing. This is a strenuous hike. As much as we love our furry friends, pets are not allowed.
Meet-up location:
We will meet in Cashiers at the Village Green at 10 a.m. https://maps.app.goo.gl/hydHoEXYBMczpwt38 Then we will carpool to Brushy Mountain. We will be back to Cashiers by 4.
This event has regretfully been canceled.
Please bring: Water, Sturdy Hiking Shoes, Hiking Stick/Pole, Warm layers, Snacks/Lunch

Invasive Plant Removal Workday at Little Tennessee Greenway, Franklin, NC 3/29
2025-03-29 13:00 - 16:00 | 803 Ulco drive, TASSEE SHELTER 803 Ulco Drive, Franklin, North Carolina, 28734
MountainTrue, in partnership with the Mainspring Conservation Trust and the Friends of the Greenway (FROGs), is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitats at the Little Tennessee Greenway in Franklin, NC.
We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive plants like Chinese privet, Autumn Olive, Kudzu and Multiflora Rose.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Please register in advance so that we will have enough tools, gloves, etc. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate. Please leave pets at home.
Please bring:
Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water
Medications you may need
Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and native plant heath of the Little Tennessee Greenway!
Contact western region program associate Kate Bridgers with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).
RAIN DATE: APRIL 5th
SIGN UP HERE

MountainTrue Invasive Plant workday in Blairsville, Georgia at Union County Farmers Market 4/17
2025-04-17 13:00 - 16:00 | 290 Farmers Mkt Wy, Blairsville, GA 30512, 290 Farmers Mkt Wy, Blairsville, GA, 30512
MountainTrue, in coordination with Union County Government, is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitats along Butternut Creek, in preparation for more trail development and planting of native plants. We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive plants like Chinese privet, Autumn olive, kudzu and multiflora rose. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training.
The RAIN DATE for this event is April 24th , 2025. Please save both dates on your calendar.
Tools and gloves are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you would like.
Please bring:

Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water and snacks
Any medication you might need

While we love our furry friends, pets are not allowed at this workday. Anyone under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event.
Pre-registration is required. Register here.
Contact Tony Ward with any questions about the event.

Invasive Plant Removal Workday at Little Tennessee Greenway, Franklin, NC 4/19
2025-04-19 13:00 - 16:00 | 803 Ulco drive, TASSEE SHELTER 803 Ulco Drive, Franklin, North Carolina, 28734
MountainTrue, in partnership with the Mainspring Conservation Trust and the Friends of the Greenway (FROGs), is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitats at the Little Tennessee Greenway in Franklin, NC.
We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive plants like Chinese privet, Autumn Olive, Kudzu and Multiflora Rose.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Please register in advance so that we will have enough tools, gloves, etc. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate. Please leave pets at home.
Please bring:
Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water
Medications you may need
Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and native plant heath of the Little Tennessee Greenway!
Contact western region program associate Kate Bridgers with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).
RAIN DATE: TBD
SIGN-UP HERE

Nature Yoga & Forest Bathing in Highlands, NC 5/9
2025-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Dixon Woods Park, Dixon Woods Park, Highlands, NC, 28741
In partnership with Highlands-Cashier Land Trust, join MountainTrue for a rejuvenating experience of nature yoga and forest bathing. Everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level. Immerse yourself in gentle yoga movements surrounded by nature and unwind in the serene forest. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, relax, and be in community with others.
Please leave pets at home.
Please Bring:
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Yoga mat (we cannot provide additional mats)
– Water (and snacks for yourself)
– Any medication you might need

Registration is required, limited spots available.

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

Moken 10 Lite V2 in Green Flash:

AND, Winner’s choice of 3 adventure packages:

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

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!

Sign-up Now!

“A Tale of Three Watersheds”: Village Green Nature Series talk presented by Callie Moore 6/25
2025-06-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717
Join Western Regional Director, Callie Moore, for a presentation of “A Tale of Three Watersheds” at the Village Green Nature Series, Cashiers, NC.
Learn what a watershed is and about the three watersheds that drain the Cashiers area of the Highlands plateau. Where do the rivers go when they leave the plateau? Do they all contain the same species of fish and other aquatic life? This free talk – part of the annual Village Nature Series – is meant to provide a basic understanding of streams and rivers in the Cashiers area, as well as threats to their quality and what we can do to protect them.

7/19 Nature Yoga at The Little Tennessee Greenway, Franklin NC
2025-07-19 09:00 - 10:30 | Macon County Library, 149 Siler Farm Rd., Franklin, NC, 28734
Join MountainTrue for a rejuvenating experience of nature yoga and forest bathing. Everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level. Immerse yourself in gentle yoga movements surrounded by nature and unwind under a canopy of leaves. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, relax, and be in community with others.
Please leave pets at home.

Please Bring:
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Yoga mat (we cannot provide additional mats)
– Water (and snacks for yourself)
– Any medication you might need

Registration is required, limited spots available.

Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Water Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Workshops in Young Harris, GA 8/23
2025-08-23 09:00 - 15:30 | Young Harris College Outdoor Leadership Center, 4797 Oak St, Young Harris, GA, 30582
MountainTrue is again offering the opportunity for residents who value clean water to get involved in a hands-on way with our volunteer water quality monitoring program in the Hiwassee River watershed!
Water Chemistry Workshop
9:00 am -12:00 pm
In this water chemistry workshop, volunteers will learn how to test stream samples for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and conductivity. All volunteers must be certified using the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream program methods to ensure data is consistently and accurately collected. Volunteers can choose any stream they would like to sample; however, we have also identified sites where we would like to have data to help plan or evaluate water quality improvement projects. Certified volunteers can check-out monitoring equipment (free of charge) from locations in Hiawassee, Young Harris, Blairsville, Hayesville, and Murphy.
Bacterial Workshop
12:30-3:30 pm
In this bacterial monitoring workshop, volunteers will learn how to test for and identify the presence of E. coli in our waterways.. All volunteers must be certified using the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream program methods to ensure data is consistently and accurately collected. Volunteers can choose any stream they would like to sample; however, we have also identified sites where we would like to have data to help plan or evaluate water quality improvement projects. Certified volunteers can check-out monitoring equipment (free of charge) from locations in Hiawassee, Young Harris, Blairsville, Hayesville, and Murphy.
Although there is no charge for the workshops, pre-registration is required.
Mature youth who are at least 11 years old are welcome to participate, but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the workshop(s).
We do love our four-legged friends, but please no pets.
Please remember to bring:

Rubber boots or waders (or wear closed-toed shoes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy).
Hat and sunscreen
Snacks/Water
Lunch (IF you are attending both workshops)

The training is rain or shine.
Training location:
Outdoor Leadership Center at Young Harris College
4797 Oak St, Young Harris, GA 30582

Conservation Conversations with MountainTrue in Franklin, NC 8/26
2025-08-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Lazy Hiker Brew Co.-Franklin, 188 W Main St., Franklin, NC, 28734
Join us in the lounge at Lazy Hiker for a conversation with MountainTrue’s Resilient Forests Director, Josh Kelly, and Western Regional Director, Callie Moore, about threats to our public lands. Topics will include the gutting of NEPA, the budget reconciliation bill, reorganization of USDA, the repeal of the Roadless Rule, and more!
A first round of beverages will be covered by MountainTrue. Bring a friend who cares about our national forests!

Conservation Conversations with MountainTrue in Hayesville, NC 8/28
2025-08-28 17:30 - 19:00 | Chevelles 69, 983 NC-69, Hayesville, NC, 28904
Join us in the small room next to the bar at Chevelles in Hayesville for a conversation with MountainTrue’s Resilient Forests Director, Josh Kelly, and Western Regional Director, Callie Moore, about threats to our public lands. Topics will include the gutting of NEPA, the budget reconciliation bill, the reorganization of USDA, the repeal of the Roadless Rule, and more!
A first round of beverages will be covered by MountainTrue. Bring a friend who cares about our national forests!

Conservation Conversation co-hosted by Common Ground in Murphy, NC 9/11
2025-09-11 17:30 - 19:00 | Cherokee County Arts Council, 33 Valley River Ave suite C,, Murphy, NC, 28906, United States
Conservation Conversation with Common Ground in Murphy

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

Hellbender Sponsors:

Tangerine Darter Sponsors:

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

Full event info

National Public Lands Day Panthertown Trail Workday with Friends of Panthertown near Glenville, NC 9/27
2025-09-27 09:00 - 14:00 | Salt Rock Gap Trailhead, Breedlove Rd., Glenville, NC, 28736, United States
Join MountainTrue and Friends of Panthertown to celebrate National Public Lands Day. We will meet at the Salt Rock Gap Trailhead and work on the Panthertown Trail, focusing on maintaining water bars. Expect to hike up to four miles and to use digging and cutting tools. We will be working in the stunning Panthertown Valley, one of the crown jewels of Nantahala National Forest. Following the event, we will have a tailgate celebration of public lands at the trailhead with free refreshments, snacks, swag, and beer from Innovation Brewing.
Please pack at least two liters of water, lunch, and wear long pants and closed toed shoes. Please pack appropriate layers for the weather. Tools, gloves, and protective equipment will be provided. Participants should expect hard physical labor. Kids 12 and over are welcome! No pets allowed.
