MountainTrue Invasive Plant Removal at Hominy Creek Greenway in Asheville, NC 4/5
2025-04-05 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Hominy Creek Greenway Parking, 80 Shelburne Rd., Asheville, NC, 28806
Join MountainTrue and Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway for an afternoon of removing non-native invasive plants! We’ll meet at noon at the Hominy Creek Greenway parking area, distribute supplies, then walk together to our work site.
MountainTrue has work gloves available for those who do not have their own. Please bring plenty of water, any snacks you may want, and sunscreen/bug spray. Remember to wear pants and closed-toe shoes – a long-sleeved shirt may be more comfortable as well.
The RAIN DATE for this event is April 12th. Please save both dates on your calendar.
Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This event requires walking and semi-strenuous hand-pulling of invasive plant species.

Register Now!

2025 Spring Green Kayak Raffle to support the Green Riverkeeper
2025-04-09 - 2025-05-03
Support MountainTrue’s Green Riverkeeper with your raffle ticket purchase. Enter to win a brand new Liquidlogic Torque.
MSRP: $1,399
What Liquidlogic has to say about the Torque:
“The Torque is the boat you will choose 9 times out of 10 to go run the river and play your brains out.
We took the Hot Whip concept and tuned the play performance to a whole new level. Dropped chines and stern rocker make it carve harder, drive faster, and spin more loosely on a wave. We also dropped the bow volume enough to make it a cartwheel machine. But we didn’t drop the bow rocker… much. That’s the magic that makes this high performance long playboat also a great river runner. Essentially, the Torque is a high performance longer playboat with a good dose of river running thrown in.
You might not paddle another boat once you’ve given this thing a little Torque.”
For product specs, download the Torque one-sheeter [pdf].
HOW TO ENTER THE RAFFLE:
1. Enter online by completing this form and paying with a credit card OR
2. Pay cash in person at the event on May 3
**No tickets are needed for the block party. Tickets are only for the raffle.
Color for illustration. Color choice depends on Liquidlogic’s available stock.

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at NC Conservation Network Earth Day Event in Boone, NC 4/9
2025-04-09 12:00 - 15:00
Come visit our table on Sandford Mall, among others, for NC Conservation Networks’ Campus Fellow Earth Day Event. This semester’s campaign is all about saving North Carolina’s wetlands. Our team will be there to talk about all things MountainTrue, Watauga Riverkeeper, and wetlands (our favorite!).
Swing by for a sticker, merch, just to say hi, or to learn something new! Thank you to our partners at NC Conservation network on hosting another great educational event!
The Expo will take place at Appalachian State University’s Sanford Mall: 300 Locust St, Boone, NC 28608
Parking is available on King Street.

MountainTrue River Clean-up in Buncombe County, NC 4/10-CANCELED
2025-04-10 10:00 - 14:00
Due to bad weather, this event is CANCELED. Please check out our other upcoming clean ups!
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. This is a land-based clean-up.
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: The exact location will be emailed to participants closer to the date. (We are waiting to find out where the Army Corps has already cleaned). Thank you for your patience. We expect to be close to the Asheville, NC area.

Green Drinks: Ecusta Trail – Rebranding and the Latest Updates (Hendersonville, NC) 4/10
2025-04-10 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Mark Tooley, president of Friends of the Ecusta Trail (FOET), will provide an overview of the rebranding of the Ecusta Trail and the new website. He will also provide an update of the latest activity concerning design, engineering, and construction of the trail including amenities. The more connectivity a trail has to other trails and popular destinations, the more useful and desirable it becomes. We will take a look at other trail activity that is planned or already occurring in the region that will provide some of that connectivity.
The Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET) has been in existence for 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 10 years. He has been FOET’s president for the past three 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 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.

Invasive Plant Workday at Rivers Park House near Boone, NC 4/11
2025-04-11 15:00 - 17:00 | Rivers Park House, 150 Clay House Dr, Boone, NC, 28607
To celebrate the Northern Peaks State Trail coming to Boone, join us for an afternoon of eradicating invasive plants on the property! In partnership with The Town of Boone and Blue Ridge Conservancy, this workday focuses on the history, eradication, and uses of some of the plants we’ll see. As the new southern terminus of the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST) in downtown Boone, we are excited to revitalize the property and allow native flora to begin finding new life at the site! Flora and fauna expert Will Bennett, our friends from Blue Ridge Conservancy, and Town of Boone folks will be joining us for both workdays. Our main focuses will be garlic mustard and oriental bittersweet.
Please bring snacks and water. It is recommended to wear long pants and sturdy boots for all invasive plant workdays. Some hand tools will be provided, but if you have your own gardening gloves, loppers, or shears, please bring them!
PARKING: Limited parking is available on-site for those needing accessibility. If you are able, it is recommended to find parking downtown and walk to the site.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the workday.

Register Now!

North Fork New River Clean Up with New River Conservancy in Creston, NC 4/12
2025-04-12 10:00 - 15:30 | Creston Fire Station, 167 3 Top Rd, Creston, NC, 28615
Join MountainTrue and New River Conservancy in Creston, North Carolina for a North Fork clean-up on April 12, 2025. This will be a floating cleanup so folks will need to prepare to be on the water for ~5 hours.
Please Bring: snacks, water, and waders if you have them!
Meet at: the Creston Fire Station (167 3 Top Rd, Creston, NC 28615)
(36.42990307013774, -81.62010433035957)
Sign-up here: https://forms.gle/QX6SPJGAHFuoc5g16
https://newriverconservancy.org/events/
RAIN DATE: 4/19/25

MountainTrue Helene Clean-up along the Upper Broad River below Lake Lure 4/13
2025-04-13 13:00 - 17:00
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

Register

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.

MountainTrue Earth Day River Clean-up and Plastics Audit near Asheville, NC 4/19
2025-04-19 10:00 - 15:00
Come help us celebrate Earth Day as we clean our rivers. In the process, we’ll inventory all the types of plastic we find, creating a database of all the types of plastic litter we see.
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: The exact location will be emailed to participants closer to the date. (We are waiting to find out where the Army Corps has already cleaned). Thank you for your patience. We expect to be close to the Asheville, NC area.

Register Now!

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

MountainTrue River Clean-up in Buncombe County, NC 4/22
2025-04-22 10:00 - 14:00
Help the French Broad Riverkeeper celebrate Earth Day as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. This is a land-based clean-up.
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:
We will be in Biltmore Village.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YivdYBVdktAo4ui76?g_st=ac
Coordinates:
35°34’05.7″N 82°32’33.6″W

Everyone can park in front of the (closed) Ichiban resturant.
2 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Register Now!

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!
Sign-up now!

Black Mountain Parks Clean up with MountainTrue and Black Mountain Recreation & Parks 4/23
2025-04-23 09:00 - 12:00
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper and the Black Mountain Recreation and Parks team as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas.Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves, and bring drinking water, snacks, and perhaps a change of clothes for afterward in case you get wet or dirty. We will have plenty of trash bags, gloves, safety glasses, and buckets for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, hand saws, rakes, etc., however, feel free to bring your own if you would like. We will have our dump trailer there for the removal of collected garbage and recyclables.
LOCATION: Black Mountain, NC
Kids aged 14 and up are welcome to join as long as supervised by a parent or guardian.

Register Now!

Hickory Springs Clean-up near Micaville, NC with MountainTrue and Partners 4/27
2025-04-27 13:00 - 16:00
Join the French Broad Riverkeeper team and our partners, The South Toe Conservation Fund, Rural Reach WNC, Beacon Network, and the South Tote Trash Team as we clean up an area near Micaville, NC. We will work to clean up a stretch of Ayles Creak and other small creeks in the area. This community was hit hard by Hurricane Helene and needs our help to remove trash and debris from the creek and riparian areas.
Kids 14 and up are welcome. A parent or legal guardian must sign their waiver. The parent or legal guardian must be onsite with the minor at all times.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, snacks, and perhaps a change of clothes for afterward in case you get wet or dirty. We will have plenty of trash bags, gloves, safety glasses, and buckets for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, hand saws, rakes, etc., however, feel free to bring your own if you would like. We will have our dump trailer there for the removal of collected garbage and recyclables.
LOCATION:455 Hickory Springs Rd, Micaville, NC 2875535.879773, -82.222487We will meet in the gravel lot of Hickory Springs Manufacturing.
To extend our appreciation for MountainTrue volunteers, all volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership. To accept your membership, please email members@mountaintrue.org
Our Partners:

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Fly Fishing Film Festival in Boone, NC 4-27 benefiting MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper
2025-04-27 18:00 - 22:00 | Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 West King Street, Boone, NC, 28607, United States
The 2025 International Fly Fishing Film Festival, sponsored by Boone’s Fly Shop and benefiting MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper, is coming to the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country on Sunday, April 27th.
IF4™ is the world’s leading fly-fishing film event, consisting of films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe and showcases the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing. It is the gathering place of the fly-fishing community and a celebration of friendship, fly-fishing stories and stoke.
This year’s event kicks off with a pre-screening concert performance with Mad Tom & The Chubs from 6 to 7 PM. The film festival film screening begins at 7 PM.
Be sure to snag tickets from The Appalachian Theatre ASAP! Please visit MountainTrue in the lobby for raffle tickets prior to the show. Fly fishing gear like rods and Hellbender swag will be raffled during intermission.
Click here for full event information or to buy tickets.

MountainTrue is the featured nonprofit at One World Brewing in Asheville, NC for the month of May 2025
2025-05-01 08:00 - 2025-05-31 17:00 | One World Brewing, 520 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC, 28806
Feeling thirsty? Stop on by One World Brewing in Asheville, NC and grab a pint of Ashevegas Pale Ale. MountainTrue will receive $.50 per pour of this special beer during the month of May.
Help support a local business that’s supporting their community. It’s a win, win!

Invasive Plant Workday at Rivers Park House near Boone, NC 5/3
2025-05-03 10:00 - 13:00 | Rivers Park House, 150 Clay House Dr, Boone, NC, 28607
To celebrate the Northern Peaks State Trail coming to Boone, join us for an afternoon of eradicating invasive plants on the property! In partnership with The Town of Boone and Blue Ridge Conservancy, this workday focuses on the history, eradication, and uses of some of the plants we’ll see. As the new southern terminus of the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST) in downtown Boone, we are excited to revitalize the property and allow native flora to begin finding new life at the site! Flora and fauna expert Will Bennett, our friends from Blue Ridge Conservancy, and Town of Boone folks will be joining us for both workdays. Our main focuses will be garlic mustard and oriental bittersweet.
Thanks to High Country sustainability guru, Becca Nenow, volunteers will have the opportunity to enjoy a special invasive plant themed snack during this workday. Did you know some of our most pesky invasive plants are edible and quite delicious?
Please bring snacks and water. It is recommended to wear long pants and sturdy boots for all invasive plant workdays. Some hand tools will be provided, but if you have your own gardening gloves, loppers, or shears, please bring them!
PARKING: Limited parking is available on-site for those needing accessibility. If you are able, it is recommended to find parking downtown and walk to the site.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the workday.

Register Now!

MountainTrue Post Hurricane Helene Big Hungry clean-up near Flat Rock, NC 5/3
2025-05-03 10:00 - 15:00
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

Register

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.

Trout Fest and Blowing Rock Trout Derby in Blowing Rock, NC 5/3
2025-05-03 10:00 - 18:00 | The Speckled Trout Outfitters, 916 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605
Come visit your local Riverkeeper team and celebrate clean water with us in Blowing Rock. Our team will have a booth at The Speckled Trout Outfitters, ready to talk about water quality, native plants, and conservation efforts in the High Country. Troutfest will be all weekend long from Friday, May 2nd-Sunday, May 4th, and we will be celebrating fishing in the High Country with family-friendly activities, giveaways, friendly competition, great food, great drinks, and great company: https://www.thespeckledtroutoutfitters.com/events/troutfest
Saturday, May 3rd also celebrates the 45th Blowing Rock Trout Derby, highlighting the opening of Trout Season with competition and prizes. Fun for all ages, and the whole family!
Due to the effects of Hurricane Helene, the trout derby is being held a month later than usual to allow the trout population to replenish in local streams and at the local fisheries that support the Trout Derby. The adult portion of the Derby will be catch and release only, again for conservation purposes.
More information will be released soon: https://blowingrock.com/troutderby/

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.

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.

Earth Day Wildflower Walk and Garlic Mustard Pull near Hot Springs, NC 5/10 (rescheduled from May 3)
2025-05-10 09:00 - 17:00 | Appalachian National Scenic Trailhead Parking, Del Rio, TN, 37727, United States
Join MountainTrue Biologist Josh Kelly for a 4-mile hike where you will learn about wildflowers, songbirds, and other sights and sounds of the Appalachian Spring. Midway through the hike, the group will stop to pull garlic mustard for two hours and help maintain the native herbaceous diversity in a very rich forest. Wildflowers will be peaking above 4,000′ on this scenic section of the Appalachian Trail. Originally scheduled for May 3rd, this event has been rescheduled to May 10 due to high winds and unsafe conditions.
This is a strenuous hike and participants need to be comfortable walking on steep slopes. Keep in mind this hike will occur above 4,000′ in elevation and it will the 5-10 degrees colder than in the surrounding valleys.
Please remember to bring:Two liters of waterLunchSturdy footwearClothing appropriate for colder weather above 4,000′Rain gear
Carpool Location from Asheville:We will meet to carpool at 9 a.m. at Ingles near Exit 44 on I-40 https://maps.app.goo.gl/WmwcnfdauD1TamiE9We will meet at the Trailhead at 10:15 a.m. https://maps.app.goo.gl/9qjEDkzKPJr3VDEi9

Register!

May Days on the First Broad River Paddle Trail, Delight to Lawndale, NC 5/10-CANCELED
2025-05-10 10:00 - 16:00
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.

2025 CCA Summit: Faith-Based Organizing & Theological Action in the Wake of Helene near Asheville, NC-POSTPONED
2025-05-17 09:00 - 17:00 | Montreat Conference Center-Anderson Auditorium, 303 Lookout Rd., Montreat, NC, 28757
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our faith communities showed up in powerful and beautiful ways — providing comfort, aid, and support during a time of immense need. As we look ahead to healing and long-term resilience, we know that organizing and collective action are essential to building a stronger, more sustainable future for our region.
That’s why we had planned to transform our annual Creation Care Alliance Summit into a Faith and Organizing Summit led by Dr. Timothy Conder and Dr. Dan Rhodes of the Black Mountain School of Theology and Community.
While we remain deeply excited about this training, we have decided to postpone the event as we continue the process of hiring two key staff members: an Organizing Director for MountainTrue and an Organizer for the Creation Care Alliance. We believe these roles are essential to fully supporting our covenant partners and making this training as impactful and meaningful as possible.
We now aim to offer the summit in Winter 2025/2026 and look forward to building something deep and lasting together. (If you want to receive an email notification when the new Summit date has been confirmed, please click here.)
If you purchased a ticket, you may choose to: Receive a full refund or have your ticket fee converted to a tax-deductible donation. Please reply to sydney@mountaintrue.org with your preference.
If you or someone you know is interested in helping build a more just, sustainable, and connected region, please consider applying or sharing the open positions linked below: 👉 View Open Positions at MountainTrue 📬 Questions? Reach out at amy@mountaintrue.org
Thank you for your understanding, your support, and your commitment to this work.

MountainTrue Post Hurricane Helene river clean-up in Buncombe County, NC 5/17
2025-05-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Pearson Bridge River Access, 706 Riverside Dr., Asheville, NC, 28801
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas as we float down the French Broad River. We will bring boats to transport the trash while others paddle near the banks to pick up debris.**Prior experience with boating is required.
Meet-up LOCATION: Pearson Bridge River Access (located behind Frend Broad Outfitters). 706 Riverside Dr.., Asheville, NC 28801The stretch we will float will be water level dependent, and that call will be made that morning based on conditions.
Boat Info: MountainTrue has 8 spots in canoes if you don’t have your own boat. If you intend to borrow a canoe from Mountain True you must have recent canoe experience and you must email cleanup@mountaintrue.org to reserve a spot in a canoe.**If you bring your own boat please ensure it is functional beforehand. All participants must have a personal flotation device. If you are unsure if you have the appropriate experience, please reach out to cleanup@mountaintrue.org
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 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.
To thank you for your time, all volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours.

Register Now!

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.

MountainTrue Post Hurricane Helene river clean-up in Buncombe County, NC 5/22
2025-05-22 10:00 - 14:00 | 119 Thompson Street, 119 Thompson St., Asheville, NC, 28803
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas upstream and downstream. Please note this will be a land-based cleanup.
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.
Meet-up LOCATION: 119 Thompson St, Asheville, NC 28803 This is an empty lot from a destroyed building on the corner of Thompson St. and Glendale Ave.
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.

Register Now!

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.
