French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Alexander 1/18 hosted by United by Blue
2025-01-18 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Alexander River Park, 2590 Old Marshall Highway, Alexander, NC, 28701
There is still a large amount of debris along the French Broad River in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Join us in coming together to help the Asheville community by cleaning up the French Broad River. Removing debris from the river will allow for outdoor recreation and tourism to return to the area as well as get rid of any materials that might be leaching harmful chemicals into the water. Now more than ever it is important for us to come together and support communities in need.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks.
We will provide free bagels and coffee for volunteers in the morning, but feel free to bring water and any food that you need. United by Blue will also be donating sustainable giveaways for volunteers!
After the cleanup, New Belgium Brewing has graciously donated FREE BEER for volunteers. We will head to the New Belgium Brewery at 21 Craven Street after we wrap the cleanup.
SIGN-UP HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/french-broad-river-cleanup-tickets-1082664922929?aff=oddtdtcreator
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

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

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

Save the Date! French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Alexander, NC 1/23-CANCELED
2025-01-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Walnut Island River Park, 3042 Old Marshall Hwy, Alexander, NC, 28701
Due to the incredibly cold weather we are experiencing this week, this event has been canceled. Please sign up for the clean-up on January 30th instead! Come help the French Broad Riverkeeper team clean up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Livestaking Workday near Fletcher or Brevard 1/23 CANCELED
2025-01-23 10:00 - 15:00 | NC
Due to the incredibly cold temperatures in the area this week, this event has been canceled. Please check out one of the other upcoming Live Staking dates! Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the French Broad after Hurricane Helene. We’ll plant stakes that will eventually grow into trees.
Please bring:

Lunch/snacks
Warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather and make sure it’s things you don’t mind getting dirty)
Rubber boots and/or waders
An extra set of dry clothes

We will email you with the exact location and more details closer to the event date.
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather and will be in touch about final location. Expect work locations to be either in Fletcher or in the Rosman/Brevard areas. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go, but we will let you know beforehand.

French Broad River Live Staking Workday near Fletcher or Brevard 1/25-CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
2025-01-25 10:00 - 15:00 | NC
Due to the blast of cold weather that has hit our region, the ground is frozen in the areas that we planned to work. This event will be canceled. Please check our Events Calendar for upcoming workdates in February. Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the French Broad after Hurricane Helene. We’ll plant stakes that will eventually grow into trees.
Please bring:

Lunch/snacks
Warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather and make sure it’s things you don’t mind getting dirty)
Rubber boots and/or waders
An extra set of dry clothes

We will email you with the exact location and more details closer to the event date.
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather and will be in touch about final location. Expect work locations to be either in Fletcher or in the Rosman/Brevard areas. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go, but we will let you know beforehand.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up near Asheville 1/30
2025-01-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Walnut Island River Park, 3042 Old Marshall Hwy, Alexander, NC, 28701
Come help the French Broad Riverkeeper team clean up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas upstream and downstream. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

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

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
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).

Live Staking Work Day near Boone, NC 2/8--This event is FULL
2025-02-08 10:00 - 13:00 | NC
Live staking season is officially here! Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the High Country after Hurricane Helene. We’ll be planting stakes that will eventually grow into trees, and protect our rivers from erosion and pollution. This event is full. Please view our event calendar for more upcoming workdays.
The exact location will be announced at a later date. We will email registered participants with the exact location and meet-up details..
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather. Work locations will be along the Watauga or New Rivers. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go. We will let you know beforehand what the day will hold.
Please bring: Lunch/snacks, Warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather and make sure it’s things you don’t mind getting dirty), Rubber boots and/or waders and An extra set of dry clothes.

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

Everett Rd. Transylvania County Clean-up with MountainTrue & Conserving Carolina 2/8
2025-02-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Everett Rd. Clean-up, 44 Everett Rd, Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team and Conserving Carolina as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Transylvania County. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas upstream and downstream. Please note this will be a land-based clean up.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. (Expect to get dirty!) We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses), but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (loppers, saws, shovels, ladders, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage.
Please bring water and snacks and any food or drinks that you need.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

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.

Green Drinks: Restoring Natural Floodplains – Building Resilience for Communities and Ecosystems 2/13
2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Restoring natural floodplains offers transformative benefits for both communities and ecosystems. Conserving Carolina’s Natural Resources Director, David Lee, will highlight Conserving Carolina’s innovative floodplain restoration projects along the French Broad River, focusing on their important role in mitigating flood risks, improving biodiversity, and enhancing water quality. Using real-world examples, such as the Pleasant Grove and Kings Bridge restorations, we’ll explore strategies to restore natural functions to floodplains and build resilience against extreme weather events like Tropical Storm Helene. Attendees will gain insights into effective restoration techniques, the power of community partnerships, and the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge. Join us to learn how these projects serve as a model for creating thriving, sustainable landscapes that support both people and nature.
David lived most of his life in Florida, but he spent many vacations camping, hiking, and enjoying nature in the southern Appalachians. These experiences instilled in him a sense of appreciation for the environment that led to a strong commitment to conserve it. After earning a BS in Environmental Science from the University of West Florida, David relocated to Asheville where he worked as a Bog Steward for The Nature Conservancy. He then served two consecutive terms with AmeriCorps Project Conserve with Conserving Carolina’s Weed Action Coalition of the Hickory Nut Gorge (WAC-HNG) where he preserved the natural habitats and scenic beauty of the Gorge through management of non-native invasive plants. He joined the staff in 2014 where he works to keep our protected lands healthy, which means a good deal of non-native, invasive species management.
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.

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.

French Broad River Live Staking Workday near Fletcher or Brevard 2/20-CANCELED
2025-02-20 10:00 - 15:00 | NC
Due to extremely cold weather, we are forced to cancel this event. The ground will be too cold. Please check out our other live staking event on February 22nd! Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the French Broad after Hurricane Helene. We’ll plant stakes that will eventually grow into trees.
Please bring:

Lunch/snacks
Warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather and make sure it’s things you don’t mind getting dirty)
Rubber boots and/or waders
An extra set of dry clothes

We will email you with the exact location and more details closer to the event date.
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather and will be in touch about final location. Expect work locations to be either in Fletcher or in the Rosman/Brevard areas. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go, but we will let you know beforehand.

Elk River Clean-up near Banner Elk, NC 2/22-CANCELED
2025-02-22 09:30 - 14:30 | Lowe’s Food (Banner Elk), 4000 NC-105, Linville, NC, 28604
Due to inclement weather, this event has been canceled. Please check back for other upcoming events! Come join the Clean Water team as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
Meet-up: Lowe’s Food in Banner Elk @ 4000 NC-105 Linville NC 28604
The group will meet and carpool to our clean-up location on the Elk River.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (and waders if you have them), and bring drinking water, snacks, and perhaps a change of clothes for afterward in case you get wet or dirty.
We will have plenty of trash bags, gloves, safety glasses, and buckets for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, hand saws, rakes, etc., However feel free to bring your own if you would like. We will have our dump trailer there for the removal of collected garbage and recyclables.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**

Live Staking Work Day near Boone, NC 2/22-CANCELED
2025-02-22 10:00 - 13:00 | NC
Due to inclement weather, we are forced to cancel this event; the ground will be too cold. Please check back for additional upcoming workdays soon! Live staking season is officially here! Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the High Country after Hurricane Helene. We’ll be planting stakes that will eventually grow into trees, and protect our rivers from erosion and pollution.
The exact location will be announced at a later date. We will email registered participants with the exact location and meet-up details..
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather. Work locations will be along the Watauga or New Rivers. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go. We will let you know beforehand what the day will hold.
Please bring: Lunch/snacks, Warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather and make sure it’s things you don’t mind getting dirty), Rubber boots and/or waders and An extra set of dry clothes.

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

French Broad River Live Staking Workday near Fletcher or Brevard 2/22
2025-02-22 10:00 - 15:00 | NC
Come help us start to restore riverbanks of the French Broad after Hurricane Helene. We’ll plant stakes that will eventually grow into trees.
Please bring:

Lunch/snacks
Warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather and make sure it’s things you don’t mind getting dirty)
Rubber boots and/or waders
An extra set of dry clothes

We will email you with the exact location and more details closer to the event date.
We’ll decide where we’re planting based on that week’s weather and will be in touch about final location. Expect work locations to be either in Fletcher or in the Rosman/Brevard areas. Depending on the warmth that day, we may be paddling, so there could be an opportunity to canoe down and plant as we go, but we will let you know beforehand.

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.

Conservation Conversations with MountainTrue in Brevard, NC 2/26
2025-02-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Ecusta Brewing, 451 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC, 28712
Meet the organizations in your community working to conserve our forests and rivers. We’ll provide time for socializing and sipping, then jump into a conversation on the current conservation issues and what we’re doing to address them.
Ecusta Brewing Co. offers food and a variety of beverages (including non-alcoholic options). No outside food or beverages are permitted.
Youth are welcome as long as accompanied by a parent/guardian the entire time. Please note: after 7 pm, the room used for the event is 21+.

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.

Boone Greenway Trail Clean-up NC 3/7
2025-03-07 10:00 - 14:00 | 283 Martin Luther King Jr. St. Boone NC, 28607. 36.204297, -81.651667, 283 Martin Luther King Jr. St., Boone, NC, 28607
Come join Mountain True as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene. We will be removing trash and debris along the Boone Greenway Trail in the riparian areas. Please note this will be 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, snacks, and perhaps a change of clothes for afterward in case you get wet or dirty.
We will have plenty of trash bags, gloves, safety glasses, and buckets for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, hand saws, rakes, etc., However feel free to bring your own if you would like. We will have our dump trailer there for the removal of collected garbage and recyclables.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**
Children aged 14 and are older are welcome. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the event.

French Broad River Clean-up at Silverline Park in Woodfin, NC 3/8
2025-03-08 11:30 - 15:30 | Silverline Park, 1050 Riverside Drive, Woodfin, NC, 28804
Hosted by the Town of Woodfin in cooperation with Riverlink and MountainTrue–join us for a land-based clean-up after Hurricane Helene.
Youth aged 14 and older are welcome to participate. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
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.

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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.

French Broad River Clean-up at Silverline Park in Woodfin, NC 3/8 & 3/9
2025-03-09 11:30 - 15:30 | Silverline Park, 1050 Riverside Drive, Woodfin, NC, 28804
Hosted by the Town of Woodfin in cooperation with Asheville Greenworks and MountainTrue–join us for a land-based clean-up after Hurricane Helene.
Youth aged 14 and older are welcome to participate. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
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.

Register Now!

Green Drinks: Advantages of Supporting a Hyper-Local Food System (Hendersonville, NC) 3/13
2025-03-13 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Making intentional purchases from local small-scale farmers, farmers’ markets, and grocers does more than just make us feel good; it directly influences significant regional environmental concerns and amplifies the local economy.
Alicia and Kevin Stump are the owners of Stump Farms, a small-scale family farm located in Hendersonville, NC. Established in 2017 as first-generation farmers, they prioritize sustainable and regenerative practices in their cultivation of vegetables, gourmet mushrooms, and more. Additionally, they draw inspiration from heirloom produce and herbs to create a range of canned goods and all-natural skincare products.
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.

Live Staking Work Day near Valle Crucis, NC 3/15
2025-03-15 10:00 - 13:00 | NC
Live staking season is officially here! Come help us start to restore the riverbanks of the High Country after Hurricane Helene. We’ll be planting stakes along Dutch Creek, a tributary of the Watauga River. Livestakes will eventually grow into trees, and protect our rivers from erosion and pollution.

We will be meeting from 10 am-1 pm at the Valle Country Fair Grounds (on the left across the street from the Valle Crucis Conference Center) with parking available here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/egPkgKX8VDkEVzJ47

We are grateful for our partnership with Valle Crucis Conference Center, which made this day possible! Be sure to check their website for a full list of all their events and offerings: https://vcconferences.org/

Please bring: Plenty of water, lunch/snacks, warm layers & gloves (we’ll be in and around the creek, so dress for weather and make sure it’s items you don’t mind getting dirty), rubber boots and/or waders and an extra set of dry clothes.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing but youth are welcome. Please no pets!

MountainTrue Helene Clean-up along the Upper Broad River below Lake Lure 3/16
2025-03-16 13:00 - 17:00 | NC
Join MountainTrue’s Broad Riverkeeper and River Clean-up Coordinator, along with help from Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, as we clean up trash left behind by Hurricane Helene in Rutherford County along the Upper Broad River, about 5 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:
5563 US 64/74a Hwy
Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Register Now
