MountainTrue

**CANCELED** MountainTrue Member Hang in Asheville, NC
2024-10-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED.
Have you been wanting to connect with your fellow MountainTrue members? Join Healthy Communities Director, Chris Joyell, and other members of MountainTrue for a casual hangout at The River Arts District Brewing Company on October 5th.
This casual hangout is happening directly after MountainTrue’s e-bike tour which has a rain date of Oct. 12th. If Oct. 5th is rainy, this hangout will be pushed back to October 12th. Please check the MountainTrue events page for any cancellation notices or email amy@mountaintrue.org
We hope to see you there. The more the merrier so bring some friends!

**CANCELED** Plastics Please" river clean-up in Asheville, NC
2024-10-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Smith Mill Creek, 1068 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC, 28806
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 5 AND 6.
Join MountainTrue and partners from Sierra Club, Enviro Action Committee and Plastic Free WNC to clean up Smith Mill Creek. Our main haul will be single-use plastics, but we’ll get whatever trash we can. Then, we’ll move down the street to call on our large retailers, such as Ingles, to reduce their single-use plastic contributions to a growing pollution problem in our watershed.
Please remember to bring:
Change of clothes for after the event
Drinking water
Snacks
Gloves
**Due to the possibility of urban and potentially hazardous trash in this creek, please no one under the age of 12. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire outing.
Rain date: is Sunday, Oct. 6th. Please save both dates on your calendar.

**CANCELED** Public Lands Program Meet & Greet in Cashiers, NC
2024-10-05 16:00 - 18:00 | Whiteside Brewing Company, 128 NC Hwy 107, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 5.
Come meet our Resilient Forests Program staff, including new Public Lands Engagement Manager, Kathryn Stahl! Enjoy a beverage courtesy of MountainTrue and learn more about our work.

**CANCELED** MountainTrue Volunteer Appreciation Party in Asheville, NC
2024-10-08 18:00 - 19:00 | The Outpost, 521 Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 8.
Have you volunteered with MountainTrue this year? We want to acknowledge and celebrate the folks who have gotten in the weeds and dirt (literally and figuratively) with us. Let’s be honest, we know time is precious. Any time you spend supporting our efforts is greatly appreciated.
Let us say thanks by buying you a drink, providing some light appetizers and a chance to hang out with fellow volunteers and MountainTrue staff.
We will be at The Outpost in Asheville, NC on Tuesday, October 8th from 6 to 7 pm. (If it’s raining, look for us under the covered area).
Don’t forget that MountainTrue volunteers are eligible for a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. To receive your complimentary membership, please email members@mountaintrue.org.

**CANCELED** MountainTrue Volunteer Appreciation Party in Boone, NC
2024-10-10 17:00 - 19:30 | The Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis, NC, 28604, United States
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 10.
To celebrate the end of Swim Guide season, we would like to celebrate our volunteers’ efforts in our clean water work. This is also a chance to reconnect with our volunteers involved with our monthly VWIN chemical sampling program, live-staking work, and invasive plant removal. We are so excited to share stories of how their sampling has made a difference in the New and Watauga River watersheds with our dedicated volunteers.
Volunteers, feel free to bring a friend, kids, or a loved one. Be sure to sign-up so we can account for food and drinks!
This event will be rain or shine.
Don’t forget that MountainTrue volunteers are eligible for a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. To receive your complimentary membership, please email members@mountaintrue.org.

**CANCELED** Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Conserving Carolina’s Trails – Conservation and Recreation
2024-10-10 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 10.
Join Conserving Carolina’s Trails and Land Management Coordinator, Max Howes, for an update on Conserving Carolina’s trail systems! Conserving Carolina has built and maintains ~39 miles of trail in the region, showcasing many acres of, and scenic views from, protected land. He will review what makes trails sustainable, why they are important to the region, what it takes to build and maintain trails, trail history, Conserving Carolina’s involvement with the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail, and more! There will be an update on current trail projects and opportunities to get involved with trail expansion and maintenance.
Max was born and raised in North Carolina, visiting areas across the state while calling Chapel Hill his home until he left for college. He attended Denison University in Ohio, earning a B.A. in environmental studies with a minor in geoscience. Knowing he wanted to return to North Carolina after graduation, he served two terms with AmeriCorps Project Conserve as Conserving Carolina’s Habitat Restoration and Volunteer Coordinator. He gained a great appreciation for the diverse flora and fauna as well as the mountain trails in the area. He is now Conserving Carolina’s Trail and Land Management Coordinator. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, disc golf, biking, and watching college basketball.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

**CANCELED** Hellbender Puppet crafting night with Street Creature Puppet Collective in Asheville, NC
2024-10-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Asheville Mall, 3 S Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC, 28805
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 10.
Join MountainTrue and Street Creature Puppet Collective for an evening crafting props to use in the Holiday Parade in Downtown Asheville on November 23rd. (Stay tuned for more information on how you can be involved with the parade). Help with a giant 3 person Hellbender puppet, painting cardboard fish cut outs and more! Originally scheduled for September 24th this has been rescheduled to October 10th.
You don’t have to be crafty to join this evening of fun (kids are welcome!). Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty as we may be working with paint, glue, etc.
MountainTrue will provide light snacks and sparkling waters but participants are welcome to bring their own food and drink.
Specific instructions on how to find the studio will be sent once you register.

**CANCELED** Craggy National Scenic Area Hike near Asheville, NC
2024-10-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Big Butt Trail, 59700 Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Mountain, NC, 28711
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 11.
Congressman Chuck Edwards has the opportunity to make history by creating North Carolina’s first National Scenic Area, an idea which has broad local support. Come hike the Big Butt Trail with MountainTrue Biologist Josh Kelly and experience the beautiful forests, views, flora, and fauna of the Craggy Mountains.
The hike will be strenuous and will proceed unless heavy rains or wind are in the forecast.
*Children are welcome if they can hike up to 6 strenuous miles. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.

As much as we love our furry friends, no pets are permitted on this hike.
Please remember to:
-Wear sturdy hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather (including rain gear).
-Bring water, lunch, snacks and any medications you may need
Carpool from Asheville will meet at 9:15 at The Folk Art Center.
Photo courtesy of Steven McBride.

Broad River Fall Float near Shelby, NC 10/12--CANCELED
2024-10-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Broad River Greenway Canoe Access, 126 Broad River Drive, Shelby, NC, 28152, United States
DUE TO THE CATASTROPHIC EVENTS RECENTLY IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED. MOUNTAINTRUE IS FOCUSED ON RECOVERY EFFORTS. STAY TUNED FOR HOW YOU CAN HELP. Join Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell for a fall float along the Broad River. We will be paddling a beautiful and remote stretch of the Broad that few people get to paddle and enjoy! The first half of the trip will have some fun, easy class I and II rapids. The second half of this section is in slow-moving and still water, so we will need to paddle some (not just float) to reach the takeout on time. It is about a 4 to 5-hour trip.
Because of the rapids on this section of the river, all participants must be 18 and older and comfortable in a boat.
Please bring: your boat, paddle, and lifejacket, water, lunch, snacks sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), and a dry change of clothes. If you want to enjoy the scenery, you are encouraged to bring binoculars as well.
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
The RAIN DATE is October 19th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar.

**CANCELED** Trash Trout Cleanout in Boone, NC 10/17
2024-10-17 15:00 - 16:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
**This Trash Trout was removed from Winkler’s Creek before the Tropical Storm and we’re not sure when we’ll be able to re-deploy it.**
Want to get in the river AND contribute to its health? Assist with cleanout and inventory of trash types and brands found within the Trash Trouts. This week’s trash trout cleanout will be at Winkler’s Creek. Made from recycled materials, this passive litter collection device will be sure to get you asking questions and feeling good about what we can do to mitigate the trash found in the river.
We’ve got the boots, waders and gloves, just bring your love for river health! Please provide boot/wader size for all registered participants.
Kids are welcome at this event, however, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the event.
Please Bring:

Water
Snacks
Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
You are welcome to bring your own boots and waders if you have them

Watauga Riverkeeper Clean Up- Guy Ford (near Boone, NC)
2024-10-19 09:00 - 14:30 | Wine to Water Warehouse, 689 George Wilson Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
Join us again on Saturday, October 19th for a Watauga River clean-up! We will meet at the Wine to Water Warehouse at 9 am to check in and then head to the clean-up site, arriving by 10 am.
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you bring your own PPE for the clean-up.
Lunch will be provided. While there will be some vegetarian options, it is recommended that you bring your own snacks/lunch if you have any specific dietary restrictions.
**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.**
Locations:
Meet at 9 am: Wine to Water Warehouse (689 George Wilson Rd. Boone, NC 28607)
Clean-up site (arrive by 10 am): Guy Ford (811 2/8 US-321 Sugar Grove, NC 28679)

Watauga Riverkeeper Clean Up- Brookshire Park near Boone, NC
2024-10-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Brookshire Park, 250 Brookshire Rd., Boone, NC, 28607, United States
Join us on Tuesday, October 22nd at Brookshire Park from 1pm to 4pm to help clean up trash along the South Fork of the New River.
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you bring your own PPE for the clean-up.
Lunch will be provided. It is recommended that you bring your own snacks/lunch if you have any specific dietary restrictions.
**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.**

Invasive Plant Workday at Pinnacle Park in Sylva, NC Fall Series 2024
2024-10-23 13:00 - 2024-11-06 16:00
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 Eve Davis with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).

Watauga Riverkeeper Clean Up- Clawson-Burnley Park near Boone, NC
2024-10-24 09:00 - 13:00 | Clawson-Burnley Park, 355 Martin Luther King Jr St, Boone, NC, 28607
Help our team keep the Greenway Clean from 9 am to 1 pm on October 24th. We plan to get outside and make more headway removing trash along the South Fork of the New River.
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you bring your own PPE for the clean-up.
Lunch will be provided. It is recommended that you bring your own snacks/lunch if you have any specific dietary restrictions.
**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.**

Green Riverkeeper Open House & Party in Saluda, NC
2024-10-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Green Riverkeeper Office, 7347 Ozone Dr, Suite 4, Saluda, NC, 28773
MountainTrue’s Green Riverkeeper office has recently moved to Saluda, NC, and is hosting an open house to celebrate with the community. Come out to see the new space, mingle with fellow MountainTrue supporters, build new relationships, and support local businesses in the area.
We’ll have snacks from Sara’s Event Services, drinks donated by Oskar Blues and served by Spruce and Pine Bar Company, music from local fiddlers and banjo players, and live painting by local artist, Kristen Mode, co-owner of EARThly Minds Gallery— you don’t want to miss it!
No RSVP is required but we will have a limited number of free snacks and drinks (limit 2 drinks per person).
We are very grateful to our local businesses and supporters welcoming us to the community, so when we are out, we’re out!

City of Hendersonville Water Treatment Facility Tour-CANCELED
2024-10-29 14:00 - 15:30 | City of Hendersonville Water Treatment Facility, 4139 Haywood Road, Mills River, NC, 28759
Due to the catastrophic events of Hurricane Helene, this event has been canceled. Stay tuned for information about events in 2025. Have you ever wondered about the journey your morning glass of water takes, from source to tap? Come learn about this process from one of the largest utility systems in North Carolina. The City of Hendersonville treats drinking water for over 80,000 people, operates and maintains of over 683 miles of water mains, 54 water pumping stations, and 24 water storage tanks. Join us in a tour of this municipal water treatment facility.
We will be walking indoors and outdoors so fall layers and closed toe walking shoes are recommended. Also, there is limited parking at the facility, carpooling is encouraged.
*Children are welcome with a supervising adult.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up near Asheville, NC 10/31
2024-10-31 10:00 - 13:00 | Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, 9 Midnight Drive, Asheville, 28806, United States
Join MountainTrue’s Clean Water Team and staff from River Link to help remove debris and mitigate pollution in the French Broad.
Volunteers will meet at the Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins at 10 am on Thursday, October 31st.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants and bring 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.

Watauga River Hurricane Helene Clean-up near Sugar Grove, NC 11/1
2024-11-01 10:00 - 13:00 | 5486 US-321, 5486 US-321, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679
Join us on Friday, November 1st, for a Watauga River clean-up! We will meet at the clean-up site at 10 am, talk as a group, and then disperse along the river for trash pickup. This area needs a good litter sweep and we are also working to identify any hazardous or large debris items (cars, propane tanks, etc.).
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long-sleeved pants and shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
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.**

2024 Lake Chatuge Shoreline Cleanup-14th Annual near Hiawassee, GA
2024-11-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Towns County Swim Beach Pavillion, US-76, Hiawassee, GA, 30546
Join with other lake-loving volunteers on Saturday, November 2nd for MountainTrue’s 14th Annual Lake Chatuge Shoreline Cleanup. The event will kick off at 9 am at the Towns County Swim Beach Pavilion across from the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds where volunteers will get their assigned cleanup locations and be given bags, gloves, and safety information. Coffee and grab-n-go breakfast snacks will be available, along with free t-shirts for the first 30 volunteers. After two hours of shoreline cleaning at the assigned site, volunteers will meet back at the pavilion at 11:30 for prizes. Three prizes will be given on the day of the cleanup: Most Trash Collected by a Group, Most Creative Trash Photo, and Most Unique Trash Item Found. Enter to win by taking photos and sending them to callie@mountaintrue.org.
What to bring:
Closed toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty
Water
Sun protection
Trash grabber, if you have one

Other Reminders:
While we love our furry friends, please, no pets. This will be a rain or shine event.

River Clean-up with Middle Fork Greenway and MountainTrue near Boone, NC
2024-11-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Boone Gorge Park, 36°11'25.3"N 81°39'24.7"W
Join us for a rewarding day of community service as we partner with Blue Ridge Conservancy and The Middle Fork Greenway for a River Clean-Up as an ongoing effort to clean up post-Helene. Help us make a difference as we collect litter and debris along the riverbanks.
We plan to meet at Boone Gorge Park on November 7th from 10 am-1 pm to help clean up the Middle Fork New River. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, meet like-minded individuals, and contribute to a healthier environment.
Meet-up coordinates: 36.190361, -81.656861 (Turn off of Blowing Rock Rd./Hwy 321 to Jordan V Cook Rd., then take a slight left on Old Blowing Rock Rd., the entrance will be 0.1 miles on your right). Here is the google link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PemBkNWrqgHfNmwS7
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long-sleeved pants and shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
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.**

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Arden, NC 11/8
2024-11-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Glen Bridge River Park, 77 Pinner Road, Arden, NC, 28704
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene at Glen Bridge River Park in Arden. We will focus on the park itself, along with riparian areas on both sides of the river, extending down to Corcoran Paige River Park.
Feel free to bring your boat to retrieve trash from the water, and if you do – bring your PFD and appropriate clothing and footwear.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), 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.
We hope to provide lunch for volunteers at the end of the event, but that is not guaranteed, so 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.

River Clean up at Deer Valley Athletic Club in Boone, NC 11/9
2024-11-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Deer Valley Athletic Club, 507 Bamboo Dr., Boone, NC, 28607
Join us for another river clean up from 10 am-1 pm on Saturday, November 9th at Deer Valley Athletic Club to remove trash from the East Fork of the New River. We are excited to have a great turnout with plenty of parking— there is tons to do on this section of river (tell your friends, and still carpool if you can!).
Meet-up coordinates: (36.1918810, -81.6333086) Deer Valley Athletic Club; on the backside near the river Bamboo Rd, to Sports Club Ln https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y3vkkuqoAZC8XwYYA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long-sleeved pants and shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
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.**

Lunch and Learn with MountainTrue: Why should environmentalists support building more housing? CANCELED
2024-11-13 11:30 - 12:30 | Green Sage Cafe, 633A Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC, 28804
Due to the catastrophic events of Hurricane Helene, we are canceling events at this time. Please stay tuned for other opportunities in the future! We know that healthy communities exist within the context of a healthy environment — and right now, both are threatened. There is a housing shortage across the country creating an urgent need to build more homes. There is also a climate crisis, with greenhouse gas emissions threatening the stability of all our planet’s ecosystems and biodiversity. How and where our communities build these much needed homes for families will have implications for our carbon footprint. Join MountainTrue’s Housing & Transportation Director, Susan Bean, to learn more about MountainTrue’s newest program, Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC, and about part of the solution to both these crises.
MountainTrue is excited to be the 2024 recipient of Green Sage’s annual donation program. Bring your reusable Green Sage glass juice bottles and coffee mugs to any Green Sage location and they’ll donate 10 cents to MountainTrue each time! Learn more about this program here.
Participation is limited to 14 so don’t wait to register!
Lunch will be purchased separately by participants. To make ordering easier, Green Sage will have a designated cash register for Lunch and Learn participants. Please arrive between 11:10 and 11:25 so you can order and get settled before the presentation.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Marshall 11/14
2024-11-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Redmon Dam River Access, 2753 Redmon Rd., Marshall, NC, 28753, United States
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene at Redmon Dam River Access downstream of Marshall. We will be focusing on the park itself, along with riparian areas on river-right, extending downstream as far as we can walk.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), 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.
We hope to provide lunch for volunteers at the end of the event, but that is not guaranteed, so 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.

French Broad River Sample Blitz in Asheville 11/14
2024-11-14 10:00 - 15:00 | MountainTrue — Asheville, 29 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Help members of the French Broad River water team take water samples to assess Hurricane Helene’s impact on some of our sewer infrastructure. We’ll meet at the MountainTrue Asheville Office where we will give out supplies and a map before dividing up to grab samples and do visual assessments of some of our region’s sewer lines. We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders, and bring any snacks or drinks you may need.
End time will depend on how quickly we complete our sampling.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups or Sampling!
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.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Green Built Alliance-CANCELED
2024-11-14 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Due to the catastrophic events of Hurricane Helene, this event has been canceled. Stay tuned for information about events in 2025. Green Built Alliance has a 22-year history of advancing sustainable living, green building and climate justice through inspired action, community education and collaborative partnerships in Western North Carolina and beyond.
Jamie Wine, Clean Energy Program Manager, will talk about how the membership-based nonprofit makes sustainability more accessible to the community through its efforts to distribute 25,000 copies of the annual Green Home & Living Guide (formerly known as the Green Building Directory); coordinating the Appalachian Offsets carbon-offsetting program; managing the Blue Horizons Project community campaign to help create our region’s clean energy future; and administering green-building certifications through the Green Built Homes program.
Jamie Wine joined Green Built Alliance in the spring of 2022. He hails most recently from New Orleans where he managed an education and outreach program for energy efficiency and building science across Louisiana. Before that, in Seattle, California, and Boston, he developed nonprofit programs for varied audiences like students in grades K-12, ocean advocates, traffic engineers, community organizers, adults, families and youth. Jamie is deeply committed to community empowerment through education, fighting the climate crisis, and bringing environmental peace to disadvantaged communities. While an executive decision is often easier, he believes a collaborative approach yields a more satisfying result. Jamie studied marine biology and environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and holds professional certifications in building performance, leadership development, public speaking and real estate.
You can learn more about Green Built Alliance at greenbuilt.org.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Alexander 11/21
2024-11-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Alexander River Park, 2590 Old Marshall Highway, Alexander, NC, 28701
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene at Whittier Branch, a future French Broad Paddle Trail campsite adjacent to Alexander River Park. If Alexander River Park is still closed, we will focus on the riparian areas upstream of the park and also the island, via ferrying over from river-right.
Please bring a boat if you have one, and if you do – bring your PFD and appropriate clothing and footwear.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), 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.
We hope to provide lunch for volunteers at the end of the event, but that is not guaranteed, so 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.

Pickup Event for Western Region Fall Native Tree & Shrub Sale in Murphy, NC (only for those that purchased through our MURPHY, NC ONLINE Plant Sale that ended Oct. 31st)
2024-11-21 15:00 - 18:00 | MountainTrue Western Regional Office, 90 Tennessee Street, Murphy, NC, 28906, United States
This is the pick up event for plants that are pre-ordered and paid for through our western region Fall Native Tree & Shrub Sale fundraiser. The plants are delivered by the nurseries to the MountainTrue Western Regional Office parking lot on the morning of the event, so no early pick-up is available. We will not be ready to fill orders until 3:00 pm sharp! If you arrive early, please find a parking place. Do not form a line in your cars that will quickly prevent others from entering the parking lot.
What to expect: Your plants are entering dormancy this month, which is a kind of “hibernation” for the winter. Don’t be surprised if they have no leaves at all! It’s perfectly natural, as this is the time of year that deciduous trees lose their leaves. Also, some of the 3-gallon trees will be 8-10′ (feet) tall. We’ve folded them into a Prius before, but it’s not easy!
If you cannot make it on Thursday, November 21st and there’s no one else who can pick up your order for you, please contact us as soon as possible either by emailing tony@mountaintrue.org or calling 828-837-5414. We do not want to move your plants around unnecessarily!
This event will be held rain or shine!

Join MountainTrue at the 2024 Asheville Holiday Jamboree on Nov. 23rd
2024-11-23 11:00 - 17:00 | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
In light of the exhaustion of local resources and the catastrophic events of the past month+, the Asheville Holiday Parade has become the Asheville Holiday Jamboree this year. The event will take place on Saturday, November 23rd from 11 am to 5 pm in Pack Square Park.
MountainTrue will have a tent at the event, showing that we are MountainStrong and we need YOU! Let’s celebrate the resilience of our community and bring some much-needed joy to the season.
We need volunteers to take shifts dressed as Native Species, engaging with people and handing out native seed packets.
Volunteer Shifts Needed:
11 am to 1 pm
1 pm to 3 pm

When you aren’t hanging around the MountainTrue tent, make sure to catch some of the performances at the main stage.
If you want to help but aren’t sure what to wear, find some ideas Appalachian Endemics and Native Species List for 2024
**The official theme for the Jamboree is Winter Wonderland so if you want to add a snowy element to your costume, let your creativity take the “reins”!
Please reach out to amy@mountaintrue.org with any questions.

Mold Matters: Health & Home Safety After Helene
2024-11-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Land of Sky Association of Realtors, 21 Restaurant Court, Asheville, NC, 28805
This community learning session invites organizations, residents and neighborhood leaders to learn about the health risks associated with mold after flooding, how to conduct inspections, and both self-mitigation and professional remediation processes. Our experts will guide participants through essential mold mitigation practices to help ensure a safer, healthier community. Information on accessing mold kits will also be provided to assist with ongoing monitoring and prevention.
Presented by Thrive Asheville in partnership with the Commercial Building Alliance of Asheville, Land of Sky Regional Council, Hood Huggers, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, and MountainTrue with expert insights from Green Home Solutions.
When: 11am-12:30pm, Monday, November 25th
Where: Land of the Sky Association of Realtors (Both online and virtual options will be offered).
Food & Beverages: Complimentary snacks provided for in-person attendees
How to Register:

Attend in person

Attend online

For questions about the event, please contact: kelly@thriveasheville.org
