MountainTrue

North Fork New River Clean Up with New River Conservancy in Creston, NC 4/12
2025-04-12 10:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | 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

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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.

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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

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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!
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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.

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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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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

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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/

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.

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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.

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French Broad River Clean-Up - Pisgah Forest River Access to Penrose Boating Access Area 5/31
2025-05-31 10:00 - 15:00 | Penrose Boating Access Area, Apac Drive, Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768
Volunteers are invited to help clean up trash with French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, Jack Henderson, and other members of MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper team.
The clean-up will be boat-based and focus on the French Broad River in Transylvania County between Pisgah Forest River Access and Penrose Boating Access Area.
MountainTrue can provide canoes (with paddles and PFDs) to volunteers with previous paddling experience, but attendees are otherwise requested to bring their own boats. MountainTrue will also provide gloves, trash bags, a dumpster for trash removal, and a shuttle to the put-in at Pisgah Forest River Access.
If you need to borrow a boat from MountainTrue, please use the boat request form. (We have a limited number of boats so you must complete this form to borrow a boat).ALL participants, regardless of whether you are borrowing a boat or bringing your own, must sign-up through the “sign-up” link to ensure we can adhere to safety standards for the maximum number of participants.
Please bring:

PFD if bringing your own boat.
Appropriate clothing and footwear for paddling and cleaning up trash (closed-toed shoes recommended).
Drinking water, snacks, lunch.
Change of clothes for after the event.

Kids under the age of 18 are allowed as long as accompanied by a parent/guardian AND are experienced paddlers.
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.
This event has been generously-sponsored by Explore Brevard through the Transylvania County TDA’s Transylvania Always grant program. Transylvania Always’ mission is to address the impact of users on the county’s public lands, specifically the safe and enjoyable use of natural resources, and we’re fortunate to have received funding to support our work to clean up the French Broad River.

We are also partnering with Conserving Carolina, a Hendersonville-based land trust servicing Polk, Henderson, and Transylvania counties, and parts of Rutherford and other surrounding counties. Their mission is to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of the natural world, and we are grateful that their work includes bringing staff and volunteer support to clean-ups and other initiatives that overlap with ours.

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MountainTrue Riverkeeper Beer Series Clean-up with New Belgium 6/7
2025-06-07 13:00 - 17:00 | New Belgium Brewing Company, 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
Our region’s rivers were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, and with breweries playing a key role in our tourism economy, MountainTrue, the French Broad Riverkeeper, and New Belgium are teaming up to help restore our waterways.
Join us on June 7 for a river cleanup! We’ll head out for an on-the-water cleanup, then return to the brewery to celebrate with beer and prizes.
MountainTrue can provide a spot in a boat for 20 people but we encourage folks to bring their own boats to clean-up. Please make sure you bring a PFD if you bring your own boat. **To borrow a boat from MountainTrue, please click here).
All participants, regardless of whether you are borrowing a boat or bringing your own, MUST pre-register so we can adhere to safety standards.
Meet-up location and shuttling info will be emailed to participants the week before the event.
All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours!
Kids under the age of 18 are welcome as long as accompanied by a parent or guardian AND they feel comfortable in a boat for several hours.
A HUGE thank you to New Belgium, Eno and Recover brands for sponsoring this event!

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MountainTrue Riverkeeper Beer Series Clean-up in Hot Springs, NC with Big Pillow Brewing 6/8
2025-06-08 13:00 - 17:00 | Big Pillow Brewing, 25 Andrews Ave N, Hot Springs, NC, 28743
Calling all paddlers! Our region’s rivers were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, and with breweries playing a key role in our tourism economy, MountainTrue, the French Broad Riverkeeper, and Big Pillow Brewing are teaming up to help restore our waterways.
Join us on June 8 for a river cleanup! We’ll head out for an on-the-water cleanup on the whitewater section 9 of the French Broad River.
We will meet at NOC and Blue Heron, and shuttle to Barnard, then have a shuttle back from Stackhouse. The after party will be at Big Pillow, with prizes and shirts for the weird and wild trash.
We encourage you to bring your own boat and PFD. (MountainTrue can provide boat spots for only 12 people but we have loads of space for folks bringing their own boats). Please click here to reserve your spot in a MountainTrue boat.
All participants (whether bringing your own boat or borrowing) MUST pre-register to ensure we can adhere to safety standards.
All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours!
Kids under the age of 18 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian AND they feel comfortable in a boat for several hours.
A HUGE thank you to Big Pillow Brewing, Eno and Recover brands for sponsoring this event!

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Life Depends on Rivers at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville 6/12
2025-06-12 17:00 - 19:00 | New Belgium Brewing Company, 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
Toast the French Broad! Join New Belgium Brewing, American Rivers, RiverLink, and MountainTrue to raise a pint for Asheville’s hometown river: the French Broad. American Rivers has named the Rivers of Southern Appalachia, including the French Broad and neighboring rivers recovering from Hurricane Helene, among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2025. Together, we are spotlighting Western North Carolina’s revival — and calling on state and national leaders to protect our rivers and make sure our community is prepared for future storms. Let’s come together riverside to drink great beer, connect with friends, and take action for the French Broad.
RSVP here (or just show up!)
Life Depends on Rivers® celebration and action for the French Broad
June 12, 5:00-7:00 pm
Come hungry: food trucks will be open!
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring
partnerships to safeguard the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers®. America’s Most Endangered Rivers® highlights ten rivers whose fate will be decided in the coming year and encourages decision-makers to do the right thing for the rivers and the communities they support.
RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed for all. RiverLink accomplishes its mission by improving watershed health and climate resilience, providing permanent public access to the river through conservation and recreation easements, reclaiming contaminated lands for public use and enjoyment,
empowering over 1,000 volunteers each year, and annually educating over 5,000 students, as well as the public at large, about the importance of a healthy French Broad River watershed.
MountainTrue champions resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Our members protect our forests, clean up our rivers, plan
vibrant and livable communities, and advocate for a sound and sustainable future for all. MountainTrue is active in the Broad, French Broad, Green, Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, New,
and Watauga watersheds and is home to the Broad Riverkeeper, French Broad Riverkeeper, Green Riverkeeper, and Watauga Riverkeeper. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,
MountainTrue is committed to leading the recovery of our region with a vision to rebuild stronger, safer, and better prepared for the impacts of climate change.

French Broad River Clean-Up - Morrow Landing to Hap Simpson Park near Brevard, NC 6/14
2025-06-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Hap Simpson Park, 666 Greenville Hwy, Brevard, NC, 28712
Volunteers are invited to help clean up trash with French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, Jack Henderson, and other members of MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper team.
The clean-up will be boat-based and focus on the French Broad River in Transylvania County between Morrow Landing and Hap Simpson Park.
MountainTrue can provide canoes (with paddles and PFDs) to volunteers with previous paddling experience, but attendees are otherwise requested to bring their own boats. MountainTrue will also provide gloves, trash bags, a dumpster for trash removal, and a shuttle to the put-in.
If you need to borrow a boat from MountainTrue, please use the boat request form. (We have a limited number of boats so you must complete this form to borrow a boat).ALL participants, regardless of whether you are borrowing a boat or bringing your own, must sign-up through the “sign-up” link to ensure we can adhere to safety standards for the maximum number of participants.
Please bring:

PFD if bringing your own boat.
Appropriate clothing and footwear for paddling and cleaning up trash (closed-toed shoes recommended).
Drinking water, snacks, lunch.
Change of clothes for after the event.

Kids under the age of 18 are allowed as long as accompanied by a parent/guardian AND are experienced paddlers.
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.
This event has been generously-sponsored by Explore Brevard through the Transylvania County TDA’s Transylvania Always grant program. Transylvania Always’ mission is to address the impact of users on the county’s public lands, specifically the safe and enjoyable use of natural resources, and we’re fortunate to have received funding to support our work to clean up the French Broad River.

We are also partnering with Conserving Carolina, a Hendersonville-based land trust servicing Polk, Henderson, and Transylvania counties, and parts of Rutherford and other surrounding counties. Their mission is to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of the natural world, and we are grateful that their work includes bringing staff and volunteer support to clean-ups and other initiatives that overlap with ours.

Sign-up!

MountainTrue Post Hurricane Helene river clean-up in Buncombe County, NC 6/18
2025-06-18 10:00 - 14:00
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.
LOCATION:126 Swannanoa River Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
https://maps.app.goo.gl/spZTbxeHnhrLbYGL9

There is parking available across the street from the river in the old antique mall / Hajoca PVC pipe area.
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.

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Visit the Watauga Riverkeeper Team at Boonerang in Boone, NC 6/21
2025-06-19 00:00 - 2025-06-22 00:00 | Downtown Boone
We are so excited to have an information table again this year at Boonerang… a FREE music & arts festival in Downtown Boone running from June 19-22nd! Come visit our Clean Water team on June 21st and learn what we have been up to this year on and off the river. Hear how you can support our work and help protect the places we share!
We will also have new MountainTrue merch and stickers available.
Enjoy all the music, art, food, and vendors Boonerang has to offer. It is sure to be a good time & the talk of the town you don’t want to miss! Full event details available here: https://www.boonerangfest.com/
https://www.boonerangfest.com/faqs

MountainTrue Lower Green River Clean-up with Conserving Carolina near Saluda, NC 6/21
2025-06-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Green Riverkeeper Office, 7347 Ozone Dr, Suite 4, Saluda, NC, 28773
Join your Green Riverkeeper and Conserving Carolina to Clean the Lower Green!
We will meet at the Green Riverkeeper Office in Saluda, NC at 10 am and carpool down to the river. The exact clean-up location will be announced in an email closer to the event date.
This event will be land and river-based. If you want to be on the river, please plan to bring your own boat (MountainTrue is not providing boats for loan for this event) and appropriate river gear (pfd, helmet, paddles etc).
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. We will have plenty of trash bags and gloves for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, etc.; however, feel free to bring your own if you would like.
All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours!
Kids under the age of 18 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian AND they feel comfortable in a boat for several hours.

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MountainTrue Broad River Summer Sweep, Hwy 221 to 221A near Henrietta, NC 6/21
2025-06-21 10:00 - 16:00
Join your Broad Riverkeeper and Rutherford Outdoor Coalition for a river sweep on a section of the Broad that has just opened up for recreation. North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission completed the Hwy 221 access last year and just recently finished the Hwy 221A access. This is a water-based clean-up.
This 4.5 mile stretch of river is beautiful, wide, and easy to paddle, with a few fun class I-II rapids.
Meetup is at 10:00 AM sharp at the Hwy 221 put-in, 35.206404, -81.838500 . PLEASE ENTER THE COORDINATES for directions.
We will stop for lunch and a swim along the way. 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. If you don’t have a boat, we have some kayaks available to loan, max. 4. If you need to borrow a boat, please call David @ 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD size and boat preference.
RAIN Date for this event is June 28th. Please save both dates in your calendar. For safety reasons, no particants under the age of 18 on this clean-up.
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.

Sign-up!

MountainTrue Riverkeeper Beer Series Clean-up in Asheville, NC with Wicked Weed Brewing 6/21
2025-06-21 13:00 - 17:00 | Pearson Bridge, 706 Pearson Bridge Rd., Asheville, NC, 28806
Calling all paddlers! Our region’s rivers were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, and with breweries playing a key role in our tourism economy, MountainTrue, the French Broad Riverkeeper, and Big Pillow Brewing are teaming up to help restore our waterways.
Join us on June 21 for a river cleanup! We’ll head out for an on-the-water cleanup, then return to the brewery to celebrate with beer and prizes.
We encourage you to bring your own boat and PFD. (MountainTrue can provide boat spots for only 20 people but we have loads of space for folks bringing their own boats). Please click here to reserve your spot in a MountainTrue boat.
All participants (whether bringing your own boat or borrowing) MUST pre-register to ensure we can adhere to safety standards.
All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours!
Kids under the age of 18 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian AND they feel comfortable in a boat for several hours.
A HUGE thank you to Wicked Weed Brewing, Eno and Recover brands for sponsoring this event!

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MountainTrue Turner Shoals Dam Clean-up with Conserving Carolina near Mill Spring, NC 6/27
2025-06-27 10:00 - 13:00 | 260 Wolverine Trail, 260 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC, 28756
Join your Green Riverkeeper and Conserving Carolina to clean up the Lower Green at Turner Shoals Dam access area. This will be a land-based cleanup along the river.
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. We will have plenty of trash bags and gloves for use, along with some hand tools such as shovels, loppers, etc.; however, feel free to bring your own if you would like.
All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours!
Kids under the age of 18 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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MountainTrue Riverkeeper Beer Series Clean-up in Brevard, NC with Oskar Blues 6/28
2025-06-28 13:00 - 17:00 | Pisgah Forest River Access, 3520 Wilson Rd., Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768
Our region’s rivers were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, and with breweries playing a key role in our tourism economy, MountainTrue, the French Broad Riverkeeper, and Oskar Blues are teaming up to help restore our waterways.
Join us on June 28 for a river cleanup! We’ll head out for an on-the-water cleanup, then return to the brewery to celebrate with beer and prizes.
We encourage folks to bring their own boats to clean-up but, MountainTrue can provide a spot on a boat for 20 people if you don’t have one. Please make sure you bring a PFD if you bring your own boat.Please click here to reserve your spot in a MountainTrue boat.
All participants, regardless of whether borrowing a boat or bringing their own, MUST pre-register so we can adhere to safety standards.
Meet-up location: Pisgah Forest River Access (3520 Wilson Rd, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768). Shuttling info: Everyone will meet at Pisgah Forest River Access at 1:00 PM and be shuttled to the put-in at Hap Simpson Park.
All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours!
Kids under the age of 18 are welcome as long as accompanied by a parent or guardian AND they feel comfortable in a boat for several hours.
A HUGE thank you to Oskar Blues, Eno and Recover brands for sponsoring this event!
Additionaly, this event has been generously-sponsored by Explore Brevard through the Transylvania County TDA’s Transylvania Always grant program. Transylvania Always’ mission is to address the impact of users on the county’s public lands, specifically the safe and enjoyable use of natural resources, and we’re fortunate to have received funding to support our work to clean up the French Broad River.

We are also partnering with Conserving Carolina, a Hendersonville-based land trust servicing Polk, Henderson, and Transylvania counties, and parts of Rutherford and other surrounding counties. Their mission is to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of the natural world, and we are grateful that their work includes bringing staff and volunteer support to clean-ups and other initiatives that overlap with ours.

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Post Hurricane Helene Swannanoa River clean-up in Asheville, NC with REI Co-op 6/29
2025-06-29 10:00 - 14:00 | 2 Hendersonville Rd, 2 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC, 28803
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper and REI Asheville as we work to clean up Hurricane Helene damage along the Swannanoa River in the Biltmore Village area. We will be removing trash and debris along the riparian areas. Please note this will be a land-based clean-up.
***Fun swag will be provided to each volunteer. Stick around after for a cold drink and social time with fellow volunteers.
Kids aged 14 and up are welcome as long as accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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.
Thanks to REI co-op for their support!

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MountainTrue Trash Trout Cleanout with 828 Real Estate in Boone, NC 7/8
2025-07-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
Want to get in the river AND contribute to its health? Assist MountainTrue and 828 Real Estate with cleanout and inventory of trash types and brands found within the Trash Trout. This 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.
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

Anyone borrowing boots/waders from MountainTrue must provide sizing on the sign-up form.

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MountainTrue Lower Green River Clean-up near Saluda, NC 7/18
2025-07-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Please join our Green River work crew for an afternoon cleaning up a small section of the Lower Green. This work day will not require a boat, but volunteers should be prepared to be in and out of the water on steep banks and uneven terrain.
Please be prepared for the day to be strenuous, as you will be pulling large trash from the river and its banks to haul up to the road to be loaded into a dump trailer.
Closed-toed shoes are required. Work gloves and tools will be provided, but please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, hats, medical needs, and appropriate clothing to pull out large and potentially sharp objects from the river. We will meet at Fish Top Access to sign waivers and talk about how the day will run, and then we will carpool to the cleanup location.
All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours!
Please, nobody under the age of 18.

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Party on the Mountain Weekend at Beech Mountain, NC 7/18 & 7/19
2025-07-18 16:30 - 22:00, 2025-07-19 16:30 - 22:00 | Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Join MountainTrue at the Party on the Mountain at Beech Mountain this year! Remember to bring your (empty!) water bottle; we will have a water bottle refill station at the concert series. Swing by to chat about Clean Water with us and see what the Riverkeepers have been up to at MountainTrue this year! New MountainTrue merch will also be available for purchase.
Get your tickets and answer questions here: https://summerconcert.beechmountainresort.com/
Friday, July 18
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
with Grace Bowers & the Hodge Podge
Boy Named Banjo · Susto Stringband · Ashes & Arrows · Holler Choir
Adrian and Meredith · The Ain’t Sisters
Saturday, July 19
Lake Street Dive
with the 502s
The Wilder Blue · Jon Stickley Trio · The Wildmans
If Birds Could Fly · Goldpine · Taylor Winchester
David Lamotte · Adam Bolt
Doors & Schedule
4:30 p.m. – VIP Doors Open & Food Truck Village
5:30 p.m. – General Admission Doors Open & Food Truck Village
7:00 p.m. – Show Start (Set times are subject to artist discretion)
Please note: Party weekend includes a broader schedule of bands throughout the day at various venues.
Tickets
All tickets are general admission.
VIP tickets include priority stage-front standing room.
Re-Entry
No re-entry to concert grounds, except for emergencies.
Seating Policy
Chairs are permitted but not in front of the stage.
All Ages Welcome Children 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

French Broad River Clean-Up - Island Ford River Access to Morrow Landing near Dunns Rock, NC 7/19
2025-07-19 10:00 - 15:00
Volunteers are invited to help clean up trash with French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, Jack Henderson, and other members of MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper team.
The clean-up will be boat-based and focus on the French Broad River in Transylvania County between Island Ford River Access and Morrow Landing.
MountainTrue can provide canoes (with paddles and PFDs) to volunteers with previous paddling experience, but attendees are otherwise requested to bring their own boats. MountainTrue will also provide gloves, trash bags, a dumpster for trash removal, and a shuttle to the put-in.
If you need to borrow a boat from MountainTrue, please use the boat request form. (We have a limited number of boats so you must complete this form to borrow a boat).ALL participants, regardless of whether you are borrowing a boat or bringing your own, must sign-up through the “sign-up” link to ensure we can adhere to safety standards for the maximum number of participants.
Please bring:

PFD if bringing your own boat.
Appropriate clothing and footwear for paddling and cleaning up trash (closed-toed shoes recommended).
Drinking water, snacks, lunch.
Change of clothes for after the event.

Kids under the age of 18 are allowed as long as accompanied by a parent/guardian AND are experienced paddlers.
Meet-up coordinates: Island Ford River Access (GPS Coordinates: 35.17843014706829, -82.75543437584966)
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.
This event has been generously-sponsored by Explore Brevard through the Transylvania County TDA’s Transylvania Always grant program. Transylvania Always’ mission is to address the impact of users on the county’s public lands, specifically the safe and enjoyable use of natural resources, and we’re fortunate to have received funding to support our work to clean up the French Broad River.

We are also partnering with Conserving Carolina, a Hendersonville-based land trust servicing Polk, Henderson, and Transylvania counties, and parts of Rutherford and other surrounding counties. Their mission is to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of the natural world, and we are grateful that their work includes bringing staff and volunteer support to clean-ups and other initiatives that overlap with ours.

Sign-up!
