MountainTrue

MountainTrue 2023 Annual Gathering in Asheville, NC
2023-10-14 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Devil’s Foot, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28803, United States
You’re invited! We look forward to seeing your smiling faces at our Annual Member Gathering on Saturday, October 14th. This year’s event will be held at Devil’s Foot Beverage in Asheville, NC.
Get ready for a night of fun and camaraderie with like-minded folks as we celebrate our achievements and honor the relationships each of us have to each other and to the natural world. We are all interconnected. Healthy forests and sustainable development make for clean water. The built environment has profound effects on the natural environment. Understanding the interconnectedness of our world guides our work and is key to building a better future for the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains.
General programming will begin at 3 pm and will include voting on new Board Members, reflecting on our achievements this year and honoring outstanding Volunteers.
This year our doors open early for a Plastics Rally beginning at 2 pm. Learn about the progress that MountainTrue, our members and partners have made in the fight against plastic pollution. French Broad Riverkeeper, Hartwell Carson, will discuss our work to pass a plastic bag ban in Buncombe County and how North Carolina towns and counties are empowered to reduce plastic pollution by NC’s Solid Waste Management Act. Attendees will get fired up and learn from local organizers how they can do their part to stop plastic pollution.
But there’s more! Stick around for our exciting Jeopardy game show featuring one contestant from each of our four regions. The winner will get to designate what MountainTrue work donations collected at the event will fund. Interested in playing? Check out the event page for more information.
Come snack on some hors d’oeuvres and grab a drink on us!
“I want more information or want to RSVP”
This event is open to current members of MountainTrue. Click here to check your membership status or email members@mountaintrue.org. If you’re not a current member, we would love to have you join us — You don’t want to miss out on the fun!
Come raise a glass with us to another year of being stronger together!

The River Runs On Screening in Hendersonville, NC
2023-10-13 19:00 - 20:45 | Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe street, Hendersonville, NC, 28791
After three years in the making, we’re excited to finally bring to Hendersonville the feature documentary, The River Runs On! This film explores the release of a forest plan that decides the fate of two of the most important national forests in the country – the Pisgah and Nantahala. Featuring some of the top conservationists and most popular spots within the region, the documentary reflects on our relationship with these public lands and what the future may hold for this unique part of the world.
Presented by Mountain True, this screening will be held in the Sanctuary at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The doors will open at 6:30pm and the film will begin at 7:00pm.
Shortly following the film, we will have a Q&A with the director of the film, Garrett Martin, and Mountain True’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly. Members of the audience will be able to ask questions about the Pisgah-Nanatahala Forest Plan and its release.
To learn more about the film, please visit www.theriverrunson.com
Watch the trailer at https://vimeo.com/764170588
Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-river-runs-on-film-screening-tickets-707948552177?aff=oddtdtcreator

Green Drinks 10/12 in Hendersonville, NC
2023-10-12 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join us for an informative session led by Michael Huffman, the City’s Stormwater Division Manager, who will be delivering a comprehensive update on the City’s Stormwater Management Program. During this presentation, we will delve into a variety of topics, including: -An Overview of the Program -Insights into Current Capital Projects -Progress in Green Infrastructure Implementation -Funding and Grants -Highlighting Successful Projects -Collaboration Initiatives -The Environmental Benefits Derived from the Stormwater Program -Interactive Q&A Session
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.
About the Presenter: Michael Huffman, serving as the Stormwater Division Manager for the City of Hendersonville, NC, has been an integral part of the city’s progress since 2016. His dedicated efforts have been instrumental in shaping and advancing the City’s Stormwater Program. During his tenure, Michael has transformed the stormwater program into a fully-fledged utility, with a strong emphasis on introducing sustainable stormwater solutions to benefit the community.
Over the past eight years, Michael’s remarkable leadership has yielded significant results, securing over $4 million in grant funding. These funds have supported a wide range of projects, encompassing capital stormwater planning, the implementation of green infrastructure, as well as floodplain and stream restoration initiatives. Michael’s unwavering dedication to preserving and enhancing water quality in our community is evident through his commitment to pioneering innovative practices and methods.
Michael’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his outstanding work, he received the City’s inaugural Sustainability Hero award. Furthermore, he was recently honored as the NC Stormwater Professional of the Year for 2023, underscoring his exceptional achievements and dedication to the field of stormwater management.
5:30 Come grab a drink and meet like-minded folks
6:00 Presentation begins

Fall 2023 Eco-Grief Circle
2023-10-10 12:00 - 2023-11-21 13:15 | NC
Join us for an Eco Grief Circle this Fall! We will meet weekly on Tuesdays beginning October 10 and ending November 21 from 12pm-1:15 ET. This seven-week online experience will be offered in sessions that last about 1 hour and fifteen minutes. Together we will explore grief and sorrow, anxiety and fear, guilt and shame, anger, and despair. This experience is designed to offer mutual support, healing, insight, and love but is not a grief therapy experience. Past participants expressed profound gratitude for being among people who could talk honestly about grief, suffering, and the ecological and social challenges of our time. The leadership team includes counselors, pastors, and environmental advocates.
All times are Eastern time. There is limited space for this online experience. Sign up to let us know you are interested in joining us.

Urban Ebike Tour of Downtown Asheville 9/30/23
2023-09-30 10:00 - 13:00 | The Flying Bike Tours, 1 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC, 28801
Join MountainTrue as we team up with The Flying Bike to take out a fleet of electric bikes! We will pass through downtown, where Chris Joyell, Healthy Communities Director, will share his extensive knowledge about Asheville’s urban core, including stories of how redlining has shaped our city and what the future could hold for Asheville. With the bikes, we will expand our range, pedaling through the River Arts District and the Southside, experiencing the highlights (and lowlights) of Asheville’s bike infrastructure. We will frequently stop to hear from Chris about the history of development in these areas and what the future might look like in these places.
The bike rental includes a helmet, and the bikes have a basket with a waterproof cover to store your belongings while riding. We encourage folks to bring water and snacks, wear close-toed shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather (sunscreen, raincoat, sunglasses/hat, etc.). We do recommend that folks have prior experience riding a bike, the transition from a normal bike to an electric one is easy, but they do require some knowledge of how to ride. If you’re not in professional biker shape, don’t worry! Electric bikes are much easier to ride than normal bikes. Uphills are a breeze!
The rain date for this event will be October 7th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure that you can accommodate any changes in our plans.

Bartram Trail Hike: Jones Gap to Whiterock Mountain
2023-09-23 10:00 - 15:00 | Bartram Trail at Jones Gap, 35°04'33.7"N 83°17'16.6"W, Sugarfork, NC
This 4.6-mile lightly trafficked section of the Bartram Trail near Highlands, NC features spectacular views into the Tessentee Valley of Macon County. Jones Knob and Whiterock Mountain are a pair of peaks that lie along this rather tame stretch of the Bartram Trail, one of North Carolina’s premier long distance trails. Though both measure well below 5,000 feet in elevation what sets this pair apart is that they are plutons – mountains comprised of erosion resistant rock sporting massive open cliff faces. The trail is rated as moderate; there is approximately 940 feet of elevation change. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.

Green River Big Sweep in Saluda, NC
2023-09-23 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Join the Green Riverkeeper Saturday, September 23rd for our Big Sweep event! This month’s event will be a part of the Big Sweep movement that happens throughout our region! You do not have to kayak to be a part of the clean. We absolutely welcome road-side helpers too! We’ll meet at the Fishtop Access (2302 Green River Cove Rd, Saluda, NC 28773) at 11:00am to split into teams before heading out! Please bring water, snacks, gear appropriate for the water or roadside (gloves, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, medical needs, etc). We will provide trash bags. If you need gear to get out on the water please contact us as we have a limited amount of duckies, helmets and pfd’s for use.
Join us afterwards at the Green River Brew Depot for a free drink of choice for volunteers and food from The Purple Onion!
If you have any questions about the clean-up please contact our Green Riverkeeper at erica@mountaintrue.org. Let’s protect our special places, friends! Note: Dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions. Please sign up for events via website or send an email to erica@mountaintrue.org to receive the most up to date information on event and workday changes or cancellations.

The River Runs On screening in Boone, NC
2023-09-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 West King Street, Boone, NC, 28607, United States
Join Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC) on September 22nd at the Appalachian Theater in Boone for a thought-provoking documentary that explores the delicate balance between human intervention and the preservation of our natural heritage.
After the screening of “The River Runs On,” stay for a panel discussion featuring local experts (including MountainTrue’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly) who will shed light on the intricacies of the Pisgah-Nantahala Forest Plan.
Ticket purchases will support the CCC. MountainTrue is proud to be a part of the panel discussion. Buy tickets here.

Keeping the Chattahoochee: Sally Bethea in conversation with Hartwell Carson in Asheville, NC
2023-09-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Malaprop’s Bookstore, 55 Haywood St., Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
MountainTrue is proud to co-sponsor Sally Bethea in conversation with Hartwell Carson at Malaprop’s Bookstore in Asheville, North Carolina.
This is a hybrid event with limited in-store seating and the option to attend online.
The event is free but registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance.
Please click here to register for the VIRTUAL event. The link required to attend will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.
Please click here to register for the IN-PERSON event. Note the important event details on the RSVP form.
This event includes a book signing. If you would like a signed book but can’t attend in person, you may order a signed copy online. If you would like to have your book personalized, please order online or call the store at least two hours before the start of the event. When ordering online, use the comments field to provide a name for personalization, e.g. “To Paul.” NOTE: We do our best to get books personalized when requested but personalization is not guaranteed.
Sally Sierer Bethea was one of the first women in America to become a “riverkeeper”—a vocal defender of a specific waterway who holds polluters accountable. In Keeping the Chattahoochee, she tells stories that range from joyous and funny to frustrating—even alarming—to illustrate what it takes to save an endangered river. Her tales are triggered by the regular walks she takes through a forest to the Chattahoochee over the course of a year, finding solace and kinship in nature.
Hartwell Carson has worked to protect the French Broad River for the past 11 years. He was the first responder to Asheville’s coal ash pollution, working to protect the French Broad River and the nearby community by forcing Duke Energy to clean up and close down Asheville’s coal-burning power plant. Hartwell also implemented his idea for the French Broad River Paddle Trail by building new campsites and access points, which now link over 140 miles of the French Broad River.

End of Summer Volunteer Appreciation Cookout
2023-09-21 06:00 - 20:30 | The Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis, NC, 28604, United States
To celebrate the end of Swim Guide season, we would like to celebrate our volunteers for their efforts in our clean water work. This is also a chance to reconnect with our volunteers involved with our monthly VWIN chemical sampling program. 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. To RSVP please email hannah@mountaintrue.org.
Pets are allowed if they are well-behaved and good around children. Please bring your reusable water bottle!

2023 Fall Native Tree & Shrub Sale
2023-09-18 - 2023-11-05 | MountainTrue Western Regional Office, 90 Tennessee Street, Murphy, NC, 28906, United States
In order to raise awareness about the beautiful, resilient plants that are native to our Southern Appalachian Mountains and to provide a little funding for our ongoing invasive plant eradication efforts, we are again holding a Native Tree and Shrub Sale this fall. Choose from 30 species of native trees and shrubs, ranging from large shade trees, native ornamentals, pollinator species, and those particularly beneficial to wildlife.
**Your order must be picked up in Murphy, NC on Saturday, November 18th between 9:00am & 12:00pm unless, due to exceptional circumstances, other arrangements are made PRIOR to placing the order.**
All plants are quality local nursery stock.
1-gallon – $18
2-gallon – $20
3-gallon – $25
2023 Tree-Shrub species price list
2023 Tree-Shrub descriptions for sale
Orders will be accepted through Sunday, November 5, while supplies last. You must pay for the order at the time you submit it in order to secure your species and size of choice. Then, pick up your order from the MountainTrue Western Regional Office parking lot in downtown Murphy on Saturday, November 18 between 9:00am – 12:00pm.
Complete your order using the form below and pay with any major credit card. We are no longer accepting mail-in orders.
Plants that are found here inspire a “sense of place” and pride in our mountain communities and promote wise stewardship and conservation of natural resources. For questions related to these or other native and invasive plant species, contact program coordinator, Tony Ward at tony@mountaintrue.org.

Watauga Tailwaters End of Summer Guided Paddle near Johnson City, TN
2023-09-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Blevins Boat Ramp, Blevins, Johnson City, TN, 37601, United States
Join MountainTrue’s Riverkeeper water team staff on a guided tailwater float on the Watauga River. The Watauga Riverkeeper and French Broad Riverkeeper teams have decided to team up to spend the Friday afternoon on the water. We welcome all ages and skill levels for paddlers. Reserve your boat and spot on this awesome trip, as supply is limited. You are also welcome to BYOB (bring your own boat).
We will meet at Blevins Boat Ramp and provide a shuttle and boats. The rain date for this event will be September 30th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure attendance.

Field Session for new Adopt-A-Stream volunteers in Young Harris, GA
2023-09-09 09:00 - 16:00 | Cupid Falls Park, Young Harris, GA
MountainTrue is offering the opportunity for residents that value clean water in the Hiwassee River watershed to get involved in a hands-on way with our volunteer water quality monitoring program. Volunteers can get certified to sample Water Chemistry and/or Bacteria. In the Water Chemistry workshop volunteers will learn how to test stream samples for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and conductivity. Those participating in the Bacterial sampling will learn how to test for and identify the presence of E. coli in our waterways. This field session will be divided into two parts with Water Chemistry practices in the first two hours and Bacterial practices in the last hour, with a short break in between. If you are only certifying in Water Chemistry, you may leave after the first part of the field session is complete. Although there is no charge for the workshops, pre-registration is required.
Volunteers can choose any stream they would like to sample; however, we have also identified sites in both Georgia and North Carolina where we would like to have data to help plan or evaluate water quality improvement projects. Certified volunteers can check-out monitoring equipment (free of charge) from locations in Hiawassee, Young Harris, Blairsville, Hayesville, and Murphy.
**You must also participate in a Part 1 Water Chemistry session before attending this field session. These are being offered virtually via the Zoom meeting platform. You may also choose a Part 1 Bacterial session if you would like to be certified for monitoring E.coli too. When you register for a field session, you’ll receive links to sign up for Part 1 of the courses.

8th Annual Sarah Sweep and First Broad River Festival
2023-09-09 | Double Shoals Mill, 199 Old Mill Rd., Shelby, NC, 28150, United States
All are welcome to join us on this lovely section of river that Sarah Spencer held dear to her heart. While paddling the shallow, shaded, cool waters that flow between rock cliffs and rhododendron, Sarah would always stop to pick up any litter along the way. Sarah, Beejay, Billy, and Davey died tragically in 2016 in a car accident. This event is in remembrance and honor of these friends and their love for our river.
Meet us behind Double Shoals Mill at 10:00am Saturday morning (35.381188, -81.544954). We will drop our boats there beside the river and take vehicles down to Zion Church Rd., then catch a shuttle back to the mill to begin. Note: You must provide your own shuttle this year.
Please bring your boat, paddle, and lifejacket, water, lunch, sunscreen, gloves, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), and a dry change of clothes. We have some extra kayaks available only if you reserve them in advance (limited quantity available, please contact David at david@mountaintrue.org to reserve kayaks).
After the clean up we will head back to the Double Shoals Mill for an evening of fabulous local music and food at the First Broad River Festival. We hope you will stay and join us. More details to be sent out to participants who register below. The rain date for this sweep and festival will be September 30th!

Antlers & Acorns: The Boone Songwriters Festival
2023-09-04 - 2023-09-09 | 559 W King St, Boone, NC 28607, 559 W King St., Boone, NC, 28607, United States
Antlers and Acorns: The Boone Songwriters Festival brings together the wordsmiths, the weavers of chords and sharps and flats, the storytellers, the prophets, and the liars. The town is the venue, the bars and restaurants, the cafes, and the stage. Fans of words and music will walk the streets from one welcoming door to the next to hear their favorite singer/songwriter tell the stories of their songs, where they came from, and where they went.
For a week each September King and Howard Streets and beyond will be filled with fans of great songwriting for the chance to sit and listen to the ones who pen the songs we love and be among the first to hear what’s coming from these artists. Good food, great drinks, and songs that stay with you while surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains just as the colors of the leaves begin to turn. There will be opportunities for VIP passes, tours of breweries, and lots of interaction with the songwriters and musicians coming to the mountains for this unique weekend. To view the event schedule, click the link here.
Form more information and to purchase tickets, visit Working Title Farm’s website here. VIP tickets are available for pre-purchase, general admission tickets are available day-of. All questions about tickets should be sent to workingtitlefarm@yahoo.com.

Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail Kickoff at Island Park in Bryson City, NC
2023-08-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Bryson City Island Park, 213 Bryson St, Bryson City, NC, 28713, United States
Beat the heat and help us celebrate the launch of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail in Bryson City! We invite you to kick off the new Island Park Snorkel Site on Saturday, August 26th from 10:00am-12:00pm. We will unveil our new educational signage, then get in the river and explore our underwater backyard. Snorkelers will be treated to a beautiful array of creatures like Tangerine Darters and Warpaint Shiners, which are common at this site, as well as other fish, salamanders, freshwater mussels, crayfish, macroinvertebrates, and more. Don’t have a snorkel? We’ll bring one for you! Just indicate on the form below if you will need one. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please fill out the form below, then grab your bathing suit and get ready to see the world from a fish’s-eye view. Wear a swimsuit or other clothes to get wet, including shoes. Bring a towel.
There is no designated parking for the park at this time. You will need to park in available public parking spaces downtown and walk to the park. This event is weather dependent. If it rains heavily in the days leading up to the event, the water will be cloudy and we will reschedule. Please, no pets.

4th Annual Broad River ‘Virtual’ Fishing Tournament
2023-08-26 - 2023-09-04 | NC
Go out on your own or with your friends to your favorite locations on the Broad River or any tributary. You can fish one day or all week long!
This is a for-fun and “bragging rights” only tournament, no cash or material prizes will be given. Recognition as the “Broad’s Best Angler” will be given to the fisher person who has the highest combined total length of their three biggest fish. We will also recognize winners for catching the biggest bass, biggest catfish, biggest panfish (bream or crappie) and for the most unusual fish.
Here’s how it works: When you catch a “nice one”, take a photo of the fish lying on a fish ruler and send it via email to david@mountaintrue.org. We will tally up the fish measurements after Labor Day, the last day of the tournament, and announce winners that week.
Registration is free! Fill out the form below to let us know you’re planning on competing.

Green Clean Series 8/24
2023-08-24 17:30 - 20:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Join the Green Riverkeeper on Thursday, August 24th for our Green Clean Series! You do not have to kayak to be a part of the monthly cleans. We absolutely welcome road-side helpers too! We’ll meet at the Fishtop Access at 5:30pm to split into teams before heading out!
Please bring water, snacks, gear appropriate for the water or roadside (gloves, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, medical needs, etc). We will provide trash bags.
Green River Brew Pub will offer one free drink to clean up volunteers that present a ticket after each clean up this summer! As a thank you, The SPOT offers you a gift to enjoy within a week of your participation in the clean-up!
If you have any questions about the clean-ups please contact our Green Riverkeeper at erica@mountaintrue.org. Let’s protect our special places, friends!

Riverkeeper Float Fest in Todd, NC
2023-08-19 10:00 - 17:00 | NC
It’s that time of year… The Riverkeeper Float Fest is back and better than ever! Join us on Saturday, August 19, for a fun-filled & family-friendly event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at River & Earth Adventures’ New River Outpost in Todd, NC. Click here for more event details.

Beech Mountain Concert Series
2023-08-12 17:00 - 22:00 | Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Beech Mountain Summer Music Series is back, come jam out with us on the mountain and listen to Grace Potter with Morgan Wade! The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!) RAIN OR SHINE EVENT!
Ticket Options:
General Admission: $55
VIP: $150 (includes one complimentary drink ticket, early entry, premium viewing area near VIP tent/bar, and VIP portable restrooms)
VIP gates open at 5PM // General Admission gates open at 5:30
*Patrons are permitted to bring camping chairs and blankets
Purchase tickets and access up to date show information here: http://beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2023/

VWIN Sampling Weekend in the High Country 8/12-8/13
2023-08-12 - 2023-08-13 | NC

Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC Kickoff Party - BYON: Bring Your Own Neighbor!
2023-08-10 17:00 - 19:00 | The Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St., Asheville, NC, 28801, United States

Broad River Summer Sweep 8/5
2023-08-05 13:00 - 17:00 | Lake Houser Put In, NC

Cancelled - Trash Trout River Clean Out near Boone, NC 8/4
2023-08-04 14:00 - 16:00 | NC
This event has been cancelled due to high amounts of rainfall. Please consider signing up for another trash trout event we have in the future.

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 weeks trash trout clean out 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 and waders, just bring your love for river health! Sign up so we know your sizes and how many people to bring equipment for.
Please note under MountainTrue policy, we will never share your contact information with external groups or individuals.
**Note: Dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions with short notice. Please follow our Watauga Riverkeeper Instagram and Watauga Riverkeeper Facebook Page or email hannah@mountaintrue.org to receive the most up-to-date information on event changes/cancellations.

Guided River Snorkel near Boone, NC 7/29
2023-07-29 10:00 - 12:30 | Watauga Upper Gorge Access, 2531 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679, United States
Join our High Country Water Team in exploring aquatic wildlife in the Watauga River. We will get up close and personal with many native fish species, such as the tangerine darter. Using view buckets, we can see under the water’s surface and observe the life teeming below. This is a great opportunity to learn about aquatic ecosystems, and what makes the Watauga River truly unique. Our staff will provide viewbuckets, identification books, and a wealth of knowledge of the region.
Important: *Option to rent a wetsuit and snorkel for a fully immersive experience at an additional cost*. If you would like to rent a wetsuit and snorkel gear, be sure to purchase both a ticket ($10-$30) and the additional ticket for rental gear ($20). Please also indicate what size wetsuit you will need based on the sizing chart linked here.
The rain date for this event will take place on August 26th.

Green Clean Series 7/27
2023-07-27 17:30 - 20:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Join the Green Riverkeeper on Thursday, July 27th for our Green Clean Series! This event will continue to happen the 4th Thursday of every month June-August from 5:30-8ish. You do not have to kayak to be a part of the monthly cleans. We absolutely welcome road-side helpers too! We’ll meet at the Fishtop Access at 5:30pm to split into teams before heading out!
Please bring water, snacks, gear appropriate for the water or roadside (gloves, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, medical needs, etc). We will provide trash bags.
Green River Brew Pub will offer one free drink to clean up volunteers that present a ticket after each clean up this summer! As a thank you, The SPOT offers you a gift to enjoy within a week of your participation in the clean-up!
If you have any questions about the clean-ups please contact our Green Riverkeeper at erica@mountaintrue.org. Let’s protect our special places, friends!

Valle Crucis Park BioBlitz
2023-07-23 09:30 - 16:30 | The Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis, NC, 28604, United States
Join MountainTrue’s High Country team for the 3rd annual BioBlitz at Valle Crucis Community Park on Sunday, July 23. This is an annual event – hosted by MountainTrue on iNaturalist – that seeks to get experts, naturalists, and curious others outdoors to document every living organism we can find. Stop by anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to explore the meadows and wetlands along the river and help us find and identify as many different plants, animals, and fungi as we can for the park’s species list!
For the most up to date information, registration, and FAQs, please visit the Valle Crucis Community Park website.

Beech Mountain's Passport to Adventure Stream Ecology Hike
2023-07-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Buckeye Recreation Center, 1330 Pine Ridge Rd, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Free to the public! Take a walk with MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper staff and learn about stream ecology on the mountain. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the wildlife around us through the lens of science and advocacy. A huge thank you to Beech Mountain Parks & Recreation for hosting Watauga Riverkeeper as a guest speaker in their summer outdoor series called “Beech Mountain’s Passport to Adventure”.
This hike is not strenuous but expect to get wet and wear the appropriate clothing! Bring a water bottle, snack, any safety equipment they may need (ie. walking stick).

Limpieza de Broad River Greenway / Trail cleanup at Broad River Greenway
2023-07-21 12:30 - 16:00 | 126 Broad River Dr., 126 Broad River Dr., Shelby, NC, 28152, United States
ENGLISH BELOW
¡Únete a nosotros en el Evento de Limpieza de Senderos durante la Semana Latina de la Conservación!
Fecha: viernes, 21 de julio de 2023
Hora: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Lugar: Estación del Guardabosques de Broad River Greenway, 126 Broad River Dr, Shelby, NC 28152
Coordenadas de encuentro: 35.220426, -81.731488
¡Celebra la Semana Latina de la Conservación uniéndote a MountainTrue y Latinos Aventureros para una tarde de limpieza de senderos en el hermoso Broad River Greenway en Boiling Springs, NC! Juntos, podemos tener un impacto positivo en nuestro medio ambiente y preservar la belleza natural de nuestro entorno.
Trae tu almuerzo en una bolsa y únete a nosotros para disfrutar de una comida relajante junto al río a las 12:30 pm. Luego, aproximadamente a la 1:30 pm, nos dividiremos en tres equipos para limpiar la basura en los diferentes senderos. ¡Trabajemos juntos para mantener el Broad River Greenway impecable! Nos encontraremos nuevamente en la Estación del Guardabosques alrededor de las 3:00 pm para compartir lo que hemos recolectado y terminar el día con un refrescante baño en la playa. ¡Será una gran oportunidad para conectar con personas afines y disfrutar del aire libre!
Para obtener más información, contacta a:
David Caldwell, Guardián del Río Broad: david@mountaintrue.org, 704-284-9002
Vivianette Ortiz, Latinos Aventureros: vortiz@latinosaventureros.org, Whatsapp- +17048796290
¡Unámonos para un día de conservación, comunidad y aventura! No te pierdas esta increíble oportunidad. ¡Te esperamos!
ENGLISH
Join us for a Latino Conservation Week Trail Cleanup Event!
Date: Friday, July 21, 2023
Time: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Broad River Greenway Ranger Station, 126 Broad River Dr, Shelby, NC 28152
Meetup Coordinates: 35.220426, -81.731488
Celebrate Latino Conservation Week by joining MountainTrue and Latinos Aventureros for a trail cleanup afternoon at the stunning Broad River Greenway in Boiling Springs, NC! Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings.
Bring a bag lunch and join us for a relaxing meal by the river bank at 12:30 pm. Afterward, at approximately 1:30 pm, we’ll split into three teams to clean up litter along the different trails. Let’s work together to keep the Broad River Greenway pristine! We’ll meet back at the Ranger Station around 3:00 pm to share what we’ve collected and end the day with a refreshing swim at the beach. It’ll be a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy the outdoors!
For more information and to reserve your spot – please visit the official event page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/limpieza-de-broad-river-greenway-trail-cleanup-at-broad-river-greenway-tickets-676693758247?aff=oddtdtcreator

Craggy National Scenic Area Hike near Barnardsville, NC
2023-07-21 10:00 - 16:00 | NC
Join MountainTrue for a hike in the proposed Craggy Mountain National Scenic Area. The Craggy Mountains are one of the mightiest mountain ranges in eastern North America and are traversed by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Forest Lands of the Craggy Mountains have popular support to become a national scenic area designed to permanently protect the scenic and biological values of the area. Join biologist Josh Kelly for a six-mile hike through the spectacular high-elevation forests and vistas of the Craggies. Along the way, we will appreciate the flora, fauna, and natural history of the area.
