Holiday Recycling in Hendersonville
2020-01-11 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Jackson Park Ball Field, 801 Glover St, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
MountainTrue is proud to host its annual Holiday Recycling Event at Jackson Park on Saturday, January 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Area residents are invited to bring their Christmas trees, wreaths, broken string lights and used greeting cards to be mulched and recycled.
Trees, wreaths, lights and greeting cards should be brought on the day of January 11. Trees and wreaths should be stripped of all decorations and lights.
The mulcher has been provided by King Hardware & Rental and Hendersonville and Henderson County personnel will be on site to much the trees. Lights will be recycled by the Henderson County Coop Extension Service for the 4-H Project.
MountainTrue volunteers will be on hand to help and serve free cookies and hot apple cider. Free mulch will be available to those that want to take some home for your garden and landscaping.

Rate Hike Hearing in Franklin
2020-01-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Macon County Courthouse, 5 W. Main street, Franklin, 28734
Duke Energy is trying to raise our electric bills to pay for dirty energy. Again. The company’s latest rate hike proposal would increase residential electricity costs by another 6.7% – or about $97 more per year for the average customer.
Duke’s proposal lacks any direct investment in renewable energy and would raise our rates to burn more gas, create a “deferral” account of up to $2.5 billion for Duke to access in a future rate hike, and call for customers to foot the bill to clean up coal ash – even though Duke knew this coal ash was toxic as far back as the 1980s, and did nothing to prevent it. The rate increase would also come only two years after their last rate hike, and would be their fifth rate hike in ten years.
On January 15, join MountainTrue members in Franklin to tell the NC Utilities Commission: Enough is enough. Don’t let Duke pass the bill for more dirty energy to customers.

Rate Hike Hearing in Morganton
2020-01-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Burke County Courthouse, 201 South Green Street, Morganton, NC, 28655, United States
Duke Energy is trying to raise our electric bills to pay for dirty energy. Again. The company’s latest rate hike proposal would increase residential electricity costs by another 6.7% – or about $97 more per year for the average customer.
Duke’s proposal lacks any direct investment in renewable energy and would raise our rates to burn more gas, create a “deferral” account of up to $2.5 billion for Duke to access in a future rate hike, and call for customers to foot the bill to clean up coal ash – even though Duke knew this coal ash was toxic as far back as the 1980s, and did nothing to prevent it. The rate increase would also come only two years after their last rate hike, and would be their fifth rate hike in ten years.
On January 16, join MountainTrue members in Morganton to tell the NC Utilities Commission: Enough is enough. Don’t let Duke pass the bill for more dirty energy to customers.

Timber Sale Project Hike
2020-01-18 10:00 - 16:00 | NC

Climate Change Communication Strategies
2020-01-23 17:30 - 19:30 | The Collider, Suite 401, 1 Haywood St., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801
The Collider on January 23 from 5:30-7:30 PM for an engaging evening on effective strategies for climate change communication. From 5:30-6:00 PM, there will be a brief reception in the Collider lobby with complimentary beer and beverages. We, and several other organizations who are co-hosting the event, will be tabling in the lobby.
At 6:00 PM, there will be a brief presentation followed by an open and informal facilitated discussion on types of effective communication strategies and how individuals can implement those in their lives and work.
Bring friends and family – all are welcome! Please reach out to Kelsey at khall6@unca.edu with any questions or concerns.
The Collider is located at 1 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville; the top floor of the Wells Fargo Building facing Pritchard Park.

Winter Tree ID Workshop
2020-02-01 13:00 - 16:00 | NC

Creation Care Retreat
2020-02-07 12:30 - 2020-02-08 18:00 | Montreat Conference Center-Anderson Auditorium, 303 Lookout Rd., Montreat, NC, 28757

HCO Paddle-n-Plant Workday
2020-02-09 10:00 - 14:00, 2020-02-16 10:00 - 14:00, 2020-03-13 10:00 - 14:00 | The Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis, NC, 28604, United States

Make Our National Forests Your Valentine - Asheville
2020-02-12 10:00 - 10:30 | Forest Service Supervisor’s Office, 160 Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
MountainTrue, the I ?Pisgah Coalition and other forest lovers will deliver Valentine’s cards, flowers and other expressions of love and affection to the Asheville headquarters of the Pisgah-Nantahala National Forests on Wednesday, February 12 in advance of the scheduled Valentine’s Day release of the draft resource management plan. We invite you to bring your own Valentine’s card and meet us at the Forest Service Supervisor’s Office in Asheville to share the love!
Each Valentine card is a message of love for our forests from a member of the public asking the forest service to adopt a management plan that protects the unique qualities of Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests so that people who care about recreation, ecological restoration, natural areas, clean water, wildlife, and local economies are all satisfied with the plan. The draft resource management plan for Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests has been in the works since 2013 and, once finalized, will set the priorities and rules under which these public lands will be managed for the next 10 to 20 years. Forest advocates want to ensure a plan that protects the health and vitality of our forests and the communities that depend on them.

Hendersonville Green Drinks: The State of the Broad River
2020-02-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Appalachian Coffee Co., 1628 5th Ave W, Laurel Park, NC, 28739
Hendersonville, NC – On Thursday, February 13th, Hendersonville Green Drinks welcomes David Caldwell, MountainTrue’s Broad Riverkeeper. The Broad River has its headwaters in the Chimney Rock area and runs all the way to Colombia, S.C. In his talk, David will focus on the many threats that face the river, from factory and farm pollution to riverside development, and highlight the work he does to protect the river. David will also discuss his work that led to the recent settlement with Duke Energy and what this victory means for the coal ash that has threatened the safety of the river for years.
Who: David Caldwell, Broad Riverkeeper
What: February Green Drinks topic: The State of the Broad River
When: Thursday, February 13th, 2019 – 5:30 networking, 6:00 presentation
Where: Appalachian Coffee, 1628 5th Ave W, Laurel Park, NC 28739
David Caldwell moved to the Broad River Watershed in 1987, after receiving in Engineering degree from Clemson University. Since then, he’s been swimming, fishing, paddling and exploring the watershed’s rivers and tributaries. In 2011 he founded the Broad River Paddle Club to connect folks who enjoyed recreating on the Broad River. After many years of paddling the river, he developed a concern for the health of the watershed that led him to found the Broad River Alliance, a Waterkeeper Affiliate, in 2015. After over 3 years of volunteer work protecting the river, David became a member of MountainTrue’s staff. David received his Waterkeeper license and became the first Broad Riverkeeper in 2019. David is also an excellent woodcarver and has been running a wood carving business for 25 years.
About Hendersonville Green Drinks
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by MountainTrue, Conserving Carolina and Appalachian Coffee 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. Appalachian Coffee Co. offers beer, wine, coffee drinks and sodas. A limited food menu will be available.

Make Our National Forests Your Valentine - Murphy
2020-02-14 10:00 - 10:30 | US Forest ServiceTusquitee Ranger District Office, 123 Woodland Dr, Murphy, NC, 28906, United States
MountainTrue, the I ?Pisgah Coalition and other forest lovers will deliver Valentine’s cards, flowers and other expressions of love and affection to the Tusquitee Ranger District Office of the US Forest Service on Friday, February 14 to welcome the scheduled Valentine’s Day release of the draft resource management plan. We invite you to bring your own Valentine’s card and meet us at the Murphy Office to share the love!
Each Valentine card is a message of love for our forests from a member of the public asking the forest service to adopt a management plan that protects the unique qualities of Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests so that people who care about recreation, ecological restoration, natural areas, clean water, wildlife, and local economies are all satisfied with the plan. The draft resource management plan for Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests has been in the works since 2013 and, once finalized, will set the priorities and rules under which these public lands will be managed for the next 10 to 20 years. Forest advocates want to ensure a plan that protects the health and vitality of our forests and the communities that depend on them.

Paddle-n-Plant Workday
2020-02-21 10:00 - 16:00 | NC

Coal Ash Closure Hearing and Afterparty
2020-02-25 18:00 - 20:30 | Chase High School Cafeteria, 1603 Chase High Rd, Forest City, NC, 28043
The NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has listened to thousands of North Carolinians and ordered Duke Energy to clean up its coal ash at the Cliffside Plant and six other sites across the state. February 25 is the last hearing on the Cliffside plant to tell NCDEQ that a full cleanup is the only acceptable solution for Duke’s coal ash. We need to turn out once again to thank DEQ and make sure they know they have the public’s support to keep acting boldly to protect North Carolina’s environment – now and in the future.
We invite you to come out to the public hearing at 6, and then join us for an afterparty at Barley’s Taproom in Spindale to celebrate this historic victory!
Hearing Info:
NCDEQ Coal Ash Closure Hearing
February 25, 2020 at 6pm
Chase High School Cafeteria
1603 Chase High Rd., Forest City, N.C. 28043
Hearing Afterparty:
Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria
123 W. Main St.
Spindale, NC 28160
Timing: After hearing is over – probably 7:30-8pm

52 Weeks/52 Trees
2020-02-27 17:00 - 2020-03-15 17:00 | The Gallery at Flat Rock, 2702-A Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC, 28731, United States
Saluda painter Dale L. McEntire Honors Trees by Rendering One Tree Per Week
The Gallery at Flat Rock is excited to present an exhibition of paintings by artist Dale McEntire that are inspired by a love of the trees that surround us. What started as an homage to the beauty of trees gradually turned into a series of artworks, with each painting rendered in a particular style suited to the individual tree. This exhibition— titled 52 Weeks 52 Trees is the culmination of McEntire’s idea to create one tree painting per week over 52 weeks starting in 2019. Ten percent of proceeds from sales of paintings from 52 Weeks 52 Trees will be donated to the local environmental advocacy nonprofit MountainTrue
Opening reception: Thursday, February 27 from 5-7pm.
An artist talk is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at 3pm.
“I had the idea of making a series of individual trees as I have spent a lot of time outside in the woods throughout my life,” says McEntire. “The outline and form of a tree against the backdrop of the landscape and sky are very unique and interesting.” Recognizing the vital role trees play in our ecosystem, given the current climate crisis, he wanted to express their significance while also challenging himself to paint a tree every week in a spirit of experimentation through painting in a variety of styles and techniques.
A native of Western North Carolina, McEntire trained in fine art at Mercer University, at Penland School of Craft and through private studies in the U.S. and Europe. McEntire works in oils and pastel, as well as in stone, steel, glass and bronze to create paintings and sculpture out of his studio in Saluda, North Carolina. An interest in the spiritual essence of nature is evident in his use of color and form of his contemporary landscape paintings.
The Gallery at Flat Rock represents finely curated art and craft, and is located in Flat Rock Square at 2702-A Greenville Highway in Flat Rock, North Carolina. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; or by appointment. To learn more, please visit the gallery website at galleryflatrock.com or call the gallery at 828-698-7000.

Watershed Gala
2020-02-27 17:30 - 20:30 | Young Harris College, 228 Maple St., Young Harris, GA, 30582, United States
The 12th Annual Watershed Gala and Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award presentation will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2020 in the Charles Suber Banquet Hall at Young Harris College. We hope you will join us for a delightful evening of food, laughter, and fun…and to help honor this year’s Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award winner – Brenda Hull!
Although the primary purpose of the Gala is to celebrate good water quality and to recognize those who work to sustain it, the event is also our largest fundraiser. To that end, we are currently soliciting sponsorships and donations of items for the auctions and raffle. Our nearly 200 guests come not only from the local 4-county area, but from places like Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville, NC; Chattanooga and Knoxville, TN; and the greater Atlanta area. It’s a great opportunity to support clean water AND expose your business to a far-ranging audience! Certain donations are also tax-deductible.
The deadline for online reservations has passed. Please contact Callie Moore directly to inquire about availability: email callie@mountaintrue.org or call 828-837-5414.

Public Budgets: How to Influence the City of Asheville's Spending
2020-03-04 17:30 - 19:30 | YWCA, 185 South French Broad Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801
What do you value? What do you want to change?
Government spends money on the things that we value collectively, like safety and roads. It decides every year the prioritization of issues to address and services to provide. Are you interested in or curious about where our tax dollars go and how we can have a say in how they are spent?
The government budgeting process is where the rubber hits the road and is one of the most important processes for change in our community. During the budgeting process, our city, for example, allocates money to everything from police to transit to special projects.
What if you feel your values aren’t heard? If you want the government to address issues or make change, the budgeting process is where you should speak the loudest. How do you do it?
Find out how you can participate in the city of Asheville’s budgeting process through an interactive workshop. You will learn content of budgets, the timeline and processes for approval, and the best ways to advocate for change.
Event is Free but please RSVP here
Brought to you by Plugged In Buncombe, a partnership of MountainTrue, Just Economics, Children First/Communities in Schools, the League of Women Voters, and Democracy NC

Building Our City with Patrick Bowen
2020-03-05 17:30 - 19:00 | The Collider, Suite 401, 1 Haywood St., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801
Reserve your ticket here.
In 2015, Bowen National Research conducted a Housing Needs Assessment and Market Study for the Asheville region. In 2019, Patrick’s firm provided an update, including key demographic characteristics and trends of Asheville’s housing market (including projections through 2023). The 2019 Bowen Report also illustrates key changes in both the rental and for-sale housing markets over the past five years.
On March 5th, Patrick will represent his firm’s findings and address the challenges our community faces as we seek solutions to our region’s affordable housing crisis.
Doors open at 5:30 and program begins at 6:00.
Building our City is brought to you by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty, the Asheville Downtown Association, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Design Center of MountainTrue, Urban 3, Thrive Asheville, Carleton Collins Architecture, and Aloft Asheville Downtown.
Reserve your ticket here.

Spring SMIE Training
2020-03-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Blue Ridge Community College, 180 W Campus Dr, Flat Rock, NC, 28731, United States

Morganton, NC: US Forest Service Draft Plan Public Meeting
2020-03-10 17:30 - 20:30 | Foothills Conference Center, 2128 S. Sterling St., Morganton, NC, 28655, United States
The Nantahala and Pisgah forest plan is being revised to handle the challenges of managing our complex ecosystems to meet the needs of all users for the next 15 years. The Forest Service has scheduled public open houses in communities around the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests to offer an overview of the proposed forest plan. This is an opportunity to talk with US Forest Service specialists about aspects of the national forests you care about and to learn what is proposed for the management of these lands for the next 10-15 years. MountainTrue staff and members will also be on hand to discuss our own analysis of the draft and priorities we hope public comments will address. We hope to see you there!

Hendersonville Green Drinks: What's Happening in Our Parks?
2020-03-12 17:30 - 19:00 | Appalachian Coffee Co., 1628 5th Ave W, Laurel Park, NC, 28739
Hendersonville, NC – On Thursday, March 12th, Hendersonville Green Drinks welcomes Carleen Dixon, Henderson County Parks & Recreation Director. In her talk, Carleen will provide an update on what’s new with our parks, including new programs and changes to the rental system. Carleen will also discuss upcoming improvements to local parks and highlight several special events to look forward to this year.
Parking at Appalachian Coffee is limited, but overflow parking is available across the street at First Congregational Church.
Carleen Dixon was born in Transylvania County and received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation from Colorado State University. Since receiving her degree, Carleen has worked for five different government Parks & Recreation Departments, gaining over 20 years of professional experience. She is a certified Parks and Recreation Executive, the top certification available in the field. Carleen and her family believe that the mountains of Western North Carolina are the most beautiful place to live and enjoy exploring new parts of our region whenever possible.
About Hendersonville Green Drinks
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by MountainTrue, Conserving Carolina and Appalachian Coffee 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. Appalachian Coffee Co. offers beer, wine, coffee drinks and sodas. A limited food menu will be available.

CANCELED - Asheville, NC: US Forest Service Draft Plan Public Meeting
2020-03-12 17:30 - 20:30 | NC Arboretum Education Center, 100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED. The Forest Service has canceled this event because the venue is no longer available. We will keep you updated on information about future events. The next public meeting is scheduled to be on Monday, March 16th at the Transylvania County Library.
The Nantahala and Pisgah forest plan is being revised to handle the challenges of managing our complex ecosystems to meet the needs of all users for the next 15 years. The Forest Service has scheduled public open houses in communities around the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests to offer an overview of the proposed forest plan. This is an opportunity to talk with US Forest Service specialists about aspects of the national forests you care about and to learn what is proposed for the management of these lands for the next 10-15 years. MountainTrue staff and members will also be on hand to discuss our own analysis of the draft and priorities we hope public comments will address. We hope to see you there!
**Please note: The Arboretum will be open to attendees as early as 4:30 pm. The parking fee is waived and each attendee will receive a parking pass.

Asheville Hearing on Duke Rate Hike Proposal March 12th
2020-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Buncombe County Courthouse Courtroom 1A, 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC, 28801
On Thursday, March 12th, the North Carolina Utilities Commission will hold its Asheville hearing on the latest proposal by Duke Energy to increase electricity rates. Duke Energy Progress is requesting an average 14.3% increase in residential electric bills to pay for new fossil fuel investments, coal ash mismanagement, and capital investments at coal plants. The increase would mean approximately $17.29 more per month for residential Duke customers.
Join MountainTrue members in Asheville on March 12th to tell the NC Utilities Commission: Enough is enough. No rate hikes for more dirty energy.
The hearing in Asheville will be held in Courtroom 1A of the Buncombe County Courthouse in at at 60 Court Plaza at 7pm. Those who wish to speak should arrive by 6:30pm to sign up.

Winter Bird Watch
2020-03-14 07:30 - 09:30 | Hintor Rural Life Center, 2330 Hinton Center Rd, Hayesville, NC, 28904

Brevard, NC: US Forest Service Draft Plan Public Meeting
2020-03-16 17:30 - 20:30 | Transylvania County Public Library, Brevard, 212 South Gaston Street, Brevard, NC, 28712, United States

Live Online Info Session on the Draft Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan
2020-04-07 17:30 - 19:00 | NC
On April 7, MountainTrue will host an online information session during which Josh Kelly, MountainTrue’s Public Lands Biologist, and Callie Moore, MountainTrue’s Western Regional Director, will present the organization’s analysis of the draft management plan and the environmental impact statement for the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests. Our staff will answer questions from participants and give tips on how to craft effective comments. Please join us to share your own perspective on the draft plan and discuss your priorities with us. Sign up to receive a link to watch the presentation live.

Virtual Hendersonville Green Drinks
2020-04-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Webinar–online
For this month’s Green Drinks, we’ll hear from Lee Warren, Executive Director of the Organic Growers School, on the importance of growing organic. In her talk, Lee will discuss how industrial agriculture has impacted us on a global scale, from worsening environmental crises and a loss of worldwide biodiversity to increasing world hunger. She, and Organic Growers School, believe that the solution to these problems lies in bringing food systems closer to home and focusing on organic food production. By shifting our food system to rely on small to medium sized farmers, encouraging backyard gardens or orchards, and foraging local plants, she believes we can live happier and healthier lives.
As a result of the current COVID-19 crisis, we have shifted this event to be online. Register here for the event. Once registered you’ll receive an email allowing you to join the online presentation or to call in by phone. We hope to see you virtually on Thursday!
**Please note that we will start at 6pm, rather than the usual 5:30pm**

About Hendersonville Green Drinks
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by MountainTrue, Conserving Carolina and Appalachian Coffee 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.

Sierra Club: Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Revision Plan
2020-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
On April 9, Sam Evans, lawyer with the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and Josh Kelly, public lands biologist with MountainTrue, will discuss the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Revision Plan as released by the U.S. Forest Service on Feb. 14, 2020. The release of the plan initiates a 90-day public comment period. This meeting offers attendees the opportunity to submit comments after hearing Evans’ and Kelly’s presentation.
Evans and Kelly will discuss the content of the Forest Revision Plan and will provide attendees with tips on how to write impactful comments. Don’t miss this opportunity to let your voice be heard. These comments are critical — the plan will be amended based on the public comments. Public comments will significantly impact the final version of the plan..
This talk is free and open to the public.
Evans is a senior attorney and leader of SELC’s National Forest and Parks Program, Asheville office. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law with highest honors.
Kelly is the Public Lands Field Biologist for MountainTrue. A western North Carolina native, Kelly studied biology at UNC-Asheville. Since 2004, he has worked to promote ecological restoration and protect the outstanding natural areas of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
For more information, contact Judy Mattox, judymattox@sbcglobal.net, 828-683-2176.

Green River Spring (Quaran)Clean
2020-04-11 05:00 - 21:00 | NC
