MountainTrue

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series 7/20/24
2024-07-20 16:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | 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 say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
July 20th Line-up: Dispatch with Maggie Rose!
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series 7/21/24
2024-07-21 16:30 - 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 say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
July 21st Line-up: Greensky Bluegrass!
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

Watauga Riverkeeper’s Dam Removal Talk in Blowing Rock, NC
2024-07-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605
Hear from MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper, Andy Hill, and High Country Watershed Outreach Coordinator, Hannah Woodburn, about dam removal projects in the High Country and the state of dam removal in the Southeast. We hope you enjoy learning about this conservation topic and its connection to improving water quality and habitat for sensitive and rare aquatic species.
Free for Members of the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum; $8 General Admission.
Purchase tickets here.
About the speakers:

Andy Hill, High Country Regional Director of MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper
Andy has a passion for clean, cold, fishable, drinkable, and swimmable water. As a long-time fly fisherman, educator, and guide, he is intimately familiar with our watershed from the headwaters to the tailwater and is passionate about protecting the places we love.
Andy’s love for the Southern Appalachians brought him to Appalachian State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Experiential Education and his Master’s in College Outdoor Program Administration. Following his passion for outdoor recreation, Andy has led community service trips both locally and around the globe for several adventure travel programs. Also a NOLS graduate, he thrives on using the outdoors as a source of learning and connecting people with our shared wild places.
Andy is active in the community as the founder of Fish Goat Guide Service based in Valle Crucis, and the proud founder of the Fly Fishing Program at Lees-McRae College. He is also an adjunct instructor at Appalachian State University, teaching courses in Natural Resource Management, Paddlesports, and Leadership and Group Dynamics, and serves on the board of the High Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Andy lives on a tributary of the Watauga with his wife, Bettie, and their young children. They can often be found splashing around our watershed.
Hannah Woodburn,High Country Watershed Outreach Coordinator
Hannah serves as both a staff scientist and community organizer at MountainTrue. In this role, she is responsible for managing all of the active water quality programs, volunteer coordination, and educational outreach in the High Country. She graduated from Appalachian State University in December 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Science. After serving as an AmeriCorps member with MountainTrue, Hannah became full-time in July 2022. She is currently working to complete her Master’s Degree requirements at App State in General Biology, with a primary focus on the health of freshwater systems in the Southern Blue Ridge. Hannah is dedicated to protecting the integrity of the streams, lakes, and rivers that make the High Country so special.

Trash Trout Cleanout in Boone, NC 7/27
2024-07-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
Want to get in the river AND contribute to its health? Assist with cleanout and inventory of trash types and brands found within the Trash Trouts. This week’s trash trout cleanout will be at Winkler’s Creek. Made from recycled materials, this passive litter collection device will be sure to get you asking questions and feeling good about what we can do to mitigate the trash found in the river.
We’ve got the boots, waders and gloves, just bring your love for river health! Please provide boot/wader size for all registered participants.
Kids are welcome at this event, however, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the event.
Please Bring:

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

MountainTrue Summer Clean on the Green in Saluda, NC 7/27
2024-07-27 11:00 - 17:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Join MountainTrue’s Green Riverkeeper for a day of cleaning the Green!
We’ll meet at the Fishtop Access at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 27th and set shuttle to clean the lower Green!
Bring your: boat, paddling gear (including life jacket), snacks/lunch, water, sunscreen, any necessary medical supplies you may need, and be prepared to get dirty and wet.
*Roadside clean-up is also an option for folks who do not want to get on the water!
This is not a guided adventure but a volunteer clean-up event. Please make sure you are comfortable on the section of river you are cleaning on as there will not be a “guide” specifically leading you down the river.
Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the entire duration of the clean-up.
MountainTrue has a limited number of duckies and gear if needed, but you must register in advance.
Join us after the clean-up at The SPOT (101 E. Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773) in downtown Saluda for tacos and drinks! MountainTrue will not be covering the cost of food, but we will gather to continue the fun off the river!

Broad River Summer Sweep near Boiling Springs, NC 8/10
2024-08-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Lake Houser Put In, NC
Join the Broad Riverkeeper for a clean-up of the Broad River on one of the most popular and scenic sections, Lake Houser to Broad River Greenway, about 5 miles of river with some small class I-II rapids.
Please bring: your boat, paddle, lifejacket, water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), gloves and trash bags, towel, and a dry change of clothes.
We may have a few boats available to borrow. Please email david@mountaintrue.org to check availability.
Due to the rapids on this stretch of the river, participants must be 18 and over and comfortable paddling to participate.
The RAIN DATE for this event is August 17th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar.
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!

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series 8/10/24
2024-08-10 16:30 - 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 say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
August 10th Line-up: Sylvan Esso with Soccer Mommy!
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

French Broad River Clean-Up – Paddling Pisgah Forest to Penrose w/ The Hub
2024-08-29 10:00 - 16:00 | Penrose Boating Access Area, Apac Drive, Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768
Come help MountainTrue and The Hub clean up the French Broad River in Transylvania County between Pisgah Forest River Access and Penrose Boating Access Area. This will be a boat-based cleanup on a 5.5-mile section of calm water with the option to clean access points if you do not wish to be on the water.
MountainTrue will provide a limited number of canoes to volunteers with previous paddling experience, but attendees are otherwise welcome and encouraged to bring their own boats and gear. If you don’t have a boat, or have limited paddling experience, you are welcome to join and help clean up the access points.
Children are welcome to attend this event as a Paddle Access volunteer. They may be on the water if they have prior paddling experience. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
Please remember to bring:
Clothes that can get dirty and wet during the event
Change of clothes for after the event
Drinking water
Snacks
Lunch
Gloves
PFD/boat/gear if bringing your own boat
MountainTrue and The Hub will provide:
– Canoes
-PFDs and paddles to those who signed up to borrow a boat
– Trash bags
– Disposal of trash afterwards
– Shuttle of people and gear between the put-in and take-out
This event will be rain or shine (with the exception of heavy rain). The event will be canceled if water levels are too high or too low.

9th Annual Sarah Sweep and First Broad River Festival near Lawndale, NC
2024-09-07 10:00 - 21:00 | Double Shoals Mill, 199 Old Mill Rd., Shelby, NC, 28150, United States
All are welcome to join us on this lovely section of the river that Sarah Spencer held dear to her heart. While paddling the shallow, shaded, cool waters between rock cliffs and rhododendrons, 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 10:00 am on Saturday, September 7th (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.
Please remember to bring: your boat, paddle, 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.
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 will be sent out to participants who register below.
Volunteers and kids under the age of 8 eat FREE. If you are not volunteering but want to join for music and food, you can purchase a ticket for $20.

Anyone under the age of 18 who is comfortable paddling is welcome to volunteer if a parent or guardian accompanies them for the entire duration of the outing.
The rain date for this sweep and festival will be September 21st!

Trash Trout Cleanout in Boone, NC 9/19
2024-09-19 15:00 - 16:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607

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

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

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

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

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

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up near Asheville, NC 10/31
2024-10-31 10:00 - 13:00 | Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, 9 Midnight Drive, Asheville, 28806, United States
Join MountainTrue’s Clean Water Team and staff from River Link to help remove debris and mitigate pollution in the French Broad.
Volunteers will meet at the Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins at 10 am on Thursday, October 31st.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants and bring any food or drinks that you need.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

Watauga River Hurricane Helene Clean-up near Sugar Grove, NC 11/1
2024-11-01 10:00 - 13:00 | 5486 US-321, 5486 US-321, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679
Join us on Friday, November 1st, for a Watauga River clean-up! We will meet at the clean-up site at 10 am, talk as a group, and then disperse along the river for trash pickup. This area needs a good litter sweep and we are also working to identify any hazardous or large debris items (cars, propane tanks, etc.).
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long-sleeved pants and shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**

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

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

River Clean-up with Middle Fork Greenway and MountainTrue near Boone, NC
2024-11-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Boone Gorge Park, 36°11'25.3"N 81°39'24.7"W
Join us for a rewarding day of community service as we partner with Blue Ridge Conservancy and The Middle Fork Greenway for a River Clean-Up as an ongoing effort to clean up post-Helene. Help us make a difference as we collect litter and debris along the riverbanks.
We plan to meet at Boone Gorge Park on November 7th from 10 am-1 pm to help clean up the Middle Fork New River. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, meet like-minded individuals, and contribute to a healthier environment.
Meet-up coordinates: 36.190361, -81.656861 (Turn off of Blowing Rock Rd./Hwy 321 to Jordan V Cook Rd., then take a slight left on Old Blowing Rock Rd., the entrance will be 0.1 miles on your right). Here is the google link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PemBkNWrqgHfNmwS7
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long-sleeved pants and shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Arden, NC 11/8
2024-11-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Glen Bridge River Park, 77 Pinner Road, Arden, NC, 28704
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene at Glen Bridge River Park in Arden. We will focus on the park itself, along with riparian areas on both sides of the river, extending down to Corcoran Paige River Park.
Feel free to bring your boat to retrieve trash from the water, and if you do – bring your PFD and appropriate clothing and footwear.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (loppers, saws, shovels, ladders, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage.
We hope to provide lunch for volunteers at the end of the event, but that is not guaranteed, so bring water and snacks. and any food or drinks that you need.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

River Clean up at Deer Valley Athletic Club in Boone, NC 11/9
2024-11-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Deer Valley Athletic Club, 507 Bamboo Dr., Boone, NC, 28607
Join us for another river clean up from 10 am-1 pm on Saturday, November 9th at Deer Valley Athletic Club to remove trash from the East Fork of the New River. We are excited to have a great turnout with plenty of parking— there is tons to do on this section of river (tell your friends, and still carpool if you can!).
Meet-up coordinates: (36.1918810, -81.6333086) Deer Valley Athletic Club; on the backside near the river Bamboo Rd, to Sports Club Ln https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y3vkkuqoAZC8XwYYA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long-sleeved pants and shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Marshall 11/14
2024-11-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Redmon Dam River Access, 2753 Redmon Rd., Marshall, NC, 28753, United States
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene at Redmon Dam River Access downstream of Marshall. We will be focusing on the park itself, along with riparian areas on river-right, extending downstream as far as we can walk.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (loppers, saws, shovels, ladders, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage.
We hope to provide lunch for volunteers at the end of the event, but that is not guaranteed, so bring water and snacks. and any food or drinks that you need.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Sample Blitz in Asheville 11/14
2024-11-14 10:00 - 15:00 | MountainTrue — Asheville, 29 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Help members of the French Broad River water team take water samples to assess Hurricane Helene’s impact on some of our sewer infrastructure. We’ll meet at the MountainTrue Asheville Office where we will give out supplies and a map before dividing up to grab samples and do visual assessments of some of our region’s sewer lines. We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders, and bring any snacks or drinks you may need.
End time will depend on how quickly we complete our sampling.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups or Sampling!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Alexander 11/21
2024-11-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Alexander River Park, 2590 Old Marshall Highway, Alexander, NC, 28701
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene at Whittier Branch, a future French Broad Paddle Trail campsite adjacent to Alexander River Park. If Alexander River Park is still closed, we will focus on the riparian areas upstream of the park and also the island, via ferrying over from river-right.
Please bring a boat if you have one, and if you do – bring your PFD and appropriate clothing and footwear.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (loppers, saws, shovels, ladders, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage.
We hope to provide lunch for volunteers at the end of the event, but that is not guaranteed, so bring water and snacks. and any food or drinks that you need.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Clean-Up: Paddling Glen Bridge to Bent Creek in Asheville, NC 12/5
2024-12-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Bent Creek River Park, 1610 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC, 28806
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team in cleaning up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene along the river between Glen Bridge River Park and Bent Creek River Park. This will be a boat-based paddling clean-up on a 5-mile section of class 1 river. All participants must have prior paddling experience and have proper cold-weather attire.
MountainTrue has up to 8 canoes available to borrow, but participants can bring their own boat – canoes, jon boats, and drift boats would be best (not kayaks or inflatables). This will be a paddling-only event (no option for only working the access points).
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have protective equipment available (gloves, glasses, masks), but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (loppers, saws, shovels, ladders, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage.
Please bring any water or food that you need. Please scroll to the bottom to register.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Clean-up in Alexander 12/12
2024-12-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Alexander River Park, 2590 Old Marshall Highway, Alexander, NC, 28701
Come help the French Broad Riverkeeper team clean up trash and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene at Alexander River Park in Buncombe County. We will be removing garbage from within the park itself and along the riparian areas upstream and downstream of the park. Please note that this will be a land-based clean-up (no boats).
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

Swannanoa Watershed Sample Blitz in Asheville 12/12
2024-12-12 10:30 - 15:00 | MountainTrue — Asheville, 29 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Help members of the French Broad River water team take water samples to assess Hurricane Helene’s impact. We’ll meet at the MountainTrue Asheville Office where we will give out supplies and a map before dividing up to grab samples. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, send you off to collect samples and have you drop samples back at our office to process. This event will be focused in the Swannanoa watershed.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders, and bring any snacks or drinks you may need.
End time will depend on how quickly we complete our sampling.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups or Sampling!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.

River Clean-up at Old Cove in Sugar Grove, NC 12/14
2024-12-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Old Cove Creek, 207 Dale Adams Road, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679
Join us for another river clean up from 10 am – 1 pm on Saturday, December 14th (originally scheduled for Nov. 23rd this event was postponed due to the chance of inclement weather). We are excited to have a great turnout (tell your friends, and still carpool if you can!).
Our team has limited waders, boots, gloves, N95 masks, and safety glasses. It is recommended that you wear long pants and long-sleeved shirt, sturdy boots, and bring your own PPE just in case. Please be sure to bring water and a snack.
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.
**All volunteer opportunities are subject to change based on weather and circumstances. Please be patient with our team and community as we all recover from the storm.**
The rain/snow date for this event will be December 21st. Please mark your calendar for both dates.

Green Clean in Saluda, NC on 12/14
2024-12-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Green Riverkeeper Office, 7347 Ozone Dr, Suite 4, Saluda, NC, 28773
We will be working down on the Lower Green to clean up trash along the roadside. This is NOT A RIVER CLEANUP! We will NOT have volunteers in the water. Volunteers should be prepared to clean up large metal debris, sharp objects, heavy household items and more.
We will announce the areas we will be working on the morning of the cleanup. Folks with chainsaw skills are encouraged to attend, but need to know the skills may not be needed once we get down into the Cove. Volunteers should be flexible as to the schedule and needs of the day as they can change quickly. The environment we will be working in is somewhat dynamic with hazards to be considered. That being said, all of this work to clean along the river will require a high level of focus on safety.
It is worth noting for anyone who has not yet been to a hard-hit disaster zone that the scale of destruction in the Green is hard to fathom. One should prepare for the day to not only be physically difficult but emotionally taxing as well. Please know your limits for this day of service. We will have many volunteer opportunities within the year to come so if this isn’t the time for you to volunteer, there will be more options in the future for other skill levels!
Volunteers will meet at the Green Riverkeeper office to grab cleanup supplies and carpool down into the Green to limit our footprint with vehicles. Upon sign-up you will receive an email with what to bring with you the day of.

French Broad River Hurricane Helene Holiday Clean-up in Marshall 12/19
2024-12-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Barnard Park, 1995 Barnard Rd, Marshall, NC, 28753
Come join the French Broad Riverkeeper team as we clean up the trash left behind by Hurricane Helene at Barnard Park. We will be removing trash and debris from the park itself and along the riparian areas upstream, downstream and across the river. Please note that this will be a land-based clean-up (no boats).
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, rubber boots and/or waders. We will have gloves and glasses available, along with plenty of trash bags, but feel free to bring your own as well. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, hand-saws, etc.) to help dislodge and collect garbage, along with ample water and snacks. Please dress for the weather and expect to get dirty. If you have festive holiday clothing you don’t mind getting dirty please wear it!
Volunteer Safety Reminder: Always Wear Your PPE During Cleanups!
As more volunteers participate in river clean-ups and other recovery activities, many will be coming into contact with mud, sludge, sediment, and dust left behind by the storm. These materials may contain higher levels of pollutants and contaminants, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
To work safely, we recommend using the following personal protective equipment (PPE):
✔️Rubber boots that can be easily cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
✔️Rubber gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated materials.
✔️N95 masks (or better) to reduce inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
✔️Long sleeves to protect your arms from direct contact with potentially harmful substances.
✔️Waterproof bandages to cover any cuts or abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
✔️Safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from mud particles and dust.
After your clean-up activities, be sure to shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining contaminants from your skin and clothing. Given the lack of running water in many areas, you may want to arrange your shower plans before signing up for a clean-up. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while helping our community recover.
