MountainTrue

Paddle-n-Plant with the French Broad Riverkeeper
2016-03-10 05:00 - 11:00, 2016-03-08 05:00 - 11:00, 2016-03-02 05:00 - 11:00, 2016-02-25 05:00 - 11:00, 2016-02-18 05:00 - 11:00, 2016-02-16 05:00 - 11:00, 2016-02-13 05:00 - 11:00, 2016-02-11 05:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) and 5 more dates
The French Broad Riverkeeper and MountainTrue are combating sediment erosion in our local waterways. Sediment is a major polluter in our river basin, clogging fish and aquatic habitats, increasing water temperatures, and transporting toxic substances. We are helping to reduce the amount of sediment that flows into our rivers by planting live-stakes along eroding riverbanks. These stakes will grow into trees that will stabilize the sides of the rivers and creeks where we plant them, and will reduce the overall amount of sediment getting into the river. We have lots of dates to choose from, so come out to one or more of our Paddle-n-Plant work days!
Click here to RSPV
Times: Typically 10 – 4. You will get an email closer to the date with more details.
Locations: French Broad River, Cane Creek, and Hominy Creek. Your meeting location will be emailed to you closer to your date.
What to bring with you:
lunch
extra change of clothes
warm layers (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather, but also make sure it’s things you don’t mind to get dirty); we’ve got dry bags
rubber boots (if you have them)
waders (We have some, but not many so bring your own if you have them.)
rubber mallet (if you have one)
work gloves (if you have them)
pocket knife (if you have one)
water to drink
really, just what you think you need to keep warm and dry that day.

Super Science Saturday
2016-03-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Colburn Earth Science Museum, 2 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Join Ella Tzinberg, MountainTrue’s Education and Outings Coordinator at the Colburn Earth Science Museum for Super Science Saturday! We will be showcasing the flora and fauna of Western North Carolina with activities fun for kids (and adults)!

High Country MountainTrue Kickoff Event in Boone!
2016-03-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Appalachian Mountain Brewery, 163 Boone Creek Dr, Boone, NC, 28607, United States
The High Country welcomes MountainTrue with a kick off event at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone on Thursday, March 3rd at 6pm. The event will feature great beer, music by Andy Ferrell and the unveiling of a tasty new seasonal cookie from Appalachia Cookie Company. A limited-edition poster featuring an illustration of Linville Falls was designed by Open Door Design Studio of Asheville and will be available for purchase at the event.
Follow this event on Facebook!
What: High Country MountainTrue Kickoff Event
Who: Music by Andy Ferrell, short presentation by MountainTrue High Country Regional Director and Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hayslip, and a new cookie by Appalachia Cookie Company
Where: Appalachian Mountain Brewery, 163 Boone Creek Dr, Boone, NC 28607
When: Thursday March 3, 2016 from 6PM
MountainTrue is a region-wide conservation organization that focuses on a core set of issues across the 23 counties of Western North Carolina: sensible land use, restoring public forests, protecting water quality and promoting clean energy – all of which have a high impact on the environmental health and long-term prosperity of our residents.

Coal Ash Stories screening
2016-02-24 13:30 - 15:30 | Cleveland County Memorial Library, 104 Howie Drive, Shelby, NC, United States
Come learn more about NC’s coal ash mess and get ready to participate in local hearings on Cliffside coal ash cleanup on March 14th! The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is currently deciding when and how Duke Energy’s coal ash sites across the state will be cleaned up. “Coal Ash Stories,” a series of short films, will give you background on the issues. Local co-sponsors include Clean Water for North Carolina, the Broad Riverkeeper, and the French Broad Riverkeeper.
Learn more about problems with Cliffside’s coal ash and how you can make your voice heard at bit.ly/cleancliffside
Click here to RSVP and share Coal Ash Stories screening on Facebook

Webinar: Gearing up! What to expect this N.C. Legislative Session
2016-02-24 07:00 - 08:00 | Webinar–online
Join MountainTrue’s legislative guru Rob Lamme for an update about the 2016 political season – from WNC legislative races all the way to the Governor’s Mansion, with a stop at the General Assembly along the way, Rob gets you caught up on what’s happening in Raleigh, what to look for during the March primary season and what the legislature has in store for us during the upcoming legislative session. And of course we’ll also discuss MountainTrue’s strategies for protecting the places we share and how you can get involved.

RSVP today and you’ll be entered to win one of four free lunches at a restaurant in Asheville, as thanks for spending this lunch time with us.

Hendersonville Green Drinks
2016-02-11 12:30 - 15:00 | Black Bear Coffee, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
On Thursday February 11, Hendersonville Green Drinks welcomes featured speaker Richard Freudenberger, who will present on Sensible Steps to Home Energy Efficiency. Richard is the former research director at Mother Earth News and was publisher of BackHome magazine for 22 years. He is currently the energy and resource manager at Living Web Farms, an organic agriculture and educational operation in Mills River, North Carolina that practices and promotes sustainable living and resilient farming techniques.
Attendees will learn about how they can use energy more wisely and efficiently to lower their bill and help our region move toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Duke Energy has publicly stated that if our region rises to the challenge when it comes to energy efficiency, that we will be able to reduce the size of the natural gas-fired power plant to be constructed on Lake Julian.
What: Hendersonville Green Drinks: Sensible Steps to Home Energy Efficiency
Who: Richard Freudenberger, resource manager at Living Web Farms
Where: Black Bear Coffee Co. 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC
When: Thursday, February 11, 2016 networking at 5:30p, presentation at 6:00p.
About Hendersonville Green Drinks
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. Black Bear Coffee offers beer, wine, coffee drinks and sodas. A limited food menu will be available. For more information about Hendersonville’s Green Drinks, contact Joan Walker, campaigns director and interim souther regional director for MountainTrue at 828.258.8737 x 205, or joan@mountaintrue.org.

Winter Warmer Beer Festival
2016-02-06 10:00 - 14:00 | U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Due to the declaration of a State of Emergency by Governor McCrory we have decided, in conjunction with the City of Asheville & U.S. Cellular Center, to move the Winter Warmer Beer Festival toSaturday February 6th. All tickets will be accepted on the 6th and are still considered valid. Please be safe this weekend.
Mark your calendars for the 9th Annual Asheville Winter Warmer Beer Festival on Saturday, February 6, 2016, from 3:00 – 7:00pm – provided to you by MountainTrue, ThreeSheets:Design and Brews Cruise, Inc.
This year’s Winter Warmer event will be held at the U.S. Cellular Center Asheville (Asheville Civic Center) again, in Downtown Asheville. Thanks to all of you, each year’s festival is bigger and better than the year before – so hopefully, 2016’s Winter Warmer Festival will be the best yet!
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW ONLINE – CLICK HERE
We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance, as the last five years’ events have sold out.
2016’s Local and Regional Line-Up:
Asheville Brewing Company
Aviator Brewing Company
BearWaters Brewing Company
Bee & Bramble Fine Meads
Birdsong Brewing Company
Blind Squirrel
Bold Rock Hard Cider
Boojum Brewery
Catawba Valley Brewing Company
Duck Rabbit Craft Brewery
Foothills Brewing
French Broad Brewing Company
Fullsteam Brewery
Granite Falls Brewing Company
Hi-Wire Brewing (The Three Ring Brewing Co.)
Howard Brewing
Florida Beer Company (Indian River Beverage Corp.)
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
Lexington Avenue Brewery
New Belgium Brewing Company
Newgrass Brewing Company
Oskar Blues Brewery
Oyster House Brewing Company
Pig Pounder Brewery
Pisgah Brewing Company
RJ Rockers Brewing Company
Sierra Nevada Brewing
Skulllcamp Brewing
Southern Appalachian Brewery
SweetWater Brewing Company
Thomas Creek
Twin Leaf Brewery
Urban Orchard Cider Company

Volunteer at the Winter Warmer Beer Festival
2016-02-05 23:30 - 2016-02-06 15:00
Due to the declaration of a State of Emergency by Governor McCrory we have decided, in conjunction with the City of Asheville & U.S. Cellular Center, to move the Winter Warmer Beer Festival toSaturday February 6th.
Because we had to rescheduled the Winter Warmer Beer Festival, we need to recruit more volunteers.
Volunteers get into the Festival for FREE!
If you’re interested in lending a helping hand, please contact Cynthia Camilleri, our Volunteer Coordinator at 828.258.8737 ext.207

Or Click here: Volunteer for Winter Warmer 2016 here!

The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2016. Second shift (4:30pm – 8:00pm) volunteer positions are still available.

A Community Conversation: WNC's Future Needs
2016-02-02 02:30 - 04:30 | UNC ASheville Sherrill Center, Mountain View Room, 1 University Heights, Asheville, NC, 28804, United States
Leadership Asheville and Leadership Asheville Forum, in conjunction with UNC Asheville Office of Sustainability present A Community Conversation: WNC’s Future Energy Needs
Panelists:
• Glen Snider; Director of Integrated Resource Planning and Analytics, Duke Energy
• Jim Spencer; Director of Engineering, New Belgium Brewing Company
• Joan Walker; Campaign Director, MountainTrue
• Michael Youth; Counsel and Director of Regulatory Affairs, NC Sustainable Energy Association
Moderator:
• Sonia Marcus Director of Sustainability, UNC Asheville and Chair of the City of Asheville’s Sustainability Advisory Committee
General Admission $20
Faculty/Staff $15
Students $10 (ID checked at the door)
Includes hot breakfast and panel discussion
Register here

Tour Asheville's Famous French Broad Chocolate Factory with MountainTrue for 1/2 Off!
2016-01-30 08:00 - 09:00 | French Broad Chocolate Factory, 21 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Join MountainTrue for a tour of Asheville’s award-winning French Broad Chocolate Factory and learn about their handmade, artisan chocolates from how they ethically source their beans to the way they roast, crack, winnow, grind, conche and temper chocolate in small batches.
The first half of the tour covers the origins of the cacao plant in combination with a tasting of the cocoa bean to the finished chocolate. Attendees will taste freshly roasted cacao nibs and three varieties of French Broad Chocolates’ bean to bar chocolate. During the second half of the tour, the group walks through the factory side of production where they will learn about the machines and the process that is bean to bar chocolate. The tour wraps up with a Q+A and a tasting of one of our confections (truffle/caramel).
This tour is free for members and $5 (1/2 off the standard price) for non-members. Become a member today to take advantage of this and all our great member exclusives.
RSVP HERE
There are only 25 spots available for the tour, so claim yours today!

Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium
2016-01-30 05:00 - 09:30 | Rainbow Community School, 574 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
How would you like to make this planet a better place for future generations and the creatures and people here now? Spend a meaningful day learning how to help create an environmentally sustainable, socially just and fulfilling human presence on Mother Earth.
The symposium is an interactive mixed media event, which explores where our planet is today, how it got this way, what is possible now and how we can be change agents for the future.
Reserve your spot today: Online here at or contact facilitators Charley or Pam Rogers, (828) 674-1959, crogers216@gmail.com or Scott Hardin-Nieri at scott@creationcarealliance.org
Sponsored by The Creation Care Alliance, Rainbow Community School and The Pacha Mama Alliance
Download a flyer here.

Creation Care Alliance General Meeting
2016-01-28 12:30 - 14:00 | First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NE, 28801, United States
Please join the Creation Care Alliance for its next General Meeting on January 28 from 5:30-7pm at the First Baptist Church of Asheville.
The Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina (CCAWNC, formerly WNC Green Congregations) is a network of people of faith and congregations who have united around a moral and spiritual call to preserve the integrity, beauty and health of God’s creation. We work to bring practical and hopeful solutions to our congregations and broader secular communities by engaging hearts and minds through education, service and advocacy. Our work is an expression of our love of God and God’s love for the earth and all life.With limited resources but lots of passion, CCAWNC has been able to accomplish some amazing things in the past two and a half years: three prayer vigils, a climate and faith forum, two clergy breakfasts, public educational events, and multiple advocacy initiatives, just to name a few.
Now, we need to take our efforts to a new and even more effective level and are seeking partners and supporters to invest in this good work so that we can build even more creative and effective events and programs in the coming years.

NCUC Hearing on Duke Energy's Western Carolinas Modernization Project
2016-01-26 14:00 - 17:00 | Buncombe County Court House, 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
January 26 will be the only public hearing where residents can make themselves heard regarding Duke Energy’s Western Carolinas Modernization Project. Please attend and make your voice heard.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
On December 16, Duke Energy has submitted to the North Carolina Utilities Commission a notification of intent to file an application for a “certificate of public convenience and necessity” for the new gas units that, if approved, would replace a coal-fired plant at Lake Julian, south of Asheville that is slated for retirement in 2020.
In its letter to the Commission, Duke Energy Progress stated its intent to seek approval of two new natural gas-fired 280-MW units, as well as a third 192-MW “peaking” unit designed to meet additional demand during peak times. Duke has publicly committed to working with our communities to find alternatives including energy efficiency and renewable energy infrastructure, in order to avoid the construction of the “peaking” unit.
Read MountainTrue’s response here.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission has scheduled a public hearing for the purpose of taking public witness testimony regarding the application, once filed, on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., in the Buncombe County Courthouse, 60 Court Plaza, Courtroom 1A, Asheville, North Carolina 28801. Petitions to intervene shall be filed with the Commission on or before Friday, February 12, 2016.

Hendersonville Green Drinks w/ Joan Walker
2016-01-14 12:30 - 15:00 | Black Bear Coffee, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
The next Hendersonville Green Drinks is on January 14 and the topic is:
The Path Toward a Cleaner, Safer, and More Affordable Energy Future
Join Joan Walker, Mountain True’s Campaign Coordinator, to learn what comes next as Duke Energy applies to the NC Utilities Commission for approval of their revised Western Carolinas Modernization Plan. The discussion will involve what success will look like as our community works to reduce demand for electricity so a third gas-fired unit will not be needed in 2023.
New Year, New Time, New Location
Green Drinks has a new time and a new location! The new venue is Black Bear Coffee at 318 N. Main Street. Come at 5:30 for networking, presentation and discussion at 6:00.
Black Bear Coffee offers beer, wine, coffee drinks and sodas. A limited food menu will be available.

Volunteer Orientation: Winter Warmer Beer Festival
2016-01-12 12:45 - 13:30 | MountainTrue — Asheville, 29 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
The 9th Annual Asheville Winter Warmer Beer Festival is on Saturday, January 23. This is a really fantastic and fun event the proceeds of which go to benefit MountainTrue.
We need your help to make it a success. All Volunteers who work a 3-hour shift get in free to the event. All volunteers are required to attend a short volunteer orientation to receive your job instructions for Winter Warmer.
PLEASE SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE.
Available meeting times are :
January 7 (Thursday)-MountainTrue Office-5:45-6:30 pm
January 12 (Tuesday)-MountainTrue Office-5:45-6:30 pm

Volunteer Orientation: Winter Warmer Beer Festival
2016-01-07 12:45 - 13:30 | MountainTrue — Asheville, 29 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
The 9th Annual Asheville Winter Warmer Beer Festival is on Saturday, January 23. This is a really fantastic and fun event the proceeds of which go to benefit MountainTrue.
We need your help to make it a success. All Volunteers who work a 3-hour shift get in free to the event. All volunteers are required to attend a short volunteer orientation to receive your job instructions for Winter Warmer.
PLEASE SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE.
Available meeting times are:
January 7 (Thursday)-MountainTrue Office-5:45-6:30 pm
January 12 (Tuesday)-MountainTrue Office-5:45-6:30 pm

Hendersonville Tree Recycling Project
2015-12-31 - 2016-01-09 | Jackson Park Ball Field, 801 Glover St, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
We hope that you enjoy your Christmas tree. After the holidays, please drop-off your trees at Jackson Park ball field #6 anytime on or before January 9. On Saturday, January 9, 9:00 to 2:00, volunteers from MountainTrue, will be at Jackson Park to collect trees, non-working tree lights, and used greeting cards.
Hendersonville city and county personnel will be on-site to chop-up Christmas trees into mulch. The lights will be recycled at the County COOP Extension Service for the 4-H project.
Cards will be recycled to make new cards. You may pick-up FREE mulch, and enjoy hot apple cider and cookies.
Thanks to King Hardware & Rental for providing the mulching machine!

Winter Solstice Hike in DuPont State Forest!
2015-12-20 14:00 - 16:00 | DuPont State Forest – Hooker Falls parking lot, Dupont State Forest, Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC, 28790, United States
The stroll, led by Mary Jo Padgett, will be an easy one-fourth mile trail to the base of Hooker Falls.
In the dark of night, we’ll create soft moonlight by shining flashlights upon the falls creating a quiet moment to celebrate the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere.
Participants are invited to bring a thermos of warm drink, for we’ll toast the sun’s return at the conclusion of the hike. Bring a flashlight for use when necessary. For directions to the Hooker Falls parking lot, visit the DuPont State Forest website at www.dupontforest.com/visit/directions/
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration Deadline: Friday, December 18 at NOON
