MountainTrue

Virtual Hendersonville Green Drinks November
2020-11-12 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar–online
Join us on November 12th at 6 pm as we hear from MountainTrue’s French Broad River Keeper Hartwell Carson about the many issues plaguing the French Broad River and what is being done to combat them.The French Broad, like so many American rivers, was grossly polluted before the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972. Since the passage of the act, the river has rebounded and now supports a thriving recreation community, but there are still a lot of threats to the river. Recently the water quality has been getting worse. Many sites that the French Broad Riverkeeper monitors for E. coli, failed over 80% of the time during the summer of 2020. We can and need to do more to make sure we finally meet the goals of the Clean Water Act, providing fishable and swimmable river access to all.
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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.

Virtual Hendersonville Green Drinks: Recycling - What Can and Can’t be Recycled, and Why!
2020-12-10 18:00 - 19:00 | NC
On Thursday, December 10th, Virtual Hendersonville Green Drinks welcomes Christine Wittmeier the Environmental Programs Coordinator for Henderson County. Christine will be discussing the ins and outs of recycling in your area.
Do you know what you should be recycling at home? Recycling contamination and “wishful recycling” are big problems for local recycling partners and can put recycling in your community at risk. Join Henderson County Environmental Programs as we discuss the state of recycling in our area. You will leave with an understanding of what can/can’t be recycled, why some items are not recyclable, and where to bring your hard to recycle items.
Sign up here to get the link!
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.

Virtual Hendersonville Green Drinks: Neighborhood Hawks
2021-11-11 18:00 - 19:00 | NC
After reading J. A. Baker’s fifty-year-old British nature classic The Peregrine, John Lane found himself an ocean away, stalking resident red-shouldered hawks in his neighborhood in Spartanburg, South Carolina. What he observed was very different from what Baker deduced from a decade of chronicling the lives of those brooding migratory raptors. Baker imagined a species on the brink of extinction because of the use of agricultural chemicals on European farms. A half-century later in America, Lane found the red-shouldered hawks to be a stable Anthropocene species adapted to life along the waterways of a suburban nation.
Lane will discuss following the hawks, his writing process, and the reception to his neighborhood Hawks.
Register here to get the zoom link!
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.

Smart Growth: Looking to the Past to Plan for Our Future Webinar
2022-02-10 18:00 - 19:00 | NC
On Thursday, February 10th, join Hendersonville Green Drinks guest Chris Joyell, MountainTrue’s Healthy Communities Director, to discuss the concept of “smart growth,” looking at ways we can make our cities and towns more liveable. The state projects that in the next 25 years, over 39,000 people will move to Henderson County. To put that in perspective, that’s more than the current populations of Hendersonville, Flat Rock, Fletcher, Laurel Park, and Mills River combined. Housing experts estimate that these newcomers will require 17,000 new homes. Where will these homes be built? Can our roads absorb this influx of new residents? How can we preserve our rural heritage while building town centers that people love?
Chris will explore these questions against the backdrop of Henderson County’s ongoing Comprehensive Planning effort. Using Smart Growth Principles as a guide, Chris will discuss how we can realize a vision for growth in Henderson County that encourages economic development, respects our natural resources and agricultural heritage and enhances our quality of life for generations to come.
Click here to register and receive the zoom link!
About Hendersonville Green Drinks
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by MountainTrue and Conserving Carolina. 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.

Virtual Green Drinks: The Value of Conserving Open Space and Farmland 3/10/22
2022-03-10 18:00 - 19:00 | NC
​​On Thursday, March 10 from 6:00-7:00 PM, Hendersonville Green Drinks presents the second of a four-part webinar series entitled Good Growth Makes Good Sense. The guest speaker will be Tom Fanslow, Director of Land Protection for Conserving Carolina. The presentation, The Value of Conserving Open Space and Farmland, is in direct response to public input, as reflected in the results of the early phases of Henderson County’s 2045 Comprehensive Planning process. This special monthly series is a collaboration between MountainTrue and Conserving Carolina.
In order to attend the webinar, please register by clicking here.
Upcoming Good Growth Makes Good Sense presentations:

April 14– Nature for All: Planning for Inclusive Greenways, Trails, and Parks – Rebekah Robinson
May 12– State of the River: How Land Use Planning Can Make or Break Water Quality – Gray Jernigan & Hartwell Carson

Nature for All: Planning for Inclusive Greenways, Trails, and Parks Webinar with Rebekah Robinson
2022-04-14 18:00 - 19:00 | NC
​​On Thursday, April 14th from 6:00-7:00 PM, Hendersonville Green Drinks presents the third of a four-part webinar series entitled Good Growth Makes Good Sense. The guest speaker will be Rebekah Robinson, Assistant Director for Programs at Conserving Carolina. The presentation, Nature for All: Planning for Inclusive Greenways, Trails, and Parks, is in direct response to public input, as reflected in the results of the early phases of Henderson County’s 2045 Comprehensive Planning process. This special monthly series is a collaboration between MountainTrue and Conserving Carolina.
Click here to register for this webinar.
Good Growth Makes Good Sense presentations:

February 10- Smart Growth: Looking to the Past to Plan for Our Future – Chris Joyell

March 10- The Value of Conserving Open Space and Farmland – Tom Fanslow

April 14- Nature for All: Planning for Inclusive Greenways, Trails, and Parks – Rebekah Robinson
May 12- State of the River: How Land Use Planning Can Make or Break Water Quality with Gray Jernigan & Hartwell Carson

State of the River: How Land Use Planning Can Make or Break Water Quality-- with Gray Jernigan & Hartwell Carson
2022-05-12 18:00 - 19:00 | NC
On Thursday, May 12 from 6:00-7:00 p.m., Hendersonville Green Drinks presents the fourth of our four-part webinar series entitled Good Growth Makes Good Sense. The guest speakers will be MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper, Hartwell Carson, and MountainTrue’s Central Regional Director, Gray Jernigan. The presentation, State of the River: How Land Use Planning Can Make or Break Water Quality is in direct response to public input, as reflected in the results of the early phases of Henderson County’s 2045 Comprehensive Planning process. This special monthly series is a collaboration between MountainTrue and Conserving Carolina.
Click here to read Hartwell and Gray’s op-ed detailing the important relationship between water quality and land-use planning in relation to Henderson County’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR.

Previous Good Growth Makes Good Sense presentations:

February 10- Smart Growth: Looking to the Past to Plan for Our Future – Chris Joyell

March 10- The Value of Conserving Open Space and Farmland – Tom Fanslow

April 14- Nature for All: Planning for Inclusive Greenways, Trails, and Parks – Rebekah Robinson

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

Green Drinks 11/9
2023-11-09 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
This month, we will be joined by native plants expert, Bob Gale. He will offer a presentation titled “If You Plant It, They Will Come!”
Description: Are you interested in how to control non-native invasive plants in your yard, on your street, or in your Homeowner’s Association property? Bob Gale will discuss issues related to non-native invasive plants, methods of control, and ideas for moving your yard toward a more natural ecosystem. His background includes landscaping, arboriculture, and wetland science, and he has worked as a forest ecologist in coastal, piedmont, and mountain regions of the southeast. Bob wrote the natural history portions of the book “A Highroad Guide to the North Carolina Mountains”; and co-authored, with his wife and son, “A Beachcomber’s Guide to Fossils”.
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Hendersonville Green Drinks - Considering Tradeoffs: A Growth & Development Mapping Exercise
2023-12-14 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
City Planning Staff will lead participants through a mapping exercise where you will be tasked to balance housing growth and economic development with choices related to transportation, quality of life and conservation. You will have to earn points to unlock game pieces and strive to avoid “raising taxes” in order to “win” the game.
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.
About the presenter: Matthew Manley is an accredited City Planner through the American Planning Association’s American Institute of Certified Planners. He is the project manager for the City of Hendersonville GEN H Comprehensive Plan. Matthew has been with the City of Hendersonville since December of 2020 and helped to shepherd the city through a time of unprecedented growth. He is originally from Greenville, SC and attended Presbyterian College (B.S.) and Clemson University (MCRP). He came to Hendersonville after working in Johnson City, Tennessee and Lyons, Colorado. He lives in town with his wife, Molly, and two toddlers, Quinn and Townes, and the family’s two dogs, Reed and Dega. They are all avid hikers and lovers of nature. Outside of work, if he is not on the trail or working in the yard, you will find him rooting for his Gamecocks and Atlanta Braves!

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC 1/11: Conservation Research to Reduce Wildlife Vehicle Collisions, Improve Human Safety, & Connect Habitat in WNC
2024-01-11 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
This month Dr. Liz Hillard, Senior Wildlife Biologist for Wildlands Network, will highlight and discuss research findings from two wildlife road crossing projects here in Western North Carolina. Her research includes monitoring reptile road underpasses for wildlife use in Gorges State Park, and evaluating bear, deer, and elk road conflict areas along I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.
Liz Hillard, Ph.D., is Wildlands Network’s Senior Wildlife Biologist for the Appalachian Region. For the last five years, Liz has been leading research efforts focused on increasing wildlife habitat connectivity and mitigating the effects of roads on wildlife. In addition, she works to build partnerships and engage the public in conservation efforts throughout the Southern Appalachian region. Liz earned a M.S. in Biology from Western Carolina University in 2013 researching elk habitat selection in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and earned her Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University in 2018. Liz is based in Asheville.
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC 2/8: Ecusta Trail Update and Plans for the Future
2024-02-08 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join us to learn about the latest developments on planning and construction of the Ecusta Trail, as well as potential trail enhancements and connections that could occur in the future. Initial construction of the Ecusta Trail will be bare bones, but there is the potential for many types of amenities that will vastly improve the user experience and involve community collaboration. During this presentation, Mark Tooley (president of The Friends of Ecusta Trail) will discuss some of the ideas that are being discussed for future development of the trail. Studies have found that the more connectivity a trail has to other trails and popular destinations, the more useful and desirable it becomes. Mark will share information about how the Ecusta Trail connects with existing trails or those being planned in the region which will help provide connectivity for an enhanced user experience.
The Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET) has been in existence for nearly 15 years as an advocacy organization to create a rail trail on the unused rail line between Hendersonville and Brevard. FOET has worked with local governments, private businesses, non-governmental organizations, and non-profits to gain community support for the trail during that time. After Ecusta Rails2Trail LLC. (a subsidiary of Conserving Carolina) purchased the rail line in 2021, FOET has worked with Conserving Carolina to raise private funds to provide required local matching funds for the federal grants that have been received. Those grants that have been awarded, totaling nearly $46 million, will be used to build the entirety of the Ecusta Trail in the next several years.
Mark is a past board member of Conserving Carolina and has been a board member of FOET for nearly 10 years. He has been FOET’s president for the past two years and resides in Transylvania County.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Special Edition Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC 2/22: "Drought, Climate Change, and The Mystery of the Missing Western Water"
2024-02-22 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Hear Rocky Mountain Biological Lab Research Scientist Ian Breckheimer discuss how a team of environmental scientists are revolutionizing our understanding of water in the West and helping us adapt to climate change. Ian was raised in Western North Carolina.
The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the American Southwest, and the river’s 40 million human users are struggling to adapt to a severe drought made worse by climate change. The vast majority of the river’s flow comes from winter snowpack in the Rocky Mountains, and in recent years scientists and water managers have become extremely good at measuring how much water is in the snowpack in early spring. Ideally, we could use this information to forecast how much water will be available for human use in the river the following summer, helping us better conserve this scarce resource. Unfortunately, water forecasting on the Colorado is has been held back by a large and unpredictable amount of snow water (up to 25% of the river’s annual flow) that seems to disappear between the snowpack and the river. Solving the mystery of this “missing” water has brought together a diverse group of hydrologists, ecologists, and atmospheric scientists at a remote field station in Colorado. This talk will gather and synthesize exciting new results from their pioneering work, showing how environmental researchers can play a critical role in helping us adapt to accelerating climate change.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Sustainability Initiatives for the City of Hendersonville
2024-03-14 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join the City of Hendersonville for this month’s Green Drinks to hear from City Sustainability Manager, Caitlyn Gendusa about various sustainability initiatives the City is working on. Participants will hear updates on topics such as zero and low-emission transportation, waste management, energy efficiency, and more. There will also be an update on the City’s first Sustainability Strategic Plan, which is expected to be finalized and adopted this spring. This plan includes a public input survey currently available online for community members to provide their feedback.
Caitlyn Gendusa is the Sustainability Manager for the City of Hendersonville where she works to advance municipal sustainability efforts ranging from energy, transportation, waste management, and land management. Before her work with the City, she worked for four years as the Land Conservation Manager for Upstate Forever, a non-profit land conservation organization in Greenville, SC. Her academic background includes sustainable agriculture and development where she worked on various projects including farm-to-school education, sustainability planning for a conference center, and research on organic agriculture methods. She is originally from Atlanta, GA, but has called Western North Carolina home for five years.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Hendersonville Water and Sewer - Utility Update
2024-04-11 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join us for an informative session led by Adam Steurer, Utilities Director, who will summarize utility history, operations, project updates, and initiatives. Hendersonville provides 80,000 people with water service and 21,000 people with sewer service in Hendersonville and surrounding Henderson County.
Adam Steurer, Utilities Director, is passionate about leading the Hendersonville water and sewer utility in providing the highest level of service to the community while enhancing sustainability through conscientious stewardship of water resources.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: The French Broad Paddle Trail & Henderson County
2024-05-09 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Come learn about the history, present condition, and opportunities for growth facing the French Broad Paddle Trail in Henderson County and abroad. Placed in the context of challenges from proposed dams, degraded water quality, and short-sighted growth, the French Broad River is an ongoing success story due to the work of passionate local communities, well-organized advocacy campaigns, and strong partnerships between non-profits, government agencies, and local businesses.
The French Broad Paddle Trail focuses on recreational access, stewardship, and information along the river, led by MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper program, and this presentation will give an overview of the Trail in general, share updates on specific projects occurring here in Henderson County, and inform attendees on how they can get involved and support this work.
Jack Henderson is MountainTrue’s French Broad Paddle Trail Manager. In this role, he helps create, maintain, and improve public river access points, campsites, signage, and information; removes garbage; manages woody debris; and hosts events focused on celebrating and learning about the river. Jack has degrees in geography and recreation management from Appalachian State University, and has worked for several non-profits focused on conservation and recreation here in Western North Carolina and elsewhere around the United States, since 2010. Jack loves human-powered recreation, with a special affinity for remote rivers and rocky trails. He can often be found where there is greenery and gradient.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Why should environmentalists support building more housing?
2024-06-13 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
We know that healthy communities exist within the context of a healthy environment — and right now, both are threatened. There is a housing shortage across the country, with many hard-working families unable to find a place to live. There is also a climate crisis, with greenhouse gas emissions threatening the stability of all our planet’s ecosystems and biodiversity.
Join us to learn more about MountainTrue’s newest program, Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC, and about part of the solution to both these crises. Susan Bean is the Housing & Transportation Director for MountainTrue and the program director for Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC; she informs organizational policy priorities for housing and transportation projects across Western North Carolina.
Susan earned her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she led wilderness expeditions as a graduate assistant for the university’s outdoor program. She is actively involved in the community, serving as a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission for the City of Asheville and a facilitator for Building Bridges.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Creating Farm Resilience Against Extreme Weather Events
2024-07-11 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
As extreme weather events continue to pose challenges for farming operations, we must take steps to rally behind our farmers. This is why MountainTrue is conducting a Farm Weather Impact Survey with the help of their newest AmeriCorps Member, Olivia Gray. The survey aims to better understand how extreme weather events affect agricultural production in the Southern Blue Ridge. The information we receive will help guide MountainTrue in tailoring support initiatives, advocating for vital resources, and implementing strategies to support farm resiliency in Western North Carolina. Join Olivia Gray and her project supervisor Erica Shanks for this presentation on the importance of local agriculture and our survey findings so far.
Olivia Gray grew up camping and hiking and has always had an affinity for nature. She graduated from the State University of New York at Binghamton with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Economics. Upon graduating, she landed her first AmeriCorps position with the University of Hawai’i Maui College, where she focused on campus and county-wide food security efforts. Olivia is excited to be applying her knowledge of food systems to her work at MountainTrue as their Climate Action Corps AmeriCorps Member.
Erica is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Spanish and Broadcast Journalism and two reputable leadership programs. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. For the past 10 years, Erica has worked in the agricultural field supporting new and beginning farmers, managing farmer’s markets, running her own small farm business, and advocating for the protection of farmland for future beginning farmers. Erica is your Green Riverkeeper and is passionate about hiking, backpacking, learning about new plants and mushrooms, anything on the water, and local food!
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks: Restoration Projects Along the French Broad River
2024-08-08 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join us for an update on Conserving Carolina’s restoration projects along the French Broad River from Conserving Carolina’s Natural Resources Manager, David Lee! David lived most of his life in Florida, but he spent many vacations camping, hiking, and enjoying nature in the southern Appalachians. These experiences instilled in him a sense of appreciation for the environment that led to a strong commitment to conserve it.
After earning a BS in Environmental Science from the University of West Florida, David relocated to Asheville where he worked as a Bog Steward for The Nature Conservancy. He then served two consecutive terms with AmeriCorps Project Conserve with Conserving Carolina’s Weed Action Coalition of the Hickory Nut Gorge (WAC-HNG) where he preserved the natural habitats and scenic beauty of the Gorge through management of non-native invasive plants. He joined the staff in 2014 where he works to keep our protected lands healthy, which means a good deal of non-native, invasive species management.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Localization; the answer to more than just the environmental crisis?
2024-09-12 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
The post-World War II of the 40’ and 50’s shifted the food paradigm from local to high-yield crops and grocery stores. Steeped in an economy of convenience, this system provides on-demand food, but has shown devastating impacts on the environment, health, and community. Could a shift back to local be the answer to these 3 top issues faced today?
Join us for a discussion entitled, “Localization; the answer to more than just the environmental crisis?,” from Tia Wackerhagen, RN, BSN, Food and Agriculture Committee Co-chair, and member of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments. Tia is a registered nurse for Roof Above in Charlotte, North Carolina, serving individuals who have recently come out of chronic homelessness. She is passionate about equality not only in health care but in food systems. To further strengthen this passion, Tia is pursuing her doctorate in nursing practice in family nurse practitioner specialty at East Carolina University. She serves as co-chair for the Alliance for Healthy Nurses food and agriculture committee.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

**CANCELED** Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Conserving Carolina’s Trails – Conservation and Recreation
2024-10-10 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 10.
Join Conserving Carolina’s Trails and Land Management Coordinator, Max Howes, for an update on Conserving Carolina’s trail systems! Conserving Carolina has built and maintains ~39 miles of trail in the region, showcasing many acres of, and scenic views from, protected land. He will review what makes trails sustainable, why they are important to the region, what it takes to build and maintain trails, trail history, Conserving Carolina’s involvement with the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail, and more! There will be an update on current trail projects and opportunities to get involved with trail expansion and maintenance.
Max was born and raised in North Carolina, visiting areas across the state while calling Chapel Hill his home until he left for college. He attended Denison University in Ohio, earning a B.A. in environmental studies with a minor in geoscience. Knowing he wanted to return to North Carolina after graduation, he served two terms with AmeriCorps Project Conserve as Conserving Carolina’s Habitat Restoration and Volunteer Coordinator. He gained a great appreciation for the diverse flora and fauna as well as the mountain trails in the area. He is now Conserving Carolina’s Trail and Land Management Coordinator. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, disc golf, biking, and watching college basketball.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Green Built Alliance-CANCELED
2024-11-14 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Due to the catastrophic events of Hurricane Helene, this event has been canceled. Stay tuned for information about events in 2025. Green Built Alliance has a 22-year history of advancing sustainable living, green building and climate justice through inspired action, community education and collaborative partnerships in Western North Carolina and beyond.
Jamie Wine, Clean Energy Program Manager, will talk about how the membership-based nonprofit makes sustainability more accessible to the community through its efforts to distribute 25,000 copies of the annual Green Home & Living Guide (formerly known as the Green Building Directory); coordinating the Appalachian Offsets carbon-offsetting program; managing the Blue Horizons Project community campaign to help create our region’s clean energy future; and administering green-building certifications through the Green Built Homes program.
Jamie Wine joined Green Built Alliance in the spring of 2022. He hails most recently from New Orleans where he managed an education and outreach program for energy efficiency and building science across Louisiana. Before that, in Seattle, California, and Boston, he developed nonprofit programs for varied audiences like students in grades K-12, ocean advocates, traffic engineers, community organizers, adults, families and youth. Jamie is deeply committed to community empowerment through education, fighting the climate crisis, and bringing environmental peace to disadvantaged communities. While an executive decision is often easier, he believes a collaborative approach yields a more satisfying result. Jamie studied marine biology and environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and holds professional certifications in building performance, leadership development, public speaking and real estate.
You can learn more about Green Built Alliance at greenbuilt.org.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks: Restoring Natural Floodplains – Building Resilience for Communities and Ecosystems 2/13
2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Restoring natural floodplains offers transformative benefits for both communities and ecosystems. Conserving Carolina’s Natural Resources Director, David Lee, will highlight Conserving Carolina’s innovative floodplain restoration projects along the French Broad River, focusing on their important role in mitigating flood risks, improving biodiversity, and enhancing water quality. Using real-world examples, such as the Pleasant Grove and Kings Bridge restorations, we’ll explore strategies to restore natural functions to floodplains and build resilience against extreme weather events like Tropical Storm Helene. Attendees will gain insights into effective restoration techniques, the power of community partnerships, and the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge. Join us to learn how these projects serve as a model for creating thriving, sustainable landscapes that support both people and nature.
David lived most of his life in Florida, but he spent many vacations camping, hiking, and enjoying nature in the southern Appalachians. These experiences instilled in him a sense of appreciation for the environment that led to a strong commitment to conserve it. After earning a BS in Environmental Science from the University of West Florida, David relocated to Asheville where he worked as a Bog Steward for The Nature Conservancy. He then served two consecutive terms with AmeriCorps Project Conserve with Conserving Carolina’s Weed Action Coalition of the Hickory Nut Gorge (WAC-HNG) where he preserved the natural habitats and scenic beauty of the Gorge through management of non-native invasive plants. He joined the staff in 2014 where he works to keep our protected lands healthy, which means a good deal of non-native, invasive species management.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks: Advantages of Supporting a Hyper-Local Food System (Hendersonville, NC) 3/13
2025-03-13 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Making intentional purchases from local small-scale farmers, farmers’ markets, and grocers does more than just make us feel good; it directly influences significant regional environmental concerns and amplifies the local economy.
Alicia and Kevin Stump are the owners of Stump Farms, a small-scale family farm located in Hendersonville, NC. Established in 2017 as first-generation farmers, they prioritize sustainable and regenerative practices in their cultivation of vegetables, gourmet mushrooms, and more. Additionally, they draw inspiration from heirloom produce and herbs to create a range of canned goods and all-natural skincare products.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks: Ecusta Trail – Rebranding and the Latest Updates (Hendersonville, NC) 4/10
2025-04-10 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Mark Tooley, president of Friends of the Ecusta Trail (FOET), will provide an overview of the rebranding of the Ecusta Trail and the new website. He will also provide an update of the latest activity concerning design, engineering, and construction of the trail including amenities. The more connectivity a trail has to other trails and popular destinations, the more useful and desirable it becomes. We will take a look at other trail activity that is planned or already occurring in the region that will provide some of that connectivity.
The Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET) has been in existence for 15 years as an advocacy organization to create a rail trail on the unused rail line between Hendersonville and Brevard. FOET has worked with local governments, private businesses, non-governmental organizations, and non-profits to gain community support for the trail during that time. After Ecusta Rails2Trail LLC. (a subsidiary of Conserving Carolina) purchased the rail line in 2021, FOET has worked with Conserving Carolina to raise private funds to provide required local matching funds for the federal grants that have been received. Those grants that have been awarded, totaling nearly $46 million, will be used to build the entirety of the Ecusta Trail in the next several years. Mark is a past board member of Conserving Carolina and has been a board member of FOET for 10 years. He has been FOET’s president for the past three years and resides in Transylvania County.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks: Localization & Food Crisis (Hendersonville, NC) 5/8
2025-05-08 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
The post-World War II of the 40’s and 50’s shifted the food paradigm from local to high-yield crops and grocery stores. Steeped in an economy of convenience, this system provides on-demand food, but has shown devastating impacts on the environment, health, and community. Could a shift back to local be the answer to these 3 top issues faced today?
Join us for a discussion entitled, “Localization; the answer to more than just the environmental crisis?” with Tia Wackerhagen, RN, BSN, Food and Agriculture Committee Co-chair, and member of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments.
Tia is a registered nurse for Roof Above in Charlotte North Carolina, serving individuals who have recently come out of chronic homelessness. She is passionate about equality not only in health care, but in food systems. To further strengthen this passion, Tia is pursuing her doctorate in nursing practice in family nurse practitioner specialty at East Carolina University. She serves as co-chair for the Alliance for Healthy Nurses food and agriculture committee.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Green Drinks: Conserving Carolina’s Trails – Conservation and Recreation (Hendersonville, NC) 6/12
2025-06-12 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join Conserving Carolina’s Trails and Land Management Coordinator, Max Howes, for an update on Conserving Carolina’s trail systems! Conserving Carolina has built and maintains ~39 miles of trail in the region, showcasing many acres on, and scenic views from, protected land. He will be going over what makes trails sustainable, why they are important to the region, what it takes to build and maintain trails, trail history, Conserving Carolina’s involvement with the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail, and more! There will be an update on current trail conditions post-Helene, new trail projects, and opportunities to get involved with trail expansion and maintenance.
Max was born and raised in North Carolina, visiting areas across the state while calling Chapel Hill his home until he left for college. He attended Denison University in Ohio where he earned a B.A. in environmental studies with a minor in geoscience. Knowing he wanted to return to North Carolina after graduation, he served two terms with AmeriCorps Project Conserve as Conserving Carolina’s Habitat Restoration and Volunteer Coordinator. He gained a great appreciation for the diverse flora and fauna as well as the mountain trails in the area. He is now Conserving Carolina’s Trail and Land Management Coordinator. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, disc golf, biking, and watching college basketball.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.
Photo courtesy of Conserving Carolina.

Green Drinks: A Brief History of Air – air, air pollution, and solutions (Hendersonville, NC) 8/14
2025-08-14 17:30 - 19:30 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
The history of air and the science of air pollution is part of the history of Western North Carolina. We will take a brief look into the past, present, and future through the lens of combustion and air pollution. We will discuss how science was used to help clean North Carolina’s air, and to continue to study the air and keep it clean for both individual and environmental health.
Keith Bamberger works for the Division of Air Quality out of the Asheville Regional Office of the Department of Environment Quality. His primary responsibility is coordinating the Western North Carolina Air Awareness Program. This program includes direct education and outreach to students and the general public, supporting local governments, non-governmental agencies, and community resources groups in understanding air quality, environmental health, and the intersection between their programs and the health of the air. His responsibilities also include working on many statewide initiatives and committees, and partnerships include NASA Earth to Sky Partnership, the Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition, the Asheville Buncombe Air Quality Agency, NC Soil and Water Conservation District, the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, the Environmental Educators of North Carolina and others. Past work includes nature centers, museums, the National Park Service, and North Carolina 4-H.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.
Photo courtesy of Conserving Carolina.

Green Drinks: Blue Ridge Rising in Hendersonville, NC 10/9
2025-10-09 17:30 - 19:30 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join George Ivy, Director of Blue Ridge Rising, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s initiative to unite and serve the gateway communities of the Parkway’s 29 counties in Virginia and North Carolina. While the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan includes dozens of community-led strategies to enhance tourism and economic development, natural resource protection emerged as a key component of this work. Join us to learn more about Blue Ridge Rising, with a particular emphasis on viewshed protection, dark skies, and related strategies, and how they can benefit our local environment, economy, and communities.
George Ivey serves as the Director of Blue Ridge Rising, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s initiative to unite and serve the gateway communities of the Parkway’s 29 counties in Virginia and North Carolina. George’s career includes positions with Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Nature Conservancy, and the North Carolina Arboretum, as well as eight years as a consultant. George earned a political science degree at Duke University and a master’s degree in parks, recreation, and tourism from N.C. State University. George lives in Flat Rock, North Carolina, with his wife and two children.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.
Photo courtesy of Conserving Carolina.

Green Drinks: Repower WNC through Renewables in Hendersonville, NC 11/13
2025-11-13 17:30 - 19:30 | The Grove at Trailside Brewing, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join us for an educational presentation that sheds light on the exciting trends and advancements reshaping the renewable energy landscape. Dive into key topics such as the progress of solar in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, breakthroughs in efficiency and affordability, and game-changing innovations like solar-powered electric vehicles and smart grid integration. Discover the economic and business opportunities driving growth in solar and renewable energy, and explore how these advancements can help power your home or business for a more sustainable future for Western North Carolina.
Sugar Hollow Solar helps homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits go solar. We design, install, and maintain clean energy solutions that reduce our neighbors’ carbon footprints and provide good jobs. Our offerings include solar arrays, battery backup, and maintenance. Founded in 2010, we’re the region’s largest locally-owned residential and small commercial solar company committed to offering honesty, reliability, and expertise.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.
Photo courtesy of Conserving Carolina.
