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

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

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

End of Summer Volunteer Appreciation Cookout
2023-09-21 06:00 - 20:30 | The Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis, NC, 28604, United States
To celebrate the end of Swim Guide season, we would like to celebrate our volunteers for their efforts in our clean water work. This is also a chance to reconnect with our volunteers involved with our monthly VWIN chemical sampling program. We are so excited to share stories of how their sampling has made a difference in the New and Watauga River watersheds with our dedicated volunteers. Volunteers, feel free to bring a friend, kids, or a loved one. To RSVP please email hannah@mountaintrue.org.
Pets are allowed if they are well-behaved and good around children. Please bring your reusable water bottle!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broad River Fall Float near Shelby, NC
2023-10-21 09:30 - 16:00 | Broad River Greenway Canoe Access, 126 Broad River Drive, Shelby, NC, 28152, United States
Join Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell for a fall float along the Broad River. We will be paddling a beautiful and remote stretch of the Broad that few people get to paddle and enjoy! The first half of the trip will have some fun, easy class I and II rapids. The second half of this section is in slow-moving and still water, so we will need to paddle some (not just float) to reach the takeout on time. It is about a 4 to 5-hour trip. If interested we invite you to bring a fishing pole and some binoculars on this trip! There will be opportunities to fish and see wildlife!
The rain date for this event will be October 28th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure you can attend. If you have any questions about this trip please contact our Broad Riverkeeper via email at david@mountaintrue.org.

Community Invasive Plant Workday on Jackson County Greenway in Cullowhee, NC 10/27
2023-10-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Jackson County Greenway Loop, Monteith Gap Rd, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, United States
MountainTrue is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitat at the Jackson County Greenway. We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive shrubs like Chinese privet and then treat the stumps.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Please register in advance so that we will have enough tools, gloves, etc. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t have to be able to do strenuous physical labor to participate. Please, no pets.
Please bring:
Closed-toed shoes required
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water and snacks
Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and natural beauty of the Greenway! Contact western region program associate Eve Davis with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).

Woody Ethnobotany Walk near Weaverville, NC
2023-10-28 12:30 - 17:00 | Herb Mountain Farm
Ethnobiologist Marc Williams has taught hundreds of classes to thousands of people about plants, humans, other life forms and their interface. His training includes a B.A. in Environmental Studies/Sustainable Agriculture from Warren Wilson College with a minor in Business and a M.A. in Appalachian Studies/Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University with a minor in Planning/Geography. He has over 20 years of experiences working at various restaurants, farms, and travels throughout 30 countries in Central/North/South America, Europe and all 50 states in the USA. More information can be found at www.botanyeveryday.com and www.plantsandhealers.org. The elevation change on this hike will be 500 feet or less.
Come learn more about the food, medicine and craft uses of woody plants. We will take a walk and practice ways to systematically identify trees, shrubs and vines by their bark, ecotypes, flowers, fruit and growing conditions. Common and obscure sustainable uses for woody plants that may support overall health, well-being and sustenance will also be discussed. The connection between woody plants and other lifeforms such as birds, butterflies and fungal species will be an additional topic of conversation. The possible use of exotic invasive woodies as one potential means of control will round out our discussion.

2023 Endemic Species Pub Crawl
2023-10-28 17:00 - 20:00
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Join us on Saturday, October 28, to enjoy some tasty brews in South Asheville while dressed as your favorite endemic or native species! You don’t have to drink to join the pub crawl; come out to talk about endemic species with local experts and enthusiasts. Food options are available at these locations, but you can also bring your own snacks. All three locations are dog-friendly, so feel free to coordinate your costume with your well-behaved pups and bring them along for this fun, free Halloween celebration! Need some costume inspiration? Click here to browse an extensive list of endemic flora and fauna species. Register below.
Itinerary:

Meet at Hillman Beer at 5 p.m.
Forestry Camp at 6:30 p.m.
Village Pub at 8 p.m.

2023 Lake Chatuge Shoreline Cleanup-13th Annual near Hiawassee, GA
2023-11-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Towns County Swim Beach Pavillion, US-76, Hiawassee, GA, 30546
Join with other lake loving volunteers on Saturday, November 4th for the 13th Annual Lake Chatuge Shoreline Cleanup. The event will kick off at 9am 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 Rivers Alive 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. Thanks to TVA for sponsoring this event again this year!
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. In the case of a rainy forecast, we will communicate with registered participants about plans in advance of the event.

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.

Community Invasive Plant Workday on Jackson County Greenway in Cullowhee, NC 11/10
2023-11-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Jackson County Greenway Loop, Monteith Gap Rd, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, United States
MountainTrue, in partnership with the WCU Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CESL) and the Mainspring Conservation Trust, is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitat at the Jackson County Greenway. We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive shrubs like Chinese privet and then treat the stumps.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Please register in advance so that we will have enough tools, gloves, etc. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t have to be able to do strenuous physical labor to participate. Please, no pets.
Please bring:

Closed-toed shoes required
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water and snacks

Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and natural beauty of the Greenway! Contact western region program associate Eve Davis with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).
The rain day for this event will be held on Friday, 11/17. Please mark your calendar.

Old Growth Forest Hike near Barnardsville, NC
2023-11-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Asheville US Forest Service Office, 160 Zillicoa St # A, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
This hike will explore an old-growth, high elevation oak forest in the proposed Craggy Mountain National Scenic Area. The hike will be partially off trail, traverse steep, rocky terrain, and be very strenuous. During the hike we will discuss tree identification, forest ecology, and traits of old-growth forests, among other topics. There will be 1,000 to 1,500 vertical feet of elevation change on this hike, please keep that in mind when signing up.
This hike will take place on Coxcombe Mountain but we will meet as a group at the Asheville US Forest Service Office before the hike to carpool. There is very limited parking so carpooling will be essential for this trip.

Pickup Event for Western Region Fall Native Tree & Shrub Sale in Murphy, NC
2023-11-18 09:00 - 12:00 | MountainTrue Western Regional Office, 90 Tennessee Street, Murphy, NC, 28906, United States
This is the pick up event for plants that are pre-ordered and paid for through our western region Fall Native Tree & Shrub Sale fundraiser. The plants are delivered by the nurseries to the MountainTrue Western Regional Office parking lot on the morning of the event, so no early pick up is available. We will not be ready to fill orders until 9:00 sharp! If you arrive early, please find a parking place. Do not form a line in your cars that will quickly prevent others from entering the parking lot.
What to expect: Your plants are entering dormancy this month, which is a kind of “hibernation” for the winter. Don’t be surprised if they have no leaves at all! It’s perfectly natural, as this is the time of year that deciduous trees lose their leaves. Also, some of the 3-gallon trees will be 8-10′ (feet) tall. We’ve folded them into a Prius before, but it’s not easy!
If you cannot make it on Saturday 11/18 and there’s no one else who can pick up your order for you, please contact us as soon as possible either by emailing tony@mountaintrue.org or calling 828-837-5414. We do not want to move your plants around unnecessarily!
This event will be held rain or shine!

No Man's Land Film Festival Screening
2023-11-28 19:00 - 21:00
MountainTrue is excited to host the No Man’s Land Film Festival again this year on November 28, 2023 in coordination with Giving Tuesday – a global generosity movement helping to transform communities and the world. Although you can register to watch the films for free, we hope you will consider supporting the work of MountainTrue with a contribution.
Screening will be offered both in person in Asheville, NC at New Belgium Brewing’s Liquid Center AND virtually.
Full event information and RSVPs can be found here: https://mountaintrue.org/nmlff2023/

Hike to Standing Indian Mountain near Hayesville, NC-CANCELLED
2023-12-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Deep Gap Trailhead Parking, Franklin, NC, 28734, United States
Due to the Collett Ridge Fire and the lack of rain in the forecast, the air quality is poor and not expected to improve before the hike. Sadly we are canceling this hike but we hope you can join us for another outing soon!
We’ll use Deep Gap Rd before it closes for the season (Jan 2) to access the Appalachian Trail for a 5-mile round trip out-and-back hike to Standing Indian Mountain, elevation 5,439′. It’s a gentle incline all the way up with only 1,095′ of elevation gain over 2.5 miles. There are gorgeous views from the top, especially in December when all the leaves are off the trees!

Speckled Trout Pint Night to support the Watauga Riverkeeper on 12/7 in Blowing Rock, NC
2023-12-07 18:00 - 20:00 | The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop, 922 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605, United States
Join us for a pint in Blowing Rock at the Speckled Trout to hear from the Riverkeeper and the team about the state of rivers, meet the High Country team, and learn about our awesome work!
Bring some friends, and let’s raise a glass to supporting clean water for good beer and good fishing!

Community Invasive Plant Workday on Jackson County Greenway in Cullowhee, NC 12/9
2023-12-09 13:00 - 16:00
MountainTrue, in partnership with the Mainspring Conservation Trust, is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitat at the Jackson County Greenway. We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive shrubs like Chinese privet and then treat the stumps.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide tools and training. Please register in advance so that we will have enough tools, gloves, etc. We have large and small tasks available, so you don’t have to be able to do strenuous physical labor to participate. Please, no pets.
Please bring:
Closed-toed shoes required
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water and snacks
Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and natural beauty of the Greenway! Contact western region program associate Eve Davis with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).

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!

Live Staking Work Day near Boone, NC 12/15
2023-12-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Wards Mill Dam, 443 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679, United States
Come plant native trees with MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper at the historic former site of Wards Mill Dam! This project has been completed for 2 years, and we are able to continue repairing the vegetative buffer thanks to support from TVA’s Shade Your Stream program and the Tennessee River Basin Network.
If you’re looking to get outside and help us restore and replenish streambanks, these work days are a great way to meet new friends and do some good work for Mother Nature too!
Live staking involves taking dormant cuttings of a living tree and planting them along the river’s edge. For the remainder of 2023, our live staking goals prioritize improving riparian habitat connectivity at high-priority stream sites in the Watauga drainage following the historic Ward’s dam removal.
What to bring:

Lunch/snacks
warm layers & gloves (we’ll be on the water, so dress for weather, but also make sure it’s things you don’t mind to get dirty)
rubber boots and/or waders (We have some, but not many so bring your own if you have them.)
water to drink

We will meet at the Old Watauga River Rd at the Ward’s Mill Dam site. Park along the sides of the gravel road. Please DO NOT block the barn or driveways.

First Day Hike in the Brasstown Wilderness near Young Harris, GA
2024-01-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Miller Trek Trailhead, Young Harris, GA, 30582, United States
Join MountainTrue’s Western Regional director on the first day of the New Year for a moderate 6-mile loop hike in the Brasstown Wilderness. The trail climbs at a consistent rate of 500 ft/mile for almost three miles, skirting around Rocky Knob where we’ll take a short spur trail out to some rock outcrops for lunch and amazing views of both Hiawassee and Young Harris. The rest of the hike descends almost at the same rate it ascended, passing through beautiful mature forests on the way back to the trailhead. There is nothing particularly challenging about this hike. It’s rated moderate for the length and elevation gain of about 1,500′.

Christmas Tree Recycling in Hendersonville, NC 1-6-24--Event cancelled due to inclement weather. See event info for more details.
2024-01-06 09:00 - 14:00 | Jackson Park Ball Field, 801 Glover St, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
The 2024 Holiday Recycling event is canceled due to inclement weather. Folks may still drop off their trees at Jackson Park Ballfield #6 Lot, they will be chipped for mulch sometime next week. We will announce when mulch is available for pick-up.

Foam recycling has moved to the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. The next collection will be on Tuesday, January 16 at the Henderson County Convenience Center, learn more here: https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/solid-waste/page/foam-collection-events

Tree lights can be recycled at the NC Cooperative Extension Office in Jackson Park. Tubs will be by the front door and lights can be left between now and Monday. Lights will be recycled to benefit the Henderson County 4H Club.

Thank you City of Hendersonville Public Works, Henderson County Parks & Recreation and Solid Waste teams, and the Henderson County 4H Club for their collaboration in this sustainable holiday effort!
