MountainTrue

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

The Smell of Money Screening Presented by MountainTrue and Asheville Animal Rights Collective (AARC) in Asheville, NC
2024-02-05 18:30 - 21:00 | Grail Moviehouse, 17 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Join MountainTrue and Asheville Animal Rights Collective (AARC) for a screening of The Smell of Money at the Grail Moviehouse in Asheville, North Carolina. Stick around for a panel discussion after the viewing including panelists from both host organizations.
“The smell of money”—that’s what Big Pork calls the stench of pig waste in the air in eastern North Carolina, where much of the world’s bacon and barbecue is made. But to Elsie Herring and others who live near the state’s giant pig factories, the revolting odor is a call to battle against generations of injustice. When a corporate hog farm moves in––uninvited––on land her grandfather had purchased after claiming his freedom from slavery, Elsie Herring decides to fight back. But as her rural community becomes the epicenter of the pork industry’s explosion in America, Elsie’s struggle to save her family’s home and heritage turns into a battle against one of the world’s most powerful companies and its deadly pollution.
After decades of intimidation and defeat, Elsie and her community team up with a gutsy small- town lawyer to take the world’s largest pork company to court. An epic, nine-year legal battle ensues, and the residents risk everything to reclaim their rights to clean air, pure water, and a life free from the stench of shit.
A story about the power of love for one’s family and community to triumph over even the largest forces of injustice, The Smell of Money calls upon viewers to see the people behind what’s on our plates––and to join the fight for a better future for us all.
Watch the Trailer
Purchase Tickets (only 50 seats available so don’t wait, get your ticket now!)
Doors Open at 6pm, Show starts at 6:30 pm.
A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the work of MountainTrue and Asheville Animal Rights Collective (AARC).
Panelists for the event include:

Bo Hess, MSW, LCSW, LCAS social worker, therapist, social justice and animal rights advocate, and current candidate for Asheville City Council. Bo is originally from Goldsboro, where numerous factory farms and meatpacking plants are located, less than an hour from where “The Smell of Money” was filmed. When he was a kid, a hurricane came through and polluted the area with pigs’ waste, and it was one of the defining moments in his life that woke him up to a vegan, plant-based lifestyle.

Calen Otto is a queer, anti-speciesist activist and co-organizer of AARC. They formerly lived on the East coast of North Carolina and would frequently visit Duplin County, where “The Smell of Money” was filmed, to document the conditions of pigs in holding pens and on their way to the slaughterhouse, as well as the environmental impacts. When Hurricane Florence hit Calen helped rescue 50+ animals from the floods and some of their footage was included in the documentary.

Erica Shanks, MountainTrue’s Green Riverkeeper, has worked for the past ten years 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. She traveled to Patagonia, Chile to volunteer with Conservacion Patagonica to learn about farming practices with a heavy focus on protecting ecosystems and regenerating the land while growing food.

Trash Trout River Clean Out near Boone, NC 2-9
2024-02-09 14:00 - 16:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
Want to get in the river AND contribute to its health? Assist with cleanout and inventory of trash types and brands found within the Trash Trouts. This week’s trash trout clean out will be at Winkler’s Creek. Made from recycled materials, this passive litter collection device will be sure to get you asking questions and feeling good about what we can do to mitigate the trash found in the river.
We’ve got the boots and waders, just bring your love for river health! Sign up so we know your sizes and how many people to bring equipment for.
Kids are welcome at this event, however, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the event.
Please Bring:

Water
Snacks

Trash Trout River Clean Out near Boone, NC 3-8
2024-03-08 14:00 - 16:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607

7th Annual Bill Beazel/Allen Robbins Memorial Tailwater Roundup in Bluff City, TN
2024-03-09 08:00 - 15:00 | Bluff City Boat Ramp, Bluff City, TN, 37618
Come join our friends from the Overmountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited for a clean-up in Bluff City, Tennessee. They have teamed up with local fishing guides, paddling enthusiasts, and community members to host this event for the 7th year in a row on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers.
Pack your car with friends and family and join the annual effort to help our downstream neighbors keep their watershed beautiful!
There will be a celebration at the end of the day with food and prizes. Bags and gloves will also be provided. Our water team will be there as well to support their cleanup efforts to protect our valuable river resources.
WHERE
Watauga River
Ingles parking lot
768 W Elk Ave
Elizabethton, TN 37643
After party is at Watauga River Lodge 643 Smalling Rd, Watauga, TN 37694.
For more information about the event or after-party click here.

World Water Day 2024 with MountainTrue's Clean Water Teams
2024-03-22 - 2024-03-25 | NC
Join us as we celebrate World Water Day throughout our regions. What is World Water Day, you might ask? It’s a day to acknowledge and appreciate the importance of water and the hard work we do around protecting and conserving this precious resource.
Throughout the Southern Blue Ridge, our 4 Riverkeepers and Western Region Water Quality Team diligently work to ensure the health and safety of our rivers, streams, and lakes so they can be resources we can enjoy today and into the future.
On March 22nd, World Water Day here is where you can catch us:
Asheville, NC: We will be at The Rad Brew Co. in Asheville, NC, from 5 to 7 pm. Chat with French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson, and grab a glass of “Stream of Conscience”. A portion of proceeds from “Stream of Conscience” beer sales will benefit the work of MountainTrue.
French Broad Riverkeeper, Hartwell Carson
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Boone, NC: Catch Watauga Riverkeeper, Andy Hill and the High Country Water Team at AMB from 5-8 pm. Raise a glass to over 50 years of the Clean Water Act! Come visit the MountainTrue team at AMB and lets cheers to fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water. We couldn’t have good beer or good fishing without good water!
Peace, Love and Water Symposium at Appalachian State University (ASU) from 3-5 pm. Visit the Watauga Riverkeeper team at ASU’s World Water Day celebration! This event will have tabling activities, geology museum tours, and presentations from local water activists. Thank you to our friends at the Office of Sustainability for having us!
Watauga Riverkeeper, Andy Hill
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Hendersonville, NC: Catch Green Riverkeeper, Erica Shanks at Trailside Brewing Company from 5-8. Come listen to music and grab a drink (n/a options also available).
Green Riverkeeper, Erica Shanks
Shelby, NC: Broad Riverkeeper, David Caldwell will be at Newgrass Brewing from 4-7 pm.
Broad Riverkeeper, David Caldwell
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And on Monday, March 25th we’ll be in Bryson City at Mountain Layers Brewing Co. from 5 to 7 pm. Come chat with Western Regional Director, Callie Moore and learn more about our restoration work at Island Park, the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, Swim Guide, and more!
Western Regional Director, Callie Moore
Let’s give a cheers for our hardworking Riverkeepers and Clean Water Team!

CANCELED: Macroinvertebrate and Water Quality Volunteer Training in Saluda, NC
2024-04-13 09:30 - 16:00 | Saluda Library, 44 W Main St, Saluda, NC, 28773
This event has regretfully been canceled. Join your Green Riverkeeper for a full day of volunteer training for our Clean Water programs! Most of the day, you will learn about our SMIE (Stream Monitoring Information Exchange) program, which looks for macro-invertebrates in our local creeks and streams to determine stream health.
We will also add time to discuss and demonstrate how to take samples for our summer Swim Guide E. Coli monitoring and monthly samples for our VWIN (Volunteer Water Information Network) program.
The morning session will be classroom-style at the Saluda library. In the afternoon we will be on private property at Big Hungry sampling for bugs in a gorgeous location! (Registrants will follow each other to the private location day of training.)
We are limiting class attendance to 15 people to ensure everyone has a great hands-on experience. After the training, you can sign-up to volunteer with our clean water programs that stand out to you!
Participants need to be prepared to get into the creek in the afternoon. Waders will be provided but shoes that can get wet and go over the wader booties are required.
**Please be prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen and any medical supplies participants may need. There are local spots to grab lunch after the morning session to take to the afternoon location, or participants may bring their own lunch.
**For questions about future opportunities, please email erica@mountaintrue.org

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Appalachian State University's Earth Day Expo in Boone, NC
2024-04-19 13:00 - 16:00 | NC
Appalachian State University’s Earth Day Expo will be centered around the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with Watauga Riverkeeper representing Goal #6, Clean Water and Sanitation.
Other community partners and organizations will represent the other 16 goals, creating a unique way for students and other community members to see the region’s dedication to sustainability and wellness for all. Stop by and say hi!
The Expo will take place at Appalachian State University’s Sanford Mall: 300 Locust St, Boone, NC 28608
Parking is available on King Street.

French Broad Paddle Trail Clean Up - Redmon Dam River Access near Marshall, NC
2024-04-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Redmon Dam River Access, 2753 Redmon Rd., Marshall, NC, 28753, United States
In honor of Earth Day MountainTrue members and the general public are invited to help clean up trash at Redmon Dam River Access in Madison County. Come help remove litter, illegally-dumped construction and industrial garbage, and tires from an otherwise lovely public access point to the French Broad River near the town of Marshall.
MountainTrue will provide trash bags and removal of collected garbage, but volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves, along with clothing that can get wet and dirty. Please also bring a change of clothes for afterwards, along with drinking water and snacks. This event will also be an opportunity to learn more about the French Broad Paddle Trail and other aspects of the French Broad Riverkeeper progam.
This event is kid friendly but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the full duration of the event.
Parking is limited so we will meet at the Ingles in Marshall to carpool.
We hope you will join us!

MountainTrue Spring Clean on the Green with Co-Founder of LiquidLogic Kayaks, Shane Benedict in Saluda, NC
2024-05-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Join MountainTrue’s Green Riverkeeper and Liquidlogic Co-founder Shane Benedict for the 14th Annual Green River Spring Cleaning!
We’ll meet at the Fishtop Access at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 4th where we will divide into teams and then get on the river to pull out as much litter as possible before the summer paddling season. We need paddlers of all skill levels to tackle each section of the Green from the Upper Green below the Tuxedo hydroelectric station, through the Narrows, down the Lower Green, and to Lake Adger.
*Roadside clean-up is also an option for folks who do not want to get on the water!
Bring your: boat, paddling gear (including life jacket), snacks/lunch, water, sunscreen, any necessary medical supplies you may need, and be prepared to get dirty and wet.
This is not a guided adventure but a volunteer clean-up event. Please make sure you are comfortable on the section of river you are cleaning on as there will not be a “guide” specifically leading you down the river. Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the entire duration of the clean-up.
MountainTrue has a limited number of duckies and gear if needed, but you must register in advance.
Stick around for the after party in downtown Saluda at the Spring Green Bash with Green River Adventures! There will be a boat raffle to support the Green Riverkeeper program!

Headwaters Outfitters' Annual Upper French Broad River Clean-Up Day in Rosman, NC
2024-05-18 09:00 - 15:00 | Headwater Outfitters Outdoor Adventures, 25 Parkway Rd, Rosman, NC, 28772
Join French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, Jack Henderson, as he participates in Headwaters Outfitters’ Annual Upper French Broad River Clean-up Day.
This is not a MountainTrue-hosted event. Headwaters Outfitters supports MountainTrue, and we would love to help them in return.
Event info:
The French Broad River Clean-Up remains the best volunteer gig in town! Since the inception of “The Upper French Broad River Clean Up Day” in 1992, the annual river clean-up has netted more than 3,500 garbage bags, 4,500 old tires, and roughly 15 additional tons of trash along the upper French Broad. Over 3,000 volunteers have participated in the event, many returning year after year.
Volunteers show up at Headwaters Outfitters at 9:00 am. Everyone will be assigned Headwaters Outfitters canoes (2 people max per canoe, no kayaks please), paddles, life jackets, and garbage bags. Participants should bring sturdy gloves, river shoes, and tools such as trash grabbers or long-handled barbecue tongs to grab trash with. It’s always a good idea to bring a change of clothing for afterwards! After a light complimentary sponsored breakfast, volunteers will hit the river to collect as much trash as they can. Volunteers need to have solid paddling skills, be team players, and be ready to get dirty and work hard. Headwaters Outfitters will provide transportation to and from the river for the start and end of the day. Once back at the shop, a sponsored lunch will be provided thanks to generous donations from community members and businesses.
All volunteers must pre-register via Eventbrite to secure your spot. Space is limited.
Contact Danielle for more information or questions regarding this event at danielle@headwatersoutfitters.com

Headwaters Fun Float near Lawndale, NC
2024-06-08 10:00 - 15:00 | NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch, 4933 Casar Road, Polkville, NC, 28136
We are heading up to the South Mountain foothills for a fun paddle on the cool, shady waters of the First Broad River. Just downstream from the South Mountain Game Lands and one of our few Outstanding Resource Waters, this is some of the cleanest and life-filled water in the Broad River basin. The water is likely to be pretty shallow and “bony”, that is, we will be scraping and dragging over quite a few rocks and gravel beds.
Meet up at the brand new NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch (NC 10 PFA, 4933 Casar Road) at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload boats and gear, then take all of the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling.
Please bring:

your boat
paddle
lifejacket (PFD)
water
lunch
sunscreen
sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops)
towel
dry change of clothes

We have a limited number of boat rentals available for an add-on fee (4 available) so reserve your spot early.
**If you are renting a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
For safety reasons, this event is limited to participants aged 18 and older.
The rain date for this event will be June 22nd so please hold both days on your calendar.

MountainTrue river cleanup presented by Wicked Weed and Dewey Property in Asheville, NC
2024-06-08 12:30 - 17:30 | Craven Street River Access, 192 Riverside Dr., Asheville, NC, 28801
Join MountainTrue, Wicked Weed, and Dewey Property to cleanup our rivers!
Participants will meet at the Craven Street access on June 8 at 12:30 pm. We will then shuttle up to the Swannanoa at Biltmore Village and paddle and clean our way back. Stick around for the after-party at The Outpost. We will buy folks a celebratory Wicked Weed beer, provide appetizers, and have prizes for the weirdest trash collected.
We have a limited number of boats available to borrow, so make sure to register early if you need one. If you plan on bringing your own boat, please remember a paddle and your personal flotation device (PFD).
Children are allowed if they are comfortable in a canoe and can walk along the river for several hours picking up trash. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
Please remember to bring: snacks, water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes that can get wet, clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and a change of clothes and towel (if desired).
A HUGE thank you to our sponsors for this event:

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series
2024-06-08 16:30 - 22:00 | Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Beech Mountain Summer Music Series is back! Come jam out with us on the mountain and say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
June 8th Line-up: String Cheese Incident with the Wood Brothers
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

Waterkeepers Carolina Paddle Parade with MountainTrue in Boone, NC
2024-06-22 09:30 - 12:30 | Boone Skate Park, 200 Casey Ln, Boone, NC, 28607
Throughout the last week of June, Waterkeepers Carolina has made a uniform effort to get folks on the water with their Riverkeeper. This FREE float will be featured by Waterkeepers Carolina, MountainTrue, and Conservation Network! Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of celebrating community, clean water, and the beauty of the High Country.
The float should be around 3 hours total, with around a 20-minute shuttle back to the cars.
You can bring your own boat (and lifejacket) or rent a boat from MountainTrue but hurry, we have a limited number of available boats.
Children aged 5 and up are welcome to attend as long as they are with a parent/guardian for the duration of the outing. All skill levels of paddling are welcome.
Please remember to bring: Water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, towel & change of clothes for after and your life jacket if you are bringing your own boat.
Rain Date: June 29th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure attendance.

Trash Trout Cleanout in Boone, NC 6/28
2024-06-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
Want to get in the river AND contribute to its health? Assist with cleanout and inventory of trash types and brands found within the Trash Trouts. This week’s trash trout cleanout will be at Winkler’s Creek. Made from recycled materials, this passive litter collection device will be sure to get you asking questions and feeling good about what we can do to mitigate the trash found in the river.
We’ve got the boots, waders and gloves, just bring your love for river health! Please provide boot/wader size for all registered participants.
Kids are welcome at this event, however, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the event.
Please Bring:

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

French Broad River Clean-Up – near Alexander, NC with Pirani 7/2
2024-07-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Alexander River Park, 2590 Old Marshall Highway, Alexander, NC, 28701
In celebration of Plastic Free July, MountainTrue is partnering with Pirani to clean up the French Broad River! Together, we aim to inspire our community to reduce waste, Leave No Trace, opt for reusables versus single-use items, and adopt sustainable living practices.
This clean-up will focus on the riparian areas of the river between Ledges River Park and Alexander River Park along Riverside Drive in northern Buncombe County. This will be a walking-based clean-up, focused on removing litter and larger items along the river and the road between these two parks.
MountainTrue will provide trash bags and buckets, grabbers, and garbage removal. Volunteers should bring their own gloves.
Children are welcome to attend this event, however, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
Please remember to bring:
Change of clothes for after the event
Drinking water
Snacks
Gloves
This event will be rain or shine (with the exception of heavy rain).

Beech Mountain Brewing Co Presents: Bluegrass Jam benefiting MountainTrue in Beech Mountain, NC
2024-07-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Beech Mountain Brewing Co., 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy., Beech Mountain, NC, 28604
Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is thrilled to announce a special benefit concert featuring bluegrass sensations Shadowgrass, with opener Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road. The event will take place on July 2, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available for $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. Space is limited, so attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early. All proceeds from the concert will support MountainTrue and the Colon Cancer Coalition, two organizations dedicated to vital causes in our community.
This family-friendly event offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy high-energy bluegrass music while supporting important initiatives. Kids under 12 get in free, making it an ideal outing for families. Attendees can look forward to a range of activities, including inflatables for children, a photo booth, and more. Dinner options will also be available, so plan to come early and enjoy a meal before the music begins.
About the Beneficiaries:
MountainTrue: Dedicated to protecting the natural resources of Western North Carolina, MountainTrue focuses on clean water initiatives and preserving our rivers and natural landscapes.
Colon Cancer Coalition: This organization raises awareness about colon cancer, supports families affected by the disease, and funds critical treatment and research efforts.
Join us for an evening of lively bluegrass, community spirit, and support for these incredible causes. Don’t miss out on this unique event at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. – secure your tickets now and be part of a memorable night of music and philanthropy.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Asheville River Day Cleanup presented by Lua Flora and the French Broad Riverkeeper Team in Asheville, NC-CANCELED
2024-07-13 11:00 - 16:00 | Craven Street River Access, 192 Riverside Dr., Asheville, NC, 28801
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret that the French Broad Riverkeeper must cancel the clean-up portion of this event. The music event is happening as planned. We hope you will consider attending to support Lua Flora and the other talented musicians. More information about Asheville River Day Concert can be found here.

French Broad Paddle Trail Clean Up Alexander to Walnut 7/19 near Alexander, NC
2024-07-19 09:00 - 14:00 | Alexander River Park, 2590 Old Marshall Highway, Alexander, NC, 28701
MountainTrue members and the general public are invited to help clean up trash with French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, Jack Henderson. The clean up will focus on the French Broad River between Alexander River Park and Walnut Island River Park in northern Buncombe County. This will be a paddle-based clean up, with the option to stay on land to clean up the access points and roadside areas if paddling is not of interest.
MountainTrue can provide canoes to volunteers with previous canoeing experience, but attendees are otherwise requested to bring their own boats. If you don’t have a boat, or have limited canoeing experience, you are welcome to come and help clean up the access areas.
There might also be an option to paddle out-and-back to Whittier Branch Island, a future Paddle Trail campsite, to clean up trash from the island and return to Alexander River Park (not paddling downstream). Overall, there are class 1-2 rapids on this section of river that require some knowledge and experience with paddling, especially with boats filled with collected garbage.
MountainTrue will provide a limited number of canoes, paddles, and PFDs. PFDs must be worn by all participants, so if you bring your own boat, bring a PFD. MountainTrue will also provide trash bags and removal of garbage. Volunteers should bring their own gloves.
Children are welcome to attend this event as a Paddle Access volunteer. They may be on the water if they have prior paddling experience. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
Please remember to bring:
Change of clothes for after the event
Drinking water
Snacks
Lunch
Gloves
PFD if bringing your own boat
This event will be rain or shine (with the exception of heavy rain). The event will be canceled if water levels are too high or too low.

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series 7/19/24
2024-07-19 16:30 - 22:00 | Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Beech Mountain Summer Music Series is back! Come jam out with us on the mountain and say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
July 19th Line-up: Need to Breathe with Yola!
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series 7/20/24
2024-07-20 16:30 - 22:00 | Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Beech Mountain Summer Music Series is back! Come jam out with us on the mountain and say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
July 20th Line-up: Dispatch with Maggie Rose!
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

Support the Watauga Riverkeeper at Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series 7/21/24
2024-07-21 16:30 - 22:00 | Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Beech Mountain Summer Music Series is back! Come jam out with us on the mountain and say hi to the Watauga Riverkeeper and members of the clean water team!
We are proud to appear at this series. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a sponsor of MountainTrue and the Watauga Riverkeeper. Help us support our supporters!
*Don’t forget to grab your MountainTrue and Watauga Riverkeeper merch at the event!
July 21st Line-up: Greensky Bluegrass!
This is a RAIN OR SHINE Event!
4:30PM: GATES FOR VIP OPEN / 5:30PM: GATES OPEN FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN (set times subject to change at artist discretion)
The shows are set to start at 7PM and are open to all ages (children 5 and under for free!)
Purchase tickets at: https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2024/
VIP Tickets: $250 Advanced
General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

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

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

Trash Trout Cleanout in Boone, NC 7/27
2024-07-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
