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

9th Annual Sarah Sweep and First Broad River Festival near Lawndale, NC
2024-09-07 10:00 - 21:00 | Double Shoals Mill, 199 Old Mill Rd., Shelby, NC, 28150, United States
All are welcome to join us on this lovely section of the river that Sarah Spencer held dear to her heart. While paddling the shallow, shaded, cool waters between rock cliffs and rhododendrons, Sarah would always stop to pick up any litter along the way. Sarah, Beejay, Billy, and Davey died tragically in 2016 in a car accident. This event is in remembrance and honor of these friends and their love for our river.
Meet us behind Double Shoals Mill at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 7th (35.381188, -81.544954). We will drop our boats there beside the river and take vehicles down to Zion Church Rd., then catch a shuttle back to the mill to begin.
Please remember to bring: your boat, paddle, lifejacket, water, lunch, sunscreen, gloves, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), and a dry change of clothes. We have some extra kayaks available only if you reserve them in advance.
After the clean up we will head back to the Double Shoals Mill for an evening of fabulous local music and food at the First Broad River Festival. We hope you will stay and join us. More details will be sent out to participants who register below.
Volunteers and kids under the age of 8 eat FREE. If you are not volunteering but want to join for music and food, you can purchase a ticket for $20.

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

Catch MountainTrue's Watauga Riverkeeper Team at King Street Farmer's Market on 9/10 and 9/24
2024-09-10 15:30 - 18:30, 2024-09-24 15:30 - 18:30 | 126 Poplar Grove Connector, 126 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC, 28607
Come visit the MountainTrue booth at the King Street Market on September 10th and September 24th, and stock up on fresh, local food and crafts. This spacious, outdoor market every Tuesday is designed with working families in mind to give them the perfect opportunity to shop locally during the week. Be sure to grab your Hellbender and Riverkeeper merchandise, as well as find out what fun events are coming up!
Catch us 9/10 and 9/24!

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.

MountainTrue 2024 Annual Gathering in Asheville, NC
2024-09-14 15:30 - 17:30 | Devil’s Foot, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28803, United States
You’re invited to the Annual MountainTrue Member Gathering on Saturday, September 14th. We will be back at Devil’s Foot Beverage in Asheville, NC this year.
Come early at 3 pm to meet our Board Members. General programming will begin at 3:30 pm and will include reflecting on our achievements to date in 2024 and honoring outstanding Volunteers. We will have heavy snacks and MountainTrue will cover the cost of your first beer, wine or n/a beverage.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Stick around after the business wraps for a fiery round of MountainTrue-themed trivia.
This event is open to current members of MountainTrue. Check your current membership status here or by emailing 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!
This event is free to current members but, if you would like to help us cover the cost of the event, the suggested donation per attendee is $25. This can be made as an additional donation on the registration form.

Invasive Plant Removal Workday at Richmond Hill in Asheville, NC
2024-09-15 13:00 - 17:00 | Richmond Hill Park, 300 Richmond Hill Dr, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
Richmond Hill Park is Asheville’s largest forested park and hosts miles of trails. Despite its suburban location, Richmond Hill has a diversity of native plants that are being choked out by non-native invasives. Participants will receive training in plant identification and in invasive species control methods. Join MountainTrue Biologist Josh Kelly to remove non-native invasive plants and help the native forest thrive.
Please remember to bring:
Two liters of water
Snacks
Sturdy foot wear
Long-sleeved shirt
Sun hat & sunscreen if desired
While we love our furry friends, pets are not allowed at this event. Kids that are willing to work hard are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the workday.
There is no rain date for this event. Please check your email closer to the date for any communications regarding event changes.

Brainy Brews: Solar Energy with Sugar Hollow Solar in Asheville, NC
2024-09-18 18:00 - 19:00 | The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Curious about solar energy? Come learn from our friends at Sugar Hollow Solar! At Brainy Brews on Wednesday, September 18th they will discuss what solar energy is, how it benefits the environment (and you), financial incentives and tax benefits for 2024, and steps for getting started. Don’t forget that Sugar Hollow Solar is providing a $300 donation to MountainTrue for anyone who signs a contract and mentions MountainTrue. They will also buy your first drink at the event if you bring your power bill. (Must be a homeowner). Join us as we work toward clean energy together.
We will provide light snacks but guests are welcome to bring their own food.
Seating is first come, first serve so come on the early side if you can to snag your spot.
RSVPs are not required but it will help ensure we have enough snacks for everyone.

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

Watauga Tailwaters Guided Paddle near Johnson City, TN 9/20
2024-09-20 11:00 - 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. Some of our best MountainTrue river experts have teamed up to spend the Friday afternoon on the water with you!
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.
We will meet at Blevins Boat Ramp and provide a shuttle and boats.
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: October 4th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure attendance.

Fall Float on the French Broad Paddle Trail with MountainTrue and Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman, NC
2024-09-21 10:30 - 15:00 | Headwater Outfitters Outdoor Adventures, 25 Parkway Rd, Rosman, NC, 28772
Come float the headwaters of the French Broad River with Headwaters Outfitters, MountainTrue, and local partners in celebration of North Carolina being the Great Trails State. The French Broad River was designated a Tennessee State Scenic River in 1968, a North Carolina State Trail in 1987, and officially launched as the French Broad Paddle Trail by MountainTrue and RiverLink in 2012. MountainTrue is North Carolina State Parks’ Partner Organization for the French Broad River State Trail and leads watershed-wide Paddle Trail efforts through its French Broad Riverkeeper program based in Asheville.
While the French Broad Paddle Trail flows for over 140 miles in both North Carolina and Tennessee, the upper sections in Transylvania County have become especially popular due to the plentiful access, calm water, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. This float will experience all of these factors as we travel from the river’s beginnings in Rosman to Headwaters Outfitters’ Hannah Ford Campground, a distance of 8 miles and approximately 3 hours. Before the float, we’ll present some light programming to cover the history, present status, and future plans for the Paddle Trail, and afterward – there’s an option to attend the annual “Paddle to the Pork Bluegrass Festival” happening at Hannah Ford Campground or be shuttled back to your car and head into Brevard for an evening of your choosing.
Participants should have prior paddling experience and be comfortable navigating their boat of choice in moving water. Boats and gear can be rented from Headwaters Outfitters, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Lunch will be eaten along the river, so plan to pack your own or reserve a catered option.
We hope you’ll join us for a beautiful start to autumn here on the French Broad River in Transylvania County.
Feel free to reach out to Jack Henderson, MountainTrue’s French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, at jack@mountaintrue.org with any questions.
Click this link for ticket options and to book your trip: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/headwatersoutfitters/items/544504/availability/1448057332/book/?flow=no&full-items=yes

Catch MountainTrue at Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) Oktoberfest in Mills River, NC on 9/21
2024-09-21 11:00 - 21:00 | AMB Mills River, 46 N Mills River Road, Mills River, NC, 28759
Oktoberfest is back and better than ever! Get ready for an all-day celebration filled with brews, brats, and belly-laughing fun! Come visit the MountainTrue table for some fun games, new merch and more information on all the activities we have planned this Fall and Winter.
Full event information can be found here.

Catch MountainTrue's Watauga Riverkeeper team at Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) Oktoberfest in Boone, NC on 9/21
2024-09-21 12:00 - 22:00 | AMB-Boone, 163 Boone Creek Dr., Boone, NC, 28607
Oktoberfest is back and better than ever! Get ready for an all-day celebration filled with brews, brats, and belly-laughing fun! Come visit the MountainTrue table for some fun games, new merch and more information on all the activities we have planned this Fall and Winter.
$5 cover at the door will be donated to charities.
Full event information can be found here.

2024 Fall ONLINE Native Tree & Shrub Sale with pick-up in MURPHY, NC: Orders now being accepted!
2024-10-01 - 2024-11-10 | MountainTrue Western Regional Office, 90 Tennessee Street, Murphy, NC, 28906, United States
Orders are now being accepted for the Western Region Native Tree & Shrub Sale with pickup in Murphy, NC! 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 21 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 Thursday, November 21st between 3 and 6 pm unless, due to exceptional circumstances, other arrangements are made PRIOR to placing the order.**
All plants are quality local nursery stock.
2024 tree & shrub species list / 2024 tree & shrub species descriptions
Orders will be accepted through 11:59 pm November 10th, 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 Thursday, November 21st between 3 and 6 pm.
**Please note: several of these plants and shrubs may be “dormant” or cut back. This is normal and not a cause for concern. Here is an article explaining dormancy in plants.
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.

**CANCELED**Urban Ebike Tour of Asheville 10/5
2024-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | The Flying Bike Tours, 1 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC, 28801
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 5.
Join MountainTrue as we team up with The Flying Bike to take out a fleet of electric bikes! We’ll start in the River Arts District and make our way 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, the infamous Pit of Despair and plans for the I-26 Connector. 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.
Following the bike tour, attendees are invited to join Chris for a casual member hangout at the nearby RAD Brewing (13 Mystery Street). Those who could not make the bike tour are invited to join us for an adult beverage at noon. (The Rad Brewing Co. will have beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages for sale).
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 12th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure that you can accommodate any changes in our plans.
Huge thanks to our friends at The Flying Bike for helping make this tour possible.

**CANCELED** Whitewater River Hike in Cashiers, NC
2024-10-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Forest Service Road 88, 35°02'30.1"N 83°03'46.2"W
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 5.
Visit the Whitewater Special Interest Area which is renowned for it’s unique flora and wildlife. The Forest Service attempted to log 15 acres of the Special Interest Area as part of the Southside Project but MountainTrue and our partners took legal action and won.
The hike will be 4-6 miles and will follow a gated Forest Service road for most of the length. The last portion of the hike will be on steep, uneven ground with no trail. The hike will proceed unless heavy rains or wind are in the forecast.
*Children are welcome if they can hike up to 6 miles without assistance. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing. Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the hike.
Please remember to:
-Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants.
-Bring water, lunch, snacks and any medications you may need
Carpooling details will be sent when you register but there will be carpools from Asheville and Cashiers, NC.

**CANCELED** MountainTrue Member Hang in Asheville, NC
2024-10-05 12:00 - 13:00 | The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED.
Have you been wanting to connect with your fellow MountainTrue members? Join Healthy Communities Director, Chris Joyell, and other members of MountainTrue for a casual hangout at The River Arts District Brewing Company on October 5th.
This casual hangout is happening directly after MountainTrue’s e-bike tour which has a rain date of Oct. 12th. If Oct. 5th is rainy, this hangout will be pushed back to October 12th. Please check the MountainTrue events page for any cancellation notices or email amy@mountaintrue.org
We hope to see you there. The more the merrier so bring some friends!

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

**CANCELED** Public Lands Program Meet & Greet in Cashiers, NC
2024-10-05 16:00 - 18:00 | Whiteside Brewing Company, 128 NC Hwy 107, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 5.
Come meet our Resilient Forests Program staff, including new Public Lands Engagement Manager, Kathryn Stahl! Enjoy a beverage courtesy of MountainTrue and learn more about our work.

**CANCELED** MountainTrue Volunteer Appreciation Party in Asheville, NC
2024-10-08 18:00 - 19:00 | The Outpost, 521 Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 8.
Have you volunteered with MountainTrue this year? We want to acknowledge and celebrate the folks who have gotten in the weeds and dirt (literally and figuratively) with us. Let’s be honest, we know time is precious. Any time you spend supporting our efforts is greatly appreciated.
Let us say thanks by buying you a drink, providing some light appetizers and a chance to hang out with fellow volunteers and MountainTrue staff.
We will be at The Outpost in Asheville, NC on Tuesday, October 8th from 6 to 7 pm. (If it’s raining, look for us under the covered area).
Don’t forget that MountainTrue volunteers are eligible for a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. To receive your complimentary membership, please email members@mountaintrue.org.

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

**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.

**CANCELED** Hellbender Puppet crafting night with Street Creature Puppet Collective in Asheville, NC
2024-10-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Asheville Mall, 3 S Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC, 28805
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 10.
Join MountainTrue and Street Creature Puppet Collective for an evening crafting props to use in the Holiday Parade in Downtown Asheville on November 23rd. (Stay tuned for more information on how you can be involved with the parade). Help with a giant 3 person Hellbender puppet, painting cardboard fish cut outs and more! Originally scheduled for September 24th this has been rescheduled to October 10th.
You don’t have to be crafty to join this evening of fun (kids are welcome!). Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty as we may be working with paint, glue, etc.
MountainTrue will provide light snacks and sparkling waters but participants are welcome to bring their own food and drink.
Specific instructions on how to find the studio will be sent once you register.

**CANCELED** Craggy National Scenic Area Hike near Asheville, NC
2024-10-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Big Butt Trail, 59700 Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Mountain, NC, 28711
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 11.
Congressman Chuck Edwards has the opportunity to make history by creating North Carolina’s first National Scenic Area, an idea which has broad local support. Come hike the Big Butt Trail with MountainTrue Biologist Josh Kelly and experience the beautiful forests, views, flora, and fauna of the Craggy Mountains.
The hike will be strenuous and will proceed unless heavy rains or wind are in the forecast.
*Children are welcome if they can hike up to 6 strenuous miles. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.

As much as we love our furry friends, no pets are permitted on this hike.
Please remember to:
-Wear sturdy hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather (including rain gear).
-Bring water, lunch, snacks and any medications you may need
Carpool from Asheville will meet at 9:15 at The Folk Art Center.
Photo courtesy of Steven McBride.

Broad River Fall Float near Shelby, NC 10/12--CANCELED
2024-10-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Broad River Greenway Canoe Access, 126 Broad River Drive, Shelby, NC, 28152, United States
DUE TO THE CATASTROPHIC EVENTS RECENTLY IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED. MOUNTAINTRUE IS FOCUSED ON RECOVERY EFFORTS. STAY TUNED FOR HOW YOU CAN HELP. 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.
Because of the rapids on this section of the river, all participants must be 18 and older and comfortable in a boat.
Please bring: your boat, paddle, and lifejacket, water, lunch, snacks sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), and a dry change of clothes. If you want to enjoy the scenery, you are encouraged to bring binoculars as well.
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
The RAIN DATE is October 19th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar.

**CANCELED** Trash Trout Cleanout in Boone, NC 10/17
2024-10-17 15:00 - 16:30 | Boone Fire Station #2, 1075 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC, 28607
**This Trash Trout was removed from Winkler’s Creek before the Tropical Storm and we’re not sure when we’ll be able to re-deploy it.**
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

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

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

Invasive Plant Workday at Pinnacle Park in Sylva, NC Fall Series 2024
2024-10-23 13:00 - 2024-11-06 16:00
MountainTrue, in partnership with the Mainspring Conservation Trust and the Pinnacle Park Foundation, is hosting a community volunteer workday to control non-native invasive plants and restore native habitat at the Pinnacle Park in Sylva. We will primarily be pulling up roots and using hand tools to remove invasive shrubs like Chinese privet, Autumn Olive, and Burning Bush then treating 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 need to be able to do strenuous physical labor in order to participate. Please leave pets at home.
Please bring:
Closed-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts recommended
Water
Medications you may need
Let’s work together to improve the wildlife habitat and natural beauty of Pinnacle Park!!
Contact western region program associate Eve Davis with any questions (wro-wq-habitat@mountaintrue.org).

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