5Point Adventure Film Screening benefiting MountainTrue in Brasstown, NC-CANCELED
2024-05-21 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Kula Wellness Center, 136 Emily Ln, Brasstown, NC, 28902
We regret to announce that this event has been canceled. Please keep an eye on our e-newsletter for future film screenings later this year. If you feel up to an adventure, tickets are still for sale for the Asheville, NC showing on Tuesday, May 21st.
MountainTrue is excited to announce the 5 Point Film Festival presented by Mosaic Realty!
Join us at Kula Wellness Center on Tuesday, May 21st for an evening of fun, adventure and community. Beer and wine will be available for purchase and we will have simple movie snacks.
Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the show starts at 7:30. Come early to get a seat, grab your refreshments and chat with MountainTrue staff.
**Members of MountainTrue receive a discounted ticket price. Not a member of MountainTrue? Join now!
**Ticket purchases are non-refundable (but rest assured, your ticket sales go to fund the work of MountainTrue).
About 5Point Film
OUR MISSION is to build community and inspire change by showcasing and celebrating impactful stories of adventure. We are dedicated to uplifting diverse storytellers and stories that allow us to better understand the world around us.

Film line-up (subject to minor changes):

JACKSON GOLDSTONE – SOLO (3 mins)
DIRECTOR: SCOTT SECCO
PRODUCERS: SEB KEMP, DANIEL GILLOOLEY
(CANADA, 3 MIN)
When he’s not turning heads trackside, Jackson Goldstone will be found turning trails into his own personal playground. While his 9 to 5 is piloting his Syndicate V10 downhill bike down heinous tracks in pursuit of podium glory, he absolutely loves to get out on his local trails with his daily driver and have some fun.ABOVE THE NOISE (6 mins)
DIRECTOR: ADAM DE SILVA
PRODUCER: EXPLORE IMPOSSIBLE
(UNITED KINGDOM, 6 MIN)
Above The Noise is a documentary short that explores how athlete Maja Kuczynska uses the sport of skydiving to escape the chaos of the modern world.CANYON CHORUS (17 mins)
DIRECTOR: CHRIS CRESCI
PRODUCER: DAVIS LOVE
(USA, 17 MIN)
Set against the backdrop of Desolation Canyon, UT, Mikah Meyer, a world-record traveler and LGBTQ+ advocate, reflects with three close friends and his mentor, Larry Edwards, on their stories and the power of mentorship within the queer community.SOUNDSCAPE 14
DIRECTOR: TIMMY O’NEILL
(USA, 15 MIN)
Soundscape features Erik Weihenmayer, a global adventure athlete and author who is completely blind, as he ascends a massive alpine rock face deep in the Sierra Nevada. Using expert camera work from Mikey Schaefer and emotive, novel animation to bring to life a concept by adaptive climbing pioneer Timmy O’Neill, the film is a surprising and soulful adventure.ELLADJ (6 mins)
DIRECTOR: MIKE SCHWARTZ
(CANADA, 6 MIN)
Elladj follows the remarkable journey of Elladj Balde, a Canadian figure skater who found his voice and fan base through wild ice-skating. The film centers on the transformative power of embracing one’s passion over measurable results.
**INTERMISSION**

SLIDES ON THE MOUNTAIN (30 mins)
DIRECTOR: SETH GILLIS
PRODUCERS: SANDY WARD, ALINE MAYERHOFFER
(CANADA, 30 MIN)
Two brothers from the Lil’wat Nation, Ricky and Talon, set out to ski Ts’zil (Slides On The Mountain) but face a steep learning curve before they can make their historic attempt.
FALL HARVEST (3 mins)
DIRECTOR: KEENAN DESPLANQUES
(USA, 2 MIN)
In 2023, Nicholi Rogatkin had a season-ending injury and was forced to sit out for the summer. Fall Harvest highlights the magic of getting back on a bike again after an injury.

STRONG GRANDMA (15 mins)
DIRECTORS: CECILIA BROWN, WINSLOW CRANE-MURDOCH
PRODUCER: CECILIA BROWN
(USA, 15 MIN)
95 year old Catherine Kuehn is a world record winning deadlifter. As she prepares for her last competition she reflects on the love, and the loss, that brought her to this moment.
WATCH THE TRAILER!
A HUGE Thank you to our Event Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors: Mosaic Realty Agents: Caley Bowman and Rika Taylor

Supporting Sponsors: Altura Architects, Youngblood Bicycles and Second Gear.

5Point Adventure Film Screening benefiting MountainTrue in Etowah, NC
2024-05-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Etowah’s Lion Club, 447 Etowah School Rd, Hendersonville Rd., NC, 28739
MountainTrue is excited to announce the 5 Point Film Festival presented by Mosaic Realty!
Join us at the Etowah Lions Club on Tuesday, May 21st for an evening of fun, adventure, and community.
Doors open at 7 pm, and the show starts at 7:30. Come early to get a seat, pick up some MountainTrue merchandise and chat with MountainTrue staff.
**Members of MountainTrue receive a discounted ticket price. Not a member of MountainTrue? Join now!
**Ticket purchases are non-refundable (but rest assured, your ticket sales go to fund the work of MountainTrue).
About 5Point Film
OUR MISSION is to build community and inspire change by showcasing and celebrating impactful stories of adventure. We are dedicated to uplifting diverse storytellers and stories that allow us to better understand the world around us.
Film line-up (subject to minor changes):

JACKSON GOLDSTONE – SOLO (3 mins)
DIRECTOR: SCOTT SECCO
PRODUCERS: SEB KEMP, DANIEL GILLOOLEY
(CANADA, 3 MIN)
When he’s not turning heads trackside, Jackson Goldstone will be found turning trails into his own personal playground. While his 9 to 5 is piloting his Syndicate V10 downhill bike down heinous tracks in pursuit of podium glory, he absolutely loves to get out on his local trails with his daily driver and have some fun.ABOVE THE NOISE (6 mins)
DIRECTOR: ADAM DE SILVA
PRODUCER: EXPLORE IMPOSSIBLE
(UNITED KINGDOM, 6 MIN)
Above The Noise is a documentary short that explores how athlete Maja Kuczynska uses the sport of skydiving to escape the chaos of the modern world.CANYON CHORUS (17 mins)
DIRECTOR: CHRIS CRESCI
PRODUCER: DAVIS LOVE
(USA, 17 MIN)
Set against the backdrop of Desolation Canyon, UT, Mikah Meyer, a world-record traveler and LGBTQ+ advocate, reflects with three close friends and his mentor, Larry Edwards, on their stories and the power of mentorship within the queer community.SOUNDSCAPE 14
DIRECTOR: TIMMY O’NEILL
(USA, 15 MIN)
Soundscape features Erik Weihenmayer, a global adventure athlete and author who is completely blind, as he ascends a massive alpine rock face deep in the Sierra Nevada. Using expert camera work from Mikey Schaefer and emotive, novel animation to bring to life a concept by adaptive climbing pioneer Timmy O’Neill, the film is a surprising and soulful adventure.ELLADJ (6 mins)
DIRECTOR: MIKE SCHWARTZ
(CANADA, 6 MIN)
Elladj follows the remarkable journey of Elladj Balde, a Canadian figure skater who found his voice and fan base through wild ice-skating. The film centers on the transformative power of embracing one’s passion over measurable results.
**INTERMISSION**

SLIDES ON THE MOUNTAIN (30 mins)
DIRECTOR: SETH GILLIS
PRODUCERS: SANDY WARD, ALINE MAYERHOFFER
(CANADA, 30 MIN)
Two brothers from the Lil’wat Nation, Ricky and Talon, set out to ski Ts’zil (Slides On The Mountain) but face a steep learning curve before they can make their historic attempt.
FALL HARVEST (3 mins)
DIRECTOR: KEENAN DESPLANQUES
(USA, 2 MIN)
In 2023, Nicholi Rogatkin had a season-ending injury and was forced to sit out for the summer. Fall Harvest highlights the magic of getting back on a bike again after an injury.

STRONG GRANDMA (15 mins)
DIRECTORS: CECILIA BROWN, WINSLOW CRANE-MURDOCH
PRODUCER: CECILIA BROWN
(USA, 15 MIN)
95 year old Catherine Kuehn is a world record winning deadlifter. As she prepares for her last competition she reflects on the love, and the loss, that brought her to this moment.
WATCH THE TRAILER!
A HUGE Thank you to our Event Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors: Mosaic Realty Agents: Caley Bowman and Rika Taylor

Supporting Sponsors: Altura Architects, Youngblood Bicycles and Second Gear.

2024 MountainTrue Nolichucky BioBlitz in Erwin, TN
2024-06-01 09:00 - 16:30 | USA Raft, 2 Jones Branch Road, Erwin, TN, 37650
SAVE THE DATE! Each year, MountainTrue hosts a BioBlitz to record all the species we can find in a given area. We identify and catalog organisms using the online app iNaturalist. The BioBiltz this year will be on June 1st in Erwin, TN. There will be two options: a water-based adventure with a fee AND a land-based adventure that is FREE. Read on below for more information.
Come soak up the beauty of the Nolichucky River in Erwin, TN as we collect data to help support a Wild & Scenic Designation for this special place. This year’s BioBlitz will be based out of the USA Raft Adventure Resort. https://www.usaraft.com/
USA Raft has generously donated their facilities plus six guided rafts to take biophiles of all types down the Nolichucky Gorge, the deepest gorge in the Eastern U.S. and one of the best whitewater runs in the Appalachians. For just $120, you can have a full day adventure with lunch provided in a guided raft surrounded by experts in birds, vascular and nonvascular plants, insects, mammals, mushrooms and more. Rafts will stop at biological hotspots in the seldom explored Nolichucky Gorge. Participants may see rarities like hellbenders, piratebush, Virginia spirea, bleeding heart, ospreys, and eagles.
For land lovers, other groups will hike with experts in salamanders, mammals, plants, and mushrooms. One of our land based groups will spend the morning hiking and the afternoon snorkeling in the river, weather permitting. There is no ticket fee for the land-based BioBlitz. (No lunch is provided for land adventurers).*Group sign-ups are taken at the event and are first come, first serve. Group availability is subject to change.
Be sure to bring camp chairs and a change of dry clothes to share stories around the campfire from 4:30 p.m. on. Food and drink are available on site from the Take-out tavern, and there is usually live music on Saturday afternoons.
**Kids 10 years and older are welcome to join the water-based day if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the trip.**Kids aged 6 and up are welcome to join the land-based day if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the trip.
Meet-up location for both water-based and land-based events: USA Raft in Erwin, TN at 9 am with our investigating and documenting wrapping up around 4:30 pm.

Register:
Registration for the Water-based BioBlitz is now closed. Please contact amy@mountaintrue.org with any questions.

Register for Land-based BioBlitz!

Catch MountainTrue tabling at "Acid on the River" hosted by plēb urban winery in Asheville, NC
2024-06-01 12:00 - 21:00 | Pleb Urban Winery, 289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Catch MountainTrue staff tabling at “Acid on the River” hosted by our friends at plēb urban winery in Asheville, NC.
On June 1st, plēb urban winery will be releasing several wines in a lil’ celebration they call “Acid on the River”. MountainTrue will have a tent at the event as will some of our friends in the beer, wine, food, tattoo, charity, and art communities. No tickets are required for this event.
As is plēb tradition, come as you are… thirsty, hungry, and open-minded.
A little about plēb’s environmental initiatives:

by offering wine in kegs, they have saved approximately 8,000 bottles annually since 2019
they were nominated for the 2023 Visionary Leadership in Sustainable Business Award by the North Carolina Sustainable Business Council
they have partnered with Climate Hound (https://www.climatehound.io/) to reduce their carbon footprint

We are proud to support our friends at plēb urban winery and hope you will join us in supporting them!

WNC Sierra Club Monthly Program - Preventing Urban Sprawl in Asheville, NC (featuring MountainTrue's N4MN Program)
2024-06-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Reuter Center, 300 Campus View Rd., Asheville, NC, 28804, United States
Could something as simple as building more houses in town help abate climate change? We’ll explore the answers to this question and more at this Sierra Club meeting on June 5.
We know that healthy communities exist within the context of a healthy environment — and right now, both are threatened. There is a housing shortage across the country, with many hard-working families unable to find a place to live. There is also a climate crisis, with greenhouse gas emissions threatening the stability of all our planet’s ecosystems and biodiversity.
Join us as we hear from MountainTrue’s Susan Bean and Eva Snyder about Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC (N4MN), which aims to help create healthier communities for all of us while also reducing our carbon footprint.
The WNC Sierra Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month in Room 102 at UNCA’s Reuter Center/OLLI on 300 Campus View Rd. and simultaneously on Zoom. Our programs are free and open to the public. Can’t make the meeting? Don’t worry – recordings of the programs are posted on our website a week after the meeting. For more information or for the Zoom link, please contact WNC Sierra Club Chair Judy Mattox at judymattox15@gmail.com or by phone at (828) 683-2176.

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

Pint night at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Mills River, NC Benefiting MountainTrue
2024-06-11 17:00 - 20:00 | AMB Mills River, 46 N Mills River Road, Mills River, NC, 28759
Stop by Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) in Mills River to chat with MountainTrue staff, pick up some MountainTrue merch and grab a cold beverage! $1 of all beer pours on June 11th will benefit MountainTrue.
Can’t make it on June 11th? You have all of June to support AMB and MountainTrue! MountainTrue is proud to be AMB’s featured nonprofit for the month of June. $1 of all Czech One, Two pours during June will go to benefit MountainTrue.
We appreciate the partnership between Appalachian MountainBrewery and our High Country Office, and are excited to build on that relationship in the Southern Region at their new Mills River location. Come on out to say hi and help us support our supporters!

Pint night at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone, NC Benefiting MountainTrue
2024-06-11 17:00 - 20:00 | AMB-Boone, 163 Boone Creek Dr., Boone, NC, 28607
Stop by Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) in Boone to chat with MountainTrue staff and grab a cold beverage! $1 of all beer pours on June 11th will benefit MountainTrue.
Can’t make it on June 11th? You have all of June to support AMB and MountainTrue! MountainTrue is proud to be AMB’s featured nonprofit for the month of June. $1 of all Czech One, Two pours during June will go to benefit MountainTrue.
Come on out to say hi and help us support our supporters!

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

Visit the Watauga Riverkeeper Team at Boonerang in Boone, NC
2024-06-15 17:00 - 22:00 | NC
The third annual Boonerang Music & Arts Festival is back and better than ever! This free community festival has celebrating Boone artists and culture at its core. Come visit the Watauga Riverkeeper table, say hello and pick up some fresh 2024 merch!
This is a family-friendly event that is fun for all ages. They will have a touch tank with macroinvertebrates for all ages to learn about water quality and the connection to aquatic insects.
Visit https://www.boonerangfest.com/ for all information and details!

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.

Snorkel the French Broad River's Headwaters in Rosman, NC
2024-06-22 10:00 - 14:00 | Champion’s Park River Access, Champion Park's River Access - 39 Old Turnpike Rd, Rosman, NC, 28772
Join MountainTrue staff and partners for a guided snorkeling experience on the French Broad River’s headwaters at Champion Park in Rosman, NC. Come immerse yourself amongst the vibrant and diverse aquatic life calling the cold, clear, waters of the upper French Broad home. Our guides will be Luke Etchison – Western Region Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Coordinator with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Kevin Merrill – Owner & Biologist with Oxbow River Snorkeling.
Luke and Kevin have intimate knowledge of the fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates on this particular site and within Western North Carolina in general. You’ll learn about what you’re seeing, the conservation and preservation efforts occurring to help protect these species and their habitats, and other regional water quality and outdoor recreation projects happening throughout the watershed.
Masks, snorkels, wetsuits, and booties can be rented through our partnership with Mountains to Seas. If you rent equipment, please make sure to complete ALL of the sizing fields for each ticketed guest to ensure we get the correct size for wetsuits and booties.
Due to the sensitivity of the site and the capacity of our guides, we will be limiting this adventure to two separate two-hour time slots with no more than ten people each.
The first tour starts at 10:00 AM and the second tour at 12:00 PM.
Please Note that snorkeling tours like this one are at the mercy of Mother Nature. High water velocity and poor visibility following a heavy rain event may create conditions unfavorable for this activity to continue as planned. If this occurs for our scheduled date, we will unfortunately need to cancel and refund any expenses.
Register:
**If the ticket type or timeslot that you need are not available please contact amy@mountaintrue.org for assistance or to be put on the waitlist. Registration will close on June 14th.
Register for the 10am tour
Register for the 12pm tour

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

Michael Franti and Spearhead in Asheville, NC benefiting the French Broad Riverkeeper Program!
2024-06-28 17:00 - 22:00, 2024-06-29 17:00 - 22:00 | The Salvage Station, 466 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC, 28804, United States
Join us for the 2024 Michael Franti & Spearhead concert at the Salvage Station! We are thrilled to announce TWO nights in 2024: June 28th and 29th! Proceeds from the concert support the work of the French Broad Riverkeeper, a program of MountainTrue and the primary protector and defender of the French Broad River watershed. Get your tickets now!
Doors open at 5:00 pm and music starts at 6:00 pm. Please visit the Salvage Station’s event page for the most up to date information, tickets, parking information, and other FAQs.
Don’t forget to stop by the MountainTrue merch table to pick up your reusable tumbler from our generous supporters at Pirani! Custom engravings are available for a minimum suggested donation of $5. What better way to commemorate your experience AND support MountainTrue! *Tumbler sales and engraving donations go to benefit MountainTrue.

Beech Mountain Guided Herpetology and River Ecology Evening Hike in Beech Mountain, NC
2024-06-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Buckeye Recreation Center, 1330 Pine Ridge Rd, Beech Mountain, NC, 28604, United States
Bored on a Friday night and interested in amphibians, reptiles, and river ecology? This is the event for you! Our MountainTrue team is partnering with friends from Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation and Lees McRae to host a guided herpetology/river ecology evening hike!
Join us for an evening of learning about the river and all of its critters (and maybe meet a new friend!) This event is kid-friendly if the young ones can stay up a little later.
Contact mrobinson@townofbeechmountain.com or hannah@mountaintrue.org with any questions/concerns about the guided adventure!
Be sure to dress appropriately for an evening hike (good shoes, water, and a change of clothes if you desire).

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.

MountainTrue Presents Brainy Brews: French Broad River Edition in Asheville, NC
2024-07-10 18:00 - 19:00 | The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Have you ever wondered if the French Broad River is safe to play in? Join MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper, Hartwell Carson, to learn more about the state of the French Broad River and MountainTrue’s current initiatives to improve the health of our River, and how you can help.
Our friends at The Rad Brewing Company have generously donated their space for this event. Seating is first come, first serve so come early to grab your seat and refreshments. If you’re thirsty, a percentage of proceeds from the “Stream of Conscience” beer will benefit the work of MountainTrue (while supplies last).
**Popcorn is available at the brewery but guests are welcome to bring in their own snacks and food.
While you are not required to RSVP, it will help us to have a headcount for the event.

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

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

6th Annual Broad River Race Day and Fun Float in Mooresboro, NC
2024-07-20 13:00 - 16:30 | Lake Houser Put In, NC
Join us for the 6th annual Broad River Race Day! We welcome folks to race at their own pace and enjoy these 5 miles on the most beautiful stretch of the Broad River. Remember, the hare may not always outrun the tortoise!
This race only has two rules: – You MUST wear a PFD. – No motors allowed
Paddle solo, tandem, or with as many people as will fit in your boat. We will meet at the Lake Houser put in at 1:00 sharp to drop off boats. As you come down Lake Houser Road, bear off to the right onto the single-lane paved road into Lake Houser Adventures. Just before the Lake Houser swimming pool, take a right onto a dirt road and pass through the gates to the ATV park. Parking and the put-in are straight ahead on the river’s shore, where we will drop off boats. From there, we will take vehicles to the Broad River Greenway.
Meet-up coordinates: 35.220426, -81.731488
There is a $5 parking fee at Lake Houser and Greenway. Betsy the Turtle drops, and the race begins at 2:00 pm. And we’re off to paddle or float at your own pace. The first person, or first team, across the finish line, wins a MountainTrue gift bag and takes possession of the Turtle until next year’s race.
Youth with paddling experience are welcome on this trip. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18 for the entire duration of the outing.
We do have up to 4 boats available for rent. If you rent a boat, please call David @ 704-300-5069 to confirm the PFD (life jacket) size.
The rain date for this event will be August 3rd. Please hold both dates on your calendar.

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
