Get Outside WNC is an organization dedicated to the exposure of, education of, and conservation of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Through memorable group hikes that get us in nature, Get Outside WNC raises money for local outdoor programs. This Winter the beneficiary of hikes is MountainTrue.
We are thrilled to announce our first Asheville-based Annual Native Perennial and Shrub Sale. Get a jump start on Earth Day and take steps to get your yards and gardens back to their "roots.
The Watershed Gala is an upscale social gathering that celebrates good water quality still being measured in many rivers, lakes, and streams and recognizes those who work to sustain it. This year’s event will be shorter and slightly less formal, featuring a menu of heavy hors d'oeuvres, along with wine, beer, sodas, and water.
Do you want to improve your ability to identify trees in all seasons? Winter is the time to do that! On this hike up we will be treated to an afternoon in an ancient oak forest and views from a granitic outcrop. Along the way, participants will learn both basic and advanced techniques for tree identification. We will also discuss forest ecology, wildlife habitat, and more.
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.
There is a 90% chance of rain on Saturday, March 9th so we must cancel this event. We hope to reschedule this at a later date.
MountainTrue is hosting the 18th Annual Winter Bird Watch outing around Lake Chatuge! Participants will meet at Chatuge Dam and carpool/caravan to various sites around the lake. Typically 18-25 different species of birds are observed on the outing, ranging from small songbirds to larger birds of prey and wintering waterfowl associated with more northern climes (like loons!).
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.
Everywhere we look in our culture, you will find plastic. One place where you will not find plastic, however, is in the Bible. Join us for a conversation about plastic and the call to a genuine faith with special guests Avery Davis Lamb (Co-Director of Creation Justice Ministries) and Anna Alsobrook (MountainTrue Watershed Science and Policy Manager).
Join the City of Hendersonville for this month’s Green Drinks to hear from City Sustainability Manager, Caitlyn Gendusa about various sustainability initiatives the City is working on. Participants will hear updates on topics such as zero and low-emission transportation, waste management, energy efficiency, and more. There will also be an update on the City’s first Sustainability Strategic Plan, which is expected to be finalized and adopted this spring. This plan includes a public input survey currently available online for community members to provide their feedback.
Enjoy a guided hike with MountainTure Biologist Josh Kelly at one of the earliest blooming wildflower sites in Western North Carolina. The moderate, four-mile hike will include information on wildflower identification, tree identification, and forest ecology. This has been a popular outing in years past.
Can't join us for the Green River Cove Wildflower Walk near Saluda on March 17th but want to gather with your fellow MountainTrue supporters and staff? Join us for a casual hangout at The Green River Brew Depot from 5:30-6:30 pm.
Come out to help with planting 1500 native live stakes this dormant season at Bryson City Island Park. MountainTrue West will be holding this community volunteer workday on February 21 to install various species of live stakes for bank stabilization, wildlife habitat, and beautification as the next step in the Island Park Bank Restoration Project. Gloves and tools are provided but you are welcome to bring your own tools if you wish.
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.
Come plant native trees with MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper at the historic former site of Wards Mill Dam! This project has been completed for 2 years, and we are able to continue repairing the vegetative buffer thanks to support from TVA’s Shade Your Stream program and the Tennessee River Basin Network.
The original forests of the Blue Ridge had trees of all ages and sizes. Large, old trees were abundant. The onslaught of industrial logging removed most of those forests, but due to the ruggedness of our mountains and sustained conservation over generations, at least 3% of the Southern Blue Ridge is in old-growth condition. Josh Kelly has spent years documenting and protecting old-growth forests on public land. Josh will take you on a 45 minute, coffee inspired, exploration of our region's old-growth forests, including where to find them, how to recognize them, and the deep values they represent.
Wait - so you’re saying that you did NOT read the 150+ page report that came out just before the holidays? I feel you. And this event is for you. We want everyone to understand what is meant by the term missing middle housing - because it may not be what you expect. We also want to talk about why it might be a very good thing for our community if we could get more of it. Attendance is free but we ask that you RSVP in advance.