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Swim Guide Launch and Volunteer Training in Banner Elk, NC 5/12/22

The Valle Crucis Community Park 2892 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis, NC, United States

We are excited to announce the official launch of the 2022 Swim Guide sampling season! Swim Guide sampling will begin May 25, and we need volunteers to collect water samples every Wednesday throughout the summer. Sites include various swimming and recreational sites along the Watauga (NC & TN), Elk, and New rivers. We are adding several new sampling sites this year that we need a group or an individual to adopt. The E. coli results are uploaded as pass/fail and updated every Friday on www.swimguide.org to provide the public with up-to-date recreational bacteria levels. If you are interested in becoming a Swim Guide volunteer with us please attend this training session to learn more about the program and testing procedures.

Free

High Country Habitat Restoration Coalition Workday 5/20/22

Join members of the High Country Habitat Restoration Coalition on May 20 from 4-6 p.m. at Valle Crucis Park to remove non-native invasive species along the pathways and trails. We will be working to eradicate invasives. Bring your love of native plants and your desire to keep Boone beautiful!

Free

Waiting List: Guided River Snorkel in Banner Elk, NC 5/28/22

Join MountainTrue’s High Country water team and take the plunge to explore the unique ecosystems of the Watauga River through a guided snorkel trip. Much like ocean reef snorkeling, river snorkeling allows you an unparalleled viewpoint to explore all the nooks and crannies of your local river. By peeking under the water, you can find yourself swimming alongside darting fish or face-to-face with the tiny insect larvae that feed them. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a Hellbender. MountainTrue will provide snorkels, view buckets, and waders. Please, no children under 13 and we ask that all participants know how to swim. Registration is required.

$20 – $30

Price Lake Paddle in Blowing Rock, NC 7/22/22

Interested in exploring the beautiful scenes of the blue ridge parkway and meeting fellow environmental enthusiasts? Come paddle on Price Lake with the Watauga Riverkeeper and the water team staff. This event will be BYOB (bring your own boat!) but the kayak and canoe rentals are available on-site at Price Lake. This is one of our most pristine Swim Guide sites, with gorgeous mountain views located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Registration is required for this event.

$5 – $15