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Calling All RiverRATS

As the new school year begins, it's time to welcome more RiverRATS lessons! Our free in-school program offers engaging activities about stream ecology to students across the region. We aim to get students outdoors and help them connect with their environment.

Research shows that spending just 10 minutes in nature can improve children's attention, reduce stress, enhance self-discipline, and boost enjoyment in learning.

Our program takes students to local streams where they explore these natural habitats and discover the critters that live there. When a field trip isn't possible, we bring the stream to the classroom with interactive models and simulations. If you're interested in having us visit your school, check out our website for more details.

Creating a Climate-Resilient Lawn

This summer, our region has seen weather extremes on both ends of the spectrum – drought in June and frequent heavy rain in July. Not all plants can deal with these extreme conditions; many lawns suffered during June’s scorching heat and sparse rainfall. Traditional lawns, which are primarily non-native turf grasses like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, are not adapted to many of the environments in which they are planted.

In addition, lawns are remarkably bad for the environment in a variety of ways. Click below to learn how traditional lawns actually create harm, compared to alternatives that utilize native plants, and learn ways you can create more sustainable, diverse, and climate-resilient habitats at home. We love the local meadow expert working with RiverLink to improve Karen Cragnolin Park: Patchwork Meadows.

Reducing Roof Runoff—It’s Only Natural

We’re excited to announce our new Reduce Roof Runoff project, designed to help residents in three impaired watersheds keep stormwater on site and reduce the negative impact of runoff on our waterways. Through this program, we will be providing free and half-price rain barrels or redirecting a downspout to an existing green space for qualifying residents in the Central Asheville, Smith Mill Creek, and Upper Swannanoa River watersheds. This year-long project is sponsored by the Buncombe County Clean Water Fund. Head over to the project page and check the watershed maps to see if you qualify for free gear and a consultation!

Masterworks Of Nature: Eastern Box Turtle

This month’s sticker celebrates the Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)—a familiar creature once so common it became our state reptile. Fun fact about their life history: females dig a nest in sandy or loamy soil—hence their preference for sites near streams—and the sex of the hatchlings is determined by the nest temperature, with warmer nests producing females and cooler nests producing males.

Unfortunately, this turtle is now classified as vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation and illegal collection for the pet trade. You can help by furthering any turtle trying to cross the road in the direction it was headed! The first 20 donors of $25 or more each month will receive our latest Masterworks sticker…as you help RiverLink advance the conservation of all native river creatures.

Celebrating the Corp of This Work

If you’ve worked with RiverLink over the past year, you've likely met one of our three incredible AmeriCorps members: Sandra Villasenor, Elijah Charette, and Leeah Sutton. At the end of July, these three celebrated their Project Conserve graduation, marking a year of outstanding service with RiverLink.

During their time with us, they educated thousands of youth and adults about water quality, restored and stewarded acres of public green space, and passionately advocated for the health of the French Broad River. We are immensely grateful for their contributions to RiverLink and the community.

We’re thrilled that Elijah and Leeah will be returning for a second term to continue their excellent work. Meanwhile, Sandra, who just completed her second term with us, is embarking on her next big adventure. She has been an invaluable member of our team, and while we will miss her, we know she will achieve great things in her future endeavors.

Cool Events and More

• River Cane Work Day: Join us Wednesday, August 14 to remove kudzu crowns and other invasive plants from the river can patch we are stewarding!  We will meet at 10am at 8 River Arts Place and walk over from there. Sign up here.

• Volunteer Educator Training: Learn how you can be a part of our youth education programs. 10am-12pm on Saturday August 31 at the RiverLink Office, sign up here.

• Karen Cragnolin Park Workday: Join us as we work to manage invasive plants along this public greenway. 10am-12pm on Wednesday September 4 at 190 Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, sign up here.

• Runners For The River: You’re invited to sign up for the inaugural French Broad 10-Mile Relay, celebrating three Women Who Saved the French Broad — author and historian Wilma Dykeman, community advocate Jean Webb, and RiverLink founder Karen Cragnolin. The race is set for September 21; teams can register here now through September 15. Come and enjoy the exciting finish at Jean Webb Park in the RAD!

• Don’t Miss This: Check out the Exploration Local podcast featuring our Watershed Resources Manager Renee Fortner to hear a conversation about revitalizing the French Broad River. Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Buzzsprout, and more. 

Thanks for being part of our French Broad River community!

RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality
of the French Broad River and its watershed. Please join us with a gift today!