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Help Shape the Vision for a Resilient RAD

The River Arts District (RAD) is at a pivotal moment post-Helene. While many areas of the RAD are back in full swing, many are still recovering, creating an opportunity to incorporate increased flood resilience in this next chapter. Led by the design firm Sasaki, RiverLink and UnifiedRAD just completed the first round of in-person charrettes gathering information from representative RAD landowners, businesses, residents and the creative community to help ensure all continue to flourish in this unique place. It’s part of a grant-funded effort that aims to revitalize the RAD as a thriving cultural epicenter for all the creative arts—while building in greater flood resilience across the district for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.

Sasaki’s next step is a survey to gather more specific information from anyone who loves the RAD to help to inform and identify catalyst projects that support river-compatible land uses, public amenities, and user experiences throughout the district The project is guided by three key goals: 1) supporting the creative community so that artists, makers, and cultural organizations can flourish; 2) strengthening flood resilience in the built environment to protect people, property, and the river herself; and 3) enhancing the RAD’s sense of place to promote long-term economic vitality and ensure it remains a destination for locals and visitors for decades to come.

We want to understand what makes the RAD special to you and what challenges and opportunities you imagine for its resilient future. Please share and complete the survey by September 1. 

 

A River Runs Through Us: Middle Swannanoa River Restoration

Wildlands Engineering has finished a detailed study of streambank damage and opportunities to establish more flood resilience along a 6.9-mile stretch of the Middle Swannanoa River. This section of the stream extends from the outskirts of Black Mountain through the heart of Swannanoa to the western side of Warren Wilson’s campus. The total cost to address the damage and make the river more flood-resilient is estimated at $10-$13 million. Click here for more information on the study’s findings.

 

RiverLink is making a multi-year commitment to helping the Swannanoa community recover by securing funding and partnerships to restore damaged river banks and improve flood resilience. Outreach to landowners will begin in September. If you own land along this section of the Swannanoa River, keep an eye out for a postcard with information on how to contact RiverLink if you're interested in taking part in a project on your property. We are grateful to the Community Foundation of WNC for funding this study. 

 

Enjoy These Upcoming River Events

No Water, No Beer – Please join us for the return of this annual fundraiser for RiverLink and the Environmental Quality Institute on Thursday, September 25 at Burial Beer’s Forestry Camp location. Last year’s event was canceled as Helene arrived; this event will celebrate the recovery milestones we’ve helped manifest, and stoke our shared commitment for the ongoing journey ahead. A $35 ticket gets you a drink, delicious food, and a chance to win some great river-oriented prizes. We look forward to reconnecting with our clean-water community! Order tickets here.

RISE – Enjoy this one-day fly fishing festival hosted by Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins, celebrating the resiliency of the French Broad River community and its stewards: conservation nonprofits, outdoor guides and outfitters. This event is FREE for all ages and includes activities like casting and fly-tying competitions, clinics, kid-friendly programming, raffles, and shoppable A-frame cabin “takeovers” by outdoor brands. Come see us at the RiverLink table! RSVP for updates and more information: Learn more here

 

Transition Time | Staying grounded for start of school

For parents, children, and teachers, the start of a new school year brings both excitement and anxiety. This transition awakens fresh energy and delivers new experiences, and it’s important to help our children feel grounded throughout. 

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process by which young people and adults understand their emotions and demonstrate empathy toward others, as they make responsible decisions, achieve goals, and build healthy relationships. Parents can use the following SEL tactics to support children experiencing back-to-school stress: 

  • Make extra time to check in with your child and listen to their needs and experiences 
  • Strengthen routines such as bedtimes, playtimes, meal times, and homework times
  • Teach children to monitor their basic needs, e.g. through snack & water breaks
  • Make a plan with your child and problem-solve when issues arise at school 
  • Reach out to teachers and keep communication lines open 
  • Notice your own emotional states and model calm behavior for children
  • Demonstrate healthy coping skills and help children practice coping skills they favor
 

Spotlight on Volunteerism | Southside + Volunteer Days

We will be hosting volunteer days at our Southside Stormwater Project this fall. The project is located at the Erskine Apartments off Livingston St. in Asheville. Originally, water flowing through the site ran down a concrete ditch along a chainlink fence that cut through the community, often flooding a parking lot before being piped into Town Branch and finally the French Broad River. Today, this site has several rain gardens, a stream that falls down stepped rock, and a wetland that supports numerous native plant species and attracts wildlife. These systems allow water to slow down and sink into the ground, dramatically reducing occurrences of flooding. The project is now two years old, and we would love your help to maintain the native ecosystem diversity. Volunteer with us for our Southside Saturdays: September 20, October 18, and November 15.

 

Spotlight on Generosity | Thirsting for Good

RiverLink is thrilled to be included in Highland Brewing’s “Thirst For Good” nonprofit sponsorship program this year. Thirst is, of course, one of our most fundamental drives; but our two organizations share another set of convictions around environmental sustainability and community impact for good. From Highland’s use of repurposed shipping containers to their solar array – which can produce enough energy to fully power the brewery’s operations – we applaud Asheville’s first and North Carolina’s largest homegrown, family-owned brewery.  What’s not to love about high-quality beer crafted in a place we care about?

 
 

Other News

  • Seeking Teachers in Henderson County - We are looking to connect with schools in Henderson County for our RiverRATS Education Program. We provide free hand on environmental science activities that address a variety of curriculum standards. Learn more here. 

  • 16th Annual West Asheville Garden Stroll - explore some beautiful local gardens on Saturday September 13th from 11AM-4PM. We are so grateful to their grant program that has provided funding for several RiverLink projects in past years. Learn more here.

  • Drink-to-Donate - Join us from 5:30-7:30 on Sept. 5 at New Belgium Brewing to kick off this campaign. For every 12-pack of Mountain Time Lager sold in September, $1 will go to recovery efforts led by Mountain True and Riverlink. Try your hand in a paint-by-number community art piece designed by Asheville artist Kathryn Crawford!

 

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!

Contact Us

information@riverlink.org | 828-252-8474

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