Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Thank you for your ongoing interest, support and investment in RiverLink -- especially at this moment in French Broad history. We are grateful for the opportunity to champion and advocate for our rivers as the region continues recovering. Below we share reflections on the past year to highlight the impact of our work, including our response to Helene. Tremendous gratitude to every one of you for being part of RiverLink's journey here.

Lisa Raleigh | Executive Director

New Division | Recovery + Resilience Planning

In the weeks following the disaster, RiverLink launched a new division, led by our executive Director and PhD hydrologist, Lisa Raleigh, to confront the long‐term challenges exposed by Hurricane Helene. The environmental cost of Helene will take years to fully understand, meanwhile, the social and economic costs are staggering.

In response, this division has begun integrating the rivers' hydrological realities into recovery efforts, ensuring that our waterways have a voice and a seat at the table as critical decisions are made. As Lisa puts it, “These rivers are our region's economic, recreational, and environmental backbone, and it's imperative that their repair and restoration is included in our recovery. In order to gain resilience, we must make way for these dynamic waterways, especially in their developed floodplains." Watch this space for updates as we pursue strategic opportunities to increase community resilience throughout the heavily damaged Swannanoa and French Broad River watersheds.

Land Resource | Stewarding Land for a Resilient Future

Our Land Resources Program focused on revitalizing critical public spaces and promoting sustainable land stewardship throughout 2024. By mobilizing volunteers and leveraging strategic partnerships, we made measurable progress in preserving our natural landscapes.

 

Our work to protect and steward land became more critical than ever following Hurricane Helene. Since then, we have been working closely with our Water Resources team on our Adopt-a-Stream Program to repair eroded streambanks with volunteers, we have repaired and we continue to steward our public parks, and we have been supporting efforts to make all properties in our portfolio more resilient in a time of changing climate.

 

Water Resources | Reducing Runoff to Protect Clean Water

This past year, our Water Resources Program took major steps to safeguard water quality by reducing stormwater runoff and curbing erosion. In 2024, we partnered with local communities and employed a multitude of techniques to make our waterways cleaner and more resilient.

In response to Helene, we launched our Adopt A Stream program to assist property owners with streams that experienced erosion caused by Helene. With community volunteers, we are repairing eroded streambanks and installing native plants that will prevent further erosion. Visit our website for volunteer opportunities or to see if you qualify for this program. 

 

Education | Redefining Relationships for the Next Generation 

In 2024, our educational initiatives empowered students to form meaningful connections with nature through creative, hands-on experiences. We deepened our community partnerships with schools and out-of-school providers, bringing the outdoors into the classroom and taking students into nature to learn, explore, and grow.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our Education team introduced hands-on workshops and field experiences focused on water quality, water infrastructure, nature-based art, and emotional regulation. These programs not only helped students understand the real-world impacts of environmental challenges but also provided a space for them to process their experiences and rebuild their relationship with the natural world.

 

RiverLink has been humbled by your belief in and support for our work – never more than in the weeks following Helene. We know that our waterways connect us — but this community has risen to the occasion in a time of crisis, nearly doubling our Annual Fund goal and energizing work to restore and preserve this ancient network of waterways like never before. Volunteers and supporters continue rallying for our rivers and streams, and it is deeply gratifying to witness. On behalf of all who depend on the well-being of the French Broad River — thank you.

 
 

We are excited to continue the important work of protecting the French broad River with new and expanded projects coming in 2025!

With deepest gratitude for your support.

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

Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences