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Downspout Disconnect: Embrace the Rain, Skip the Drain

When it rains, it pours—but have you ever thought about the water that falls on your roof? A one-inch rainstorm can generate more than 700 gallons of runoff from a typical roof. This water usually flows into rain gutters and then into downspouts; however, a problem arises when these downspouts direct the runoff onto paved surfaces like driveways and into the storm sewer on the street, ultimately transporting pollutants it picks up along the way into the nearest stream. The sheer volume and velocity of runoff flowing into our creeks and streams contribute to pollution and erosion in local waterways and can exert overwhelming pressure on the landscape and manmade infrastructure, particularly during heavy rain events.

"Downspout disconnect" is a sustainable solution that redirects rainwater from the stormwater system and back into the soil for natural filtration. Disconnecting includes cutting the downspout, and attaching elbows and extensions to direct water away from buildings and toward permeable surfaces. This simple and cost-effective practice manages your runoff on-site, recharging groundwater, nourishing vegetation, and fostering a healthier ecosystem. Downspout disconnect has numerous additional benefits—it alleviates pressure on stormwater infrastructure, mitigates the risk of flooding, and supports plantings of all kinds while reducing your water bill!

So next time it rains, take a moment to reflect on the impact of rainfall from your roof. Check out our WaterRICH guide for details on implementing a downspout disconnect, and become part of the collective effort to safeguard our waterways.

Gathering Streams to Restore an Ancient River

The challenges before us are great. In an era of increasing development, 19 miles of the French Broad plus 12 miles of the Swannanoa and numerous tributaries are now classified as Impaired under the Clean Water Act. It’s going to take some major changes to restore the full measure of health to this ancient river. We need to change hearts and minds, and create best practices at a watershed scale. We are proposing a region-wide PR campaign, and commitments from hundreds more volunteers, landowners, government officials, donors and others. Our children are counting on us.

RiverLink is extremely grateful for donations of all sizes — and this month we’re announcing an opportunity for river lovers with philanthropic capacity to leverage significant change. We’re calling this leadership-level group the Watershed Society — recognizing the broad, lasting impact needed for the restoration of the French Broad — and all who live alongside her.

The Watershed Society recognizes supporters who invest $1,000 or more annually, providing an essential driving force behind the important work ahead.

We’ll regularly share the impact of your support and inspire you with stories of how this river connects us. If you are already a member at this giving level, we thank you. If you are ready to join, we welcome you to this opportunity to be a changemaker for the French Broad — showing everyone downstream that we value clean water and care for the land. Learn more here.

As always, tremendous gratitude to everyone who supports our work. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Empowering Futures: Education Partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters

This past month we had a chance to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the well-known organization dedicated to providing mentorship and guidance to young people. Together, we are working to create unforgettable experiences and foster a deeper appreciation for nature by getting kids outdoors and engaging them in hands-on learning about freshwater ecosystems. This collaboration not only promotes environmental stewardship but also encourages personal growth, inspiring the next generation of environmental advocates. By immersing themselves in the beauty and intricacies of freshwater ecosystems, these young people will cultivate a profound connection to nature and gain invaluable knowledge that will empower them to protect and conserve these vital habitats for years to come. We look forward to an enriching partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, as we work together to create memorable experiences for some very deserving kids.

Unveiling the Secrets of Japanese Honeysuckle

Discover the captivating world of the invasive Japanese honeysuckle in our latest blog post. Learn about its origins, rapid spread, and ecological impact on native species and habitats. Delve into the fascinating adaptations that have allowed Japanese honeysuckle to outcompete native plants, and the challenges it poses to biodiversity. Gain insight into the importance of managing invasive species and discover sustainable alternatives to support a healthy environment. Click through to explore ongoing efforts to control this invader and promote a healthy native ecosystem in the French Broad drainage.

Other News

• RiverLink is honored to be awarded two grants from Buncombe County’s Community Investment program. The Strategic Partnerships program awarded $11,200 to a project in Black Mountain that will reduce the impact of polluted stormwater in the impaired Swannanoa River. And the Tipping Point program awarded $5,000 to remove invasive plants and create a pocket park along the stream on Florida Ave. in West Asheville. These projects are just two RiverLink has on tap to help Buncombe County realize its vision of high quality waters for future generations.

• This month, we bid farewell to Katy Palombi, our Finance & Operations Manager, as she embarks on a new adventure. Katy has made a significant impact on our organization, the community, and the river during her five years with us. She will be joining the French Broad River Academy to work on resource development, continuing her dedication to education and conservation. While we will miss Katy dearly, we are thrilled for her and wish her the best of luck in her new role. Thank you, Katy, for your invaluable contributions, and we look forward to witnessing your continued success.

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!