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Warmer, Wetter, Wilder | Climate Change Can Deliver a Deluge

As RiverLink works to protect the vitality of the French Broad River and the many streams that join to form her main stem, we must address the additional challenges climate change brings to bear in our region. An increase in extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tropical depressions and intense thunderstorms as well as prolonged periods of drought are some of the effects of climate change already impacting Western North Carolina and our beloved French Broad River.

In urban areas like Asheville and Hendersonville, an increase in development combined with more intense rain events create a perfect storm of conditions that lead to more stormwater runoff. As development covers more natural areas with hard surfaces, rainwater is no longer able to sink into the ground where it falls. Fortunately, there are many solutions available to help us manage our stormwater while providing additional benefits to our communities. Click below to learn more about these issues and how green infrastructure can help address the problem. 

Poison Ivy | Naughty, Nice & Nuanced Native

Poison ivy often gets a bad rap, but this vining plant native to Western North Carolina offers numerous ecological benefits. In our latest blog post we explore the role that poison ivy plays in soil health and the lives of other wildlife. We also highlight how to differentiate between poison ivy and Virginia creeper, another beneficial vine. With this knowledge, you can appreciate the value of both plants while staying safe. Finally, make sure to read about our favorite natural remedy to soothe that irritating itch from your latest adventure around poison ivy.

Masterworks | French Broad River Crayfish

Our Masterworks Sticker Series continues this month with the threatened French Broad River crayfish. Every month, the first 20 donors of $25 or more will receive one of these cool stickers! This native crustacean is listed by the NC Wildlife Resource Commission as a species of special concern, making them a rare find in the wild. With their tough exoskeletons and large claws, these crustaceans can be a menacing predator for the smaller fish and insects in the stream. Did you know that crayfish have teeth that help them eat their prey? These teeth might not be where you'd expect, to find out their surprising location and learn other interesting facts about the French Broad River crayfish check out the quiz on our Instagram page (linked below).

Rivers Link Us All

Award-winning NC author Charles Kuralt writes about how rivers run through our history and folklore, and link us to each other and to the interdependent web of life. These linkages may seem hidden at first – similar to how our waterways gather unnoticed through the tiniest underground channels – yet when all these streams join, they form something mighty.

Many of you have received our June appeal letter. We appeal to you twice yearly because we know the impact our supporters make if they join together — to create river parks and greenways, restore streams and native habitats, and reduce our continuing impact on the French Broad. If you have already made a gift, we thank you! If you have yet to give, please accept this invitation to join the gathering stream of support for this important work. You’ll be part of a steady force for a better French Broad River!

Other News

• KCP Workdays extended: We are continuing our work to create a wildflower meadow at Karen Cragnolin Park. We will hold public volunteer days August 7th, September 4th, and October 2nd. Sign up on our website.

• Welcoming our new intern: We are thrilled to have Zoe Montgomery interning with us this summer through the SECU Public Fellows Internship Program. Learn more about her background on our website.

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!