|  |  |  | Do it for the Darter Can a tiny fish inspire us to take small actions that restore the health of the Swannanoa River after a disaster and give us hope for our own recovery and resilience? We believe so. That’s why we’re highlighting the Swannanoa Darter as a symbol of the collaborative work underway to improve water quality, restore damaged streambanks, and strengthen flood resilience in the Middle Swannanoa River watershed. Named for the river where it evolved over millennia, the Swannanoa Darter thrives in cool, clean water with rocky streambeds that are free of excess sediment. Floodwaters from Hurricane Helene scoured the banks of the Swannanoa River, damaging important habitat by stripping away trees and vegetation that once shaded the water and anchored soil with their roots, allowing heavy erosion and sediment to wash into the river. Despite these impacts, a post-storm survey found that the Swannanoa Darter is still present in the river—a hopeful sign for the watershed’s recovery. Small actions can make a big difference. Planting native trees and shrubs along streambanks and keeping sediment from construction and other land-disturbing activities out of waterways will help protect this remarkable fish and restore the health of its namesake river. Check out our blog to learn more about the Swannanoa Darter, and help spread the word by visiting our Redbubble site for Swannanoa Darter merchandise. |
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|  | | Voices of the River Contest | Call for Student Artists & Poets We’re excited to invite young people across the French Broad River watershed to participate in our 18th Annual Voices of the River Youth Art & Poetry Contest! This contest gives K-8 students a chance to share their creativity and connection to local waterways through words and visuals. This year’s theme, “Rhythms of the River | How does water shape your community?”, encourages students to explore movement, change, and the ways water influences the places we live, including reflections on recent experiences of change and recovery in our region. Submissions are due April 3, 2026, and all entries will be displayed at a public gallery event on May 9 at RiverLink’s office in the River Arts District. Families and community members are invited to attend and celebrate the creativity of young artists and writers from across the watershed. We’re incredibly grateful to this year’s prize donors, whose generosity helps make this experience extra exciting for participating students. |
| | From art classes and outdoor gear to books, food, and fun experiences, these prizes celebrate creativity, exploration, and connection to our community! |
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|  |  | Enjoy the Birds of our Rivers & Streams If you're out and about along the French Broad River this spring, take a look or a listen for one of these easy-to-spot members of the avian community -- all of which live in close association with flowing water. Audio clips are below, because sometimes you hear them before you see them: 1. Great Blue Heron - This stately bird is frequently seen at a bend in the French Broad River or cruising the bank with slow, majestic wingbeats. It often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades with deliberate steps before striking lightning fast to seize a fish or snap up a frog. In flight, look for their S-shaped neck and long legs trailing behind. Great Blue Heron Call 2. Belted Kingfisher - With its top-heavy physique, energetic flight and rattling call, the Belted Kingfisher is conspicuous as it patrols the river. It burrows along earthen banks and feeds on aquatic prey, diving to catch fish and crayfish. Kingfishers are unusual in that females are more brightly colored than males. Belted Kingfisher Call 3. Bank Swallow - These little birds zip through the air with quick twists and rapid wingbeats. You can see them in chattering nest colonies dug into the banks along the river, or in flocks as they catch insects over the water. Look for the brown band across the upper breast. Bank Swallow Call 4. Wood Duck - The male of this species is a resplendent paddler on the French Broad, but in spring the female is hidden high in a tree cavity near the river with her eggs. We can’t resist sharing video of the fledglings emerging for their first “flight” — if you can call it flying. 5. Louisiana Waterthrush - The ringing song of this bird—sounding a bit like the rushing streams that are its home—is one of the first signs of spring in WNC. This bird stays close to high-quality forested streams and creeks, and it’s easily recognized as it bobs its tail end almost constantly. Louisiana Waterthrush Call |
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|  |  | 40 Years of Impact RiverLink is returning to our roots in our 40th year, as the river’s recovery continues. Each month we’ll be sharing some blasts from the past, like this interesting piece of community history penned by our founder, Karen Cragnolin. And if you walk the greenway this week — did you know it was the vision of Karen, Jean Webb, author Wilma Dykeman and other locals that made it happen? |
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|  |  | Land Trust Alliance Accrediation As an accredited land trust serving the French Broad River watershed, RiverLink works to permanently protect lands that are vital to the health of our rivers and streams. Our conservation portfolio focuses on riparian lands—floodplain habitat that helps filter runoff, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. As we seek reaccreditation through the national Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission, we invite community members to share feedback related to how RiverLink complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications.To learn more about the accreditation program or to submit a comment, please visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org or email your comment to [email protected]. Comments may also be mailed to: Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Comments on RiverLink’s application will be most helpful if received by July 24, 2026. |
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| | Other News & Events -
There are only 2 spaces left in this year’s RiverCamp sessions! Join us for a week-long day camp where we visit local streams, waterfalls, national parks and more while exploring topics of environmental science and outdoor recreation. Sessions are $400 for the week, you can learn more and register here. -
Swing into spring on March 21, 11-3pm with a Jazz Brunch at French Broad River Brewery, celebrating its new seasonal brew, The Maybach. Then from 6-9. The Company Swing Band will get dancers out on the floor. RiverLink will receive $1 from every pint sold in their family- and pet-friendly tap room! -
Are you an afterschool group, summer camp, or summer learning program that is looking for hands-on, STEM enrichments this summer? We offer freshwater ecology lessons, as well as nature-based art programs to local youth organizations at no cost. Please contact [email protected] to discuss collaboration this summer. -
The River Arts District has been voted Best Arts District in USA TODAY’s 10BEST contest. It’s especially meaningful as the district continues to rebuild after Helene damaged or destroyed 80% of artist studios and businesses here. |
| | 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! |
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