Dear Friends,

Despite the challenges of adjusting to a "new norm" during COVID-19 I am happy to share that our good work of protecting the French Broad River watershed continues. Our Learn to Love the River email series continues to educate and inspire local youth and our Water Quality program staff are back out in the field working on invasive species removal and maintenance of stormwater control measures. We are also thrilled to announce (on what would have been Wilma Dykeman's 100th birthday!) that a conservation easement has been placed on the historic Wilma Dykeman homestead, ensuring its preservation in perpetuity. Read on for more details on these and other stories, and thank you for your support of river revitalization!

Sincerely,
Garrett Artz

Program Updates

 

Environmental Education

Clean Streams Day is going virtual! We're partnering with MountainTrue and Asheville GreenWorks to share a mix of educational videos and activities, action steps and petitions, and hands-on service opportunities to highlight the 44th Clean Streams Day. Connecting with our streams and rivers is vital during these difficult times, and we hope you will join us on social media from May 21-30 to learn about our waterways, create positive environmental change, and help clean up our community!

 

Water Quality

We're back in the field! RiverLink staff and AmeriCorps members have resumed field work after an eight-week hiatus due to COVID-19. We have implemented social distancing protocols for field work to ensure everyone's safety. Spring is our busiest season for invasive plant removal along streams and performing maintenance on stormwater control measures to ensure they are functioning properly. Everyone agrees that it feels good to be back outside working to restore critical habitat and keep our waterways healthy and clean.

 

Land Conservation

Today would have been Wilma Dykeman’s 100th birthday and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate her than with the announcement that a voluntary conservation easement has been placed on her historic homestead. The easement ensures protection of the rich natural habitat that makes up the homestead, as well as minimizes the impacts of residential development along the stretch of Beaverdam Creek that crosses the property. Click the link below to learn more about the easement and Wilma Dykeman's contributions to river renewal and revitalization.

 

Other News

Board Member Highlight

Anne Keller joined the RiverLink Board in October 2017. She spent her career of 30 years working for state and federal agencies on water quality, aquatic toxicology, and community sustainability. Throughout her career, she enjoyed the changing roles she played and the opportunity to contribute to protection of nature and the environment. Anne is passionate about RiverLink’s mission, contributing to the improvement of the river and its watershed, and continuing to learn about our region. She loves birding, working out, walking her dog, and traveling. Thanks for all you do Anne!

 

Volunteer of the Month

Philip Blocklyn (far left) is our volunteer of the month! Philip enjoys volunteering for several environmental conservation organizations, hiking in all seasons, and studying the historical development of libraries in the Asheville area. He currently serves on the board of the Friends of the North Carolina Room at Pack Memorial Library. He is a longtime volunteer at RiverLink, and we are always thankful for his dedication to the environment, his hard work and positive attitude!

 

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

 

Support Clean Water and the Protection of Natural Spaces

 
 
 

RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality
of the French Broad River and its watershed.

RiverLink
170 Lyman Street  | Asheville, North Carolina 28801
828-252-8474 | info@riverlink.org

Follow Us

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