|  |  |  | “Flashier” Floods On the Rise? Every year, millions of gallons of untreated stormwater runoff enter French Broad waterways from regional stormwater drainage systems. In low-lying areas, excess rain runoff can quickly cause significant flooding in a major storm. Flash flooding is more frequent in urban areas, since the additional hard surfaces—our roofs, streets, and parking lots—do not allow water to soak into the ground for slow processing as nature intended. To make matters worse, climate change is predicted to deliver more frequent and intense rain events. To reduce pollution, erosion, and sedimentation of local waterways, we must implement sustainable and resilient solutions. Click through to learn more about nature-based alternatives anyone can use to reduce urban flooding while supporting cleaner water in local streams. |
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|  |  | Coming Soon | Gateway to the Greenways RiverLink is thrilled to announce plans to develop its latest public green space designed to serve cyclists, runners, and pedestrians along the French Broad River. The new Gateway Park will begin construction this year on Riverside Drive at the Pearson Bridge, where a sign currently marks the nearby OM Sanctuary – whose founder donated the parcel to RiverLink in 2011. With meandering pathways and native plantings, arched gateways at both entrances and a carousel-inspired pavilion, the new park will resurrect a smaller version of the historic Riverside Park found at this location in the early 20th Century. Click here to learn more about this project to restore a small but unique site in one of Asheville’s busiest industrial corridors--and the amazing funders who make this possible. |
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|  |  | Splash Into Summer | Asheville Swim Guide Winding throughout the mountains of Western North Carolina are the expansive streams and rivers of the French Broad River Watershed. Looking to experience our local waterways around Asheville and explore new swimming holes with your friends and family? Check out the guide below for RiverLink’s recommendations for summer swimming. Azalea Park
Beyond the extensive soccer fields and a community dog park, the stream at Azalea Park is a hidden gem for swimming. There are shallower areas for wading and exploring the water, a small beach, and deeper holes up and downstream of the beach for swimming. Be mindful of the current, as the pull is strong for younger children. - Beach area: Yes
- Bathroom access: At the soccer fields
- Water quality: Moderate
- Parking availability: Widely available
Laurel River Trail For those looking for something north of town, check out this lovely spot along the beautiful Laurel River. This 4 mile out-and-back trail is dotted with fantastic swimming spots all along the trail. If you’re with young kids you’ll be happy to find a rocky beach right at the start of the trail. If you’re up for more of a hike you’ll find spots with tall rock outcroppings to jump from, and others with calm sandy beaches to rest on. This trail is quite popular, but with so many swimming spots you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. - Beach area: Yes
- Bathroom access: No
- Water quality: Excellent
- Parking availability: Large gravel lot just off Hwy 70 E, it does fill up so plan to come early.
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|  |  | Masterworks | Green Darner Dragonfly We continue our Masterworks sticker series with one of June’s most elegant streamside creatures: the green darner dragonfly. Named for its resemblance to an old-time darning needle, the green darner is common along French Broad waterways. Like other dragonflies, the green darner is a skilled aerial predator. They can hover and fly in any direction, pursuing many types of flying insects including flies, gnats, mosquitoes, moths and butterflies, and even other dragonflies. The juveniles are voracious predators in the aquatic realm, mostly consuming aquatic insects, but they can catch and eat small fish and tadpoles. Every month, the first 20 donors of $25 or more will receive one of these cool stickers! Collect them all! |
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|  |  | RiverLink Loves Our Business Supporters It takes a village to restore a living river system, and we’re in this for the long haul—together with some like-minded businesses who invest in our mission. We’re pleased to celebrate their support for cleaner water, protected land, public access and education for the next generation of French Broad River advocates. Thank you to the following local businesses: Prestige Subaru, The Wyre - River Arts Apartments, Altura Architects, Duke Energy, Lonesome Valley Cottages, Mast General Store, Green Sage Cafe, First Citizens Bank and Trust, Haywood Common Restaurant. |
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| | Other News - Volunteer Opportunity | Looking for a way to contribute your time and effort? Please join us for our Southside Volunteer Workdays happening every Thursday from 10am-12pm in the month of June. Sign up here for our workdays.
- Conserving Cane Creek Event | Don’t miss your chance to meet a live hellbender! Join the French Broad River Partnership at Turgua Brewery for an afternoon of family fun, 3-6pm on June 8, 2024. Event details here.
- Volunteer Appreciation Day | Join us Wednesday, July 3 for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Day. Directly after our monthly KCPark workday we will be serving free drinks and snacks across the street at Wrong Way River Lodge. Volunteer from 10-12, drinks from 12-1. Sign up here to secure your spot.
- Pelicans on the River | We had some interesting visitors on the river the other day, check out these White Pelicans that dropped in to relax.
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| | 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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| | Contact Us information@riverlink.org | 828-252-8474 |
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