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Community Gathers to Focus on the River's Future

Western North Carolina is increasingly viewed as a climate refuge with abundant freshwater resources; yet nineteen miles of the French Broad at Asheville and several urban tributaries are now classified as “Impaired” under the Clean Water Act. At the same time, the French Broad River Partnership last year released a study indicating the French Broad is an economic engine worth some $3.8 billion annually to the region’s economy.

Thanks to all who gathered for the French Broad River Partnership’s moderated panel discussion at A-B Tech on Nov. 8. The gathering filled Ferguson auditorium with a lively discussion of topics organized under the title, French Broad River Watershed: The Intersection of the Environment + Economy.

Panelists included elected officials, government, and regional business and industry leaders; each panel was followed by a brief Q&A with the audience. All agreed that commitment across these sectors is essential if we are to restore a healthy river system for future generations. Michelle Ragland, Environment, Health, and Safety Manager for Pratt and Whitney--which just built a 1.2 million square-foot manufacturing facility on a plateau above the river--shared how protecting the French Broad was a major priority. Their facility achieved LEED Silver status, designed to keep all stormwater onsite while processing all wastewater before it enters the sanitary sewer system. 

Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers highlighted the value of sustainable economic development for a town that lost 1,100 jobs as the Evergreen plant closed in June--opening the prospect of a significantly cleaner Pigeon River along with visions of a thriving new economic district. "How we respond in this moment is going to matter. It's a mill-town moon shot! My preschool son will judge us on what we do with this opportunity -- how we meet this moment to build our town's future."

Speaking on behalf of marginalized groups including people of color--groups that have not experienced the rewards of Asheville's economic development in a proportional fashion--J. Hackett of Black Wall Street AVL called on listeners to step outside their everyday crowd. "When you think of conserving the river, think to find something to do with someone who doesn't look like you" -- intentionally creating a new avenue for the cross-pollination it takes to protect essential community assets.

Check out the photos from this gathering here -- with huge thanks to photographer Paul King.

Conquer the Cold | Winter Invasive Species Management

As cold weather sets in, most native plants begin their shift into dormancy -- yet many invasive plant species retain their leaves and stay green longer. This strategy gives many invasives the advantage -- but it also makes them easier to identify and treat well into late autumn. In our Winter Invasive Species Management Guide, we describe three common invasive plants you can treat this fall and early winter to get the upper hand on your property come spring. Now that's restorative!

Afterschool Programs | Out of School and Into Nature

RiverLink is celebrating the success of our first afterschool fall programming season! It’s been exciting to team up with our hard-working afterschool partners to create memorable outdoor experiences for their students. We partner with organizations that are already engaged in excellent work to serve low-income families and historically marginalized communities, providing free and interactive environmental programming. This season’s program partners include:

• In Real Life at Asheville Middle School
• United Way at Erwin Middle School
• Open Doors
• Asheville Parks and Recreation

We've worked to form positive, long-lasting relationships with students by returning to the same groups each week, offering tailored learning activities based on feedback and the needs of our partners. We’ve had so much fun exploring Asheville’s creeks and rivers, learning about the environment, and developing a connection to nature.

This work would not be possible without the support of its major funders: Walnut Cove Members Association, Pisgah Investments Foundation, Appalachian Regional Commission, and Buncombe County Tipping Point. Thank you! With additional support from Dogwood Health Trust, we are looking forward to another successful afterschool programming season in Spring 2024 and beyond.

A Helping of Graditude

River lovers are encouraged to support RiverLink and other community nonprofits through Give!Local, the annual philanthropy program organized by MountainXpress. The first 10 donors of $100 or more to RiverLink will be entered into a drawing for a kayak tour on the French Broad River with Renee Fortner, RiverLink’s expert water resources manager. First Bank is waiving transaction fees, so 100 percent of your donation goes to the nonprofits you select.

RiverLink deeply appreciates the contributions this community makes directly to the organization -- whether as gifts of stock, required IRA distributions, donor-advised funds, donations made in memory of others, and all the ways you give. Please reach out to Susan Andrew at susan@riverlink.org for assistance with any of these giving modes. And anyone can use the handy Donate button at the bottom of our newsletters. Thank you!

Sincere gratitude to RiverLink’s recent business supporters — we are honored by your contributions:

Other News

• River cane workshop: Join Kudzu Culture and RiverLink for a free hands-on workshop happening on Saturday November 18, 2023 from 10am-1pm! Participants will learn how to protect river cane, harvest kudzu, and make a kudzu vine wreath to take home. Click here to register.

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!