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No Water, No Beer!

You know that’s true! Please join RiverLink and partners from the Environmental Quality Institute and NC One Water as we celebrate what clean water means in our lives. This event sold out last year, so register now for No Water, No Beer set for Sept. 26, 5-8 p.m. at Burial Beer’s Forestry Camp. Just $35 gets you two drinks, scrumptious food, and the chance to win some amazing items in a silent auctionβ€”a stand-up paddle board package from Hellbender, a fly-fishing excursion, a brewery tour by raft, a stream ecology picnic for 8, a Persian rug from Togar Rugs, fine jewelry and more! Click thru below, then look for the green REGISTER button to make payment...with apologies for all the info requested (it's for a great clean-water cause!).

 

From Crisis to Clarity: The Clean Water Act and Stormwater

Rivers are not supposed to catch fire, but in 1969 the heavily polluted Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio did just that. The blaze captured national attention and helped build momentum for passage of the 1972 Clean Water Act to regulate pollutant discharge and set water quality standards across the nation. For WNC residents, this means that stormwater runoffβ€”which can carry pollutants into rivers and streamsβ€”must be carefully managed. Local guidelines, such as public input on stormwater projects and construction site runoff controls, help enforce practices that protect our water quality. Click below to read our blog post and learn more!

 

 

French Broad River Parks: Past, Present, & Future

RiverLink’s history is deeply intertwined with that of the River Arts District and the parks and greenways that define the area. What was once a neglected corridor of industrial sites, junkyards, and landfillsβ€”directly polluting the riverβ€”has now blossomed into a vibrant hub for art and outdoor recreation, with the river as its centerpiece. Recently, our partners at the City of Asheville published a captivating retrospective on the parks and greenways that line the French Broad River, many of which RiverLink played a crucial role in developing. Check out the article to discover the rich history of this now cherished recreational corridor.

 

PSA: Touch Grass Today

We're excited to kick off a new school year for our educational programs in and after school but we know that this time can come with a lot of stress for students, parents, and teachers alike. From juggling new schedules to tackling homework, and extracurriculars, this transition from summer can be a little overwhelming. Luckily, there's a simple and effective way to manage this stressβ€”spending time outdoors.

Being outdoors is exactly what our programs encourage. Research has shown that time spent in nature can significantly reduce stress levels, improve mood, and boost mental clarity. Whether it's taking a walk in a local park, sitting next to a flowing stream, or simply breathing in the fresh air, nature offers a peaceful escape from the demands of daily life. Outdoor activities can help reset our minds, reduce anxiety, and improve our ability to focusβ€”essential skills for a successful school year for kids and their grownups.

 

Masterworks: Great Blue Heron

These elegant birds prefer fish, but will stalk nearly anything within striking distance including amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, insects, even other birds. They nest in trees or other elevated spots near water, often in colonies where males arrive first and defend choice nest sitesβ€”then offer food and nest materials to arriving females in ritualized greetings. Females weave elaborate nests of sticks and reeds lined with grass or moss that may be used for years. You can share your commitment to protecting stream habitats for all birds dwelling along the French Broadβ€”the first 20 gifts of $25+ will receive this month’s Masterworks sticker in the mail!

 

Don’t miss Zepptemberfest!

Our friends at French Broad River Brewery love this community’s ancient river, and they’ll show it at their free Fall Festβ€”featuring their newest seasonal ale, the Zepptemberfest Marzen, plus art & craft vendors, live music and more Sept. 25-29. Best of all, on Friday the 27th, the brewery will donate $1 of every pint sold to RiverLink. Visit our table there beginning at 5:30pm Friday to discover green stormwater solutions, sign up for a deeply discounted rain barrel, and spin the big prize wheel for some very cool prizes!

 
 

Other News

  • Join us at Downtown After 5 - RiverLink seeks volunteers to sell wristbands beginning at 7:00pm on Sept. 20. Enjoy the music while supporting RiverLink’s workβ€”email development@riverlink.org to sign up!
  • Discounted Rain Barrels - You may qualify for a $37.50 rain barrel (Retail Value = $150) through our Reduce Roof Runoff program. These attractive 50 gallon barrels are made in North Carolina from recycled plastic. We are also looking for locations to install rain gardens in select neighborhoods. Supplies are limited, so complete an interest form today! 
  • Volunteer in Southside - Completed in 2023, the Southside Community Stormwater Project was a collaborative effort to address water quality issues and the needs of a marginalized community. Now we need your help to manage the beautiful features that make up this project. Join us for our new monthly volunteer work days on the second Thursday of every month from 10am-12pm. Please sign up for this volunteer opportunity 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!

Contact Us

information@riverlink.org | 828-252-8474

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