Dear Friends,
It has been a challenging year, and in this time of Thanksgiving we are grateful to be part of a community that works together to create a healthier French Broad River watershed where we can all thrive. It is especially gratifying to see that so much of your dedication and hard work over the past 34 years of RiverLink’s existence is now coming to life along the Asheville Riverfront.
Despite the many obstacles posed by the pandemic we are continually heartened and inspired by your unfailing commitment to the River, and to our Water Quality, Environmental Education and Land Conservation programs. Over just the past three years your support helped accomplish so much! Check out our 2017-2019 Impact Highlights to read all about what you and your investment accomplished in the watershed, and please read on to catch up on our most recent program updates and other news.
We are so grateful for you and all you do for the French Broad River!
Respectfully,
Garrett Artz, Executive Director
Program Updates
Water Quality
We’ve been working hard over the past 6 months to clear invasive plant species along Rhododendron Creek in West Asheville. After removing the non-native species we planted native river cane and wildflower seeds at the site. The river cane will help to stabilize the stream bank, and the wildflowers will provide habitat and food for native wildlife.
Need a rain barrel for your home or office? We have them for sale! Click here for more information. PS- They also make great holiday gifts!
Environmental Education
This year we will be volunteering with the Southside Community Thanksgiving Dinner Event, hosted by Southside Rising, the Southside Community Garden, and SAHC. During the event Southside area residents can get takeout Thanksgiving meals and produce at the Edington Center, plus check out art from local artists of color and attend educational events to learn more about community gardens. Members of our team will be presenting on the Central Asheville Watershed Plan and rain gardens, and we’ll have DIY rain gauges for kids to decorate and take home to measure the rain where they live.
Land Conservation
We’re looking for a team of dedicated volunteers to commit to monthly service days at the site of the future Karen Cragnolin Park. Volunteers will work outside at a safe social distance to remove invasive species. We will be working in groups of 15 or less, and wearing masks to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If you are interested in helping please click here to fill out a survey to help us determine the best day and time to offer this monthly day of service.
Other News
Volunteer of the Month
This month we want to give a big THANK YOU to all the people who have volunteered with us this year! COVID-19 presented many challenges but we were still able to safely host volunteer service days, thanks to all of those willing to come out and contribute their time and effort!
Creature of the Month
We know we spend a lot of time talking about river otters but we couldn’t resist sharing this cute otter photo taken by a RiverLink staff member last week! This otter was seen swimming in a creek in Mitchell County near the Toe River. True to nature, it exhibited playful behavior and was very curious about its surroundings. Want to test your river otter knowledge? Click here to take our 5 question quiz and if you get all the questions correct we’ll send you a fun prize!
RiverLink in the News
You’ve probably heard the exciting news that RiverLink is now the holder of a conservation easement on the historic Wilma Dykeman homestead in North Asheville, but did you also know that UNCA will be creating a Writers-in-Residency program in honor of Wilma that will be housed on the property? Learn more about it here.
The River Needs You Now More Than Ever
Give Local, Give Back!
This year we are thrilled to join a host of other non-profits in the annual Give! Local end of year giving campaign put on by the Mountain Xpress. From now until December 31 simply visit the Give! Local website to make your tax deductible donation in support of clean water!
Supporting Clean Water is Easy!
Did you know that RiverLink is a participating organization in Amazon Smile? When you shop online through Amazon and choose RiverLink as the recipient organization Amazon will donate 0.05% of your purchase to us! You shop, Amazon gives. It doesn’t get much easier than that! Visit the Amazon Smile hompage to learn more.