 From the exec's desk
Welcome to 2012, River lovers!
I am willing to predict that 2012 will be another great year for RiverLink and our region! RiverLink is proud to partner with many of our local micro-breweries to host the Winter Warmer Beer Festival again this year. We will be celebrating Winter Warmer at the Asheville Civic Center again on January 21 from 3 to 7 p.m. It is no surprise that Asheville is Beer City USA. We have innovative and creative world class breweries. Equally important, we have really great water. You need great water to make great beer -- and we have both great water and great beer brewers. Again this year RiverLink is dedicating all the donations from Winter Warmer to our greenway development fund. We actually call it our "Missing Link" fund. What better way to celebrate the river than to build greenways next to it so that everyone -- regardless of gender, race, religion, age, ability or political affiliation can access and enjoy this precious natural resource? Rivers belong to everyone. It is one of those really precious shared resources, like air. We all own it and we all share it -- both the rights and responsibilities. Speaking of greenways, we have a number of them that we are working on, including Karen Cragnolin Park on Amboy Road. It was the missing link in the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay after we built French Broad River Park and purchased and developed Carrier Park at the old Asheville Speedway on Amboy Road. Right in the middle of these two well-used and loved greenways was a junk yard that advertised that you could "GET YOUR  PARTS IN THE PARK." The previous owner claimed to be the only junkyard nestled between two public parks in the entire USA. Well, good news. This past year we made the final payment on the old EDACO JUNKYARD -- now Karen Cragnolin Park. From junkyard to beautiful park and greenway -- in a number of incremental steps. Another $1.2 million RiverLink raised for the public greenway system. It may not look like much has happened at Karen Cragnolin Park since we bought it, but we have been making progress. Don't be fooled by the overgrown brush that covers the nearly six-acre site. We have been hard at work testing and assessing the contamination, recycling 100,000 tons of concrete and examining the possibilities for a new link in the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay. We donated an easement across the front of the property so that a sidewalk could be constructed, linking the two existing greenways. This new sidewalk was paid for with a NCDOT enhancement grant. Next steps include a phytoremediation at the site. Phytoremediation is a technique that uses nature's healing properties (plants) to clean up contaminated soils. I love using nature's processes to clean nature. Over the winter you will see more activity on the site as we dig up the entire site, recycle the last of the concrete, and plant native grasses infused with a specially-grown bacteria that only lives on the contaminates contained in the soil.
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The red "X" marks Karen Cragnolin Park
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If you would like to tour the site ( Google map), join us on January 11 at 11 and at 4 at Karen Cragnolin Park on Amboy Road. If you don't want to stand out in the cold, we are hosting similar information and question sessions on January 18 at 12 and at 5:30 at RiverLink's Warehouse Studios building at 170 Lyman Street ( map). I look forward to seeing you a number of times in January -- at the Winter Warmer on January 21, and either Amboy Road or the Warehouse Studios to talk about the greenway along the river and cleaning up old contaminated land so make plans to come see us! Happy New Year, and we hope to see you smiling, walking, meeting with friends and just sticking to New Years resolutions to keep fit by using the greenway systems around the River.
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Join RiverLink for a series of walking tours on the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay
The best way to develop an appreciation and understanding of the natural world is by getting out there and experiencing the beauty firsthand. Learn about the nature and history of the river and parks, and the future plans for the RiverWay by joining in on these exciting outings.
The upcoming schedule for the 2012 series of guided nature walks is currently in the works. The new season is set to begin in February and extend through the end of the summer. This year's program is being developed by Assistant Volunteer Coordinator Worth McAlister, an
 | | Haywood Community College ornithology students on a birdwatching walk |
AmeriCorps member, and will be executed with the help of RiverLink staff, area experts, and volunteers. Some topic themes to look forward to this season will include winter tree (bark and twig) ID, wildflower and herbaceous plant ID, wetland plant and ecology tour, early season birds (song and sight), on the lookout for reptiles and amphibians, growing season dendrology (leaf ID), summer birds (song and sight), and French Broad River history and watershed ecology.
These outings are free and open to the public. They are designed to be beneficial and of great interest to beginners and experts alike. Everyone from the seasoned botanist or birder, to the person looking to try something new will feel comfortable and engaged on these great mini adventures.
To volunteer to help lead a tour, suggest ideas for topic themes, or any other questions regarding the program, contact worth@riverlink.org, or call at (828) 252-8474.
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Do you have an eye for the arts?
With our 5th Annual Voices of the River: Art & Poetry Contest approaching in March, RiverLink is recruiting the "artistically gifted" to share their talents and act as judges for 2D, 3D, and poetry submitted from students all throughout the French Broad Watershed. If you have a way with words, or a passion for painting, consider this a great way to help our young environmental stewards express themselves and develop their appreciation for the environment.
 | | Student art on display at Holly Library. |
Student submissions will be accepted at the RiverLink office at 170 Lyman Street or by mail at P.O. Box 15488 Asheville, NC 28813 through March 9th 2012. An awards reception for participants will be held on March 24, 2012 from 2-5 p.m. at AB Tech's Holly Library.
Experienced artists in the community will have the opportunity to publicize their work through this RiverLink initiative. Please contact Nikki Bauman at 828-252-8474 x18 or at education@riverlink.org for more information, or visit http://riverlink.org/earthdaycontest.asp.
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RiverLink has a new section of greenway in its sights
With the UNC Asheville Foundation purchase of what was planned to be the new Health Adventure site comes an opportunity to expand Asheville's greenway system. The 8.9-acre site adjoins the existing Reed Creek Greenway, paralleling Broadway, and will help connect the UNCA campus to the French Broad River and downtown, offering students an opportunity to safely bike or walk from campus.
The RiverLink board has committed to raise funds for completion of this greenway segment. RiverLink will be working with UNCA and the Montford Community to gain input on this new exciting new link in the greenway system.
Karen Cragnolin, RiverLink executive director, said of the future greenway, "RiverLink is excited about the opportunity to partner with UNC Asheville and the community to develop a greenway along this property, with an eye to eventually expanding and linking the UNC Asheville campus to the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay along the French Broad River and downtown,"
TD Bank purchased the abandoned parcel that was to be the Health Adventure at foreclosure auction last October. The Health Adventure had planned a $25 million science museum for children, but ran short of funds, filing for bankruptcy in March 2011. TD Bank sold the property in mid-December to the UNC Asheville Foundation, who raised the money without the aid of student fees or state funds.
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The red "X" marks the spot!
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 Notes from the
Water Quality Corner ...
First, I'd like to thank all of our supporters, partners, and volunteers for making 2011 a great year. Volunteers donated over 1500 hours building rain gardens and other stormwater features, assisting in conservation easement monitoring, acting as docents for the Master Gardener and West Asheville Garden Tour, and removing invasive species from riparian zones along the French Broad river and its tributaries. This year we raised over $100,000 for the French Broad River Paddle Trail, launched WaterRICH, a residential stormwater management program, and were granted over $300,000 for stormwater projects in the Upper Ross Creek Watershed. Let's make 2012 even better!
December has been a month of planning for next year's grant proposals and for the projects for which we have recently received funding. We will hopefully have some great projects on the horizon and exciting volunteer opportunities this next year. We will be constructing the first French Broad River Paddle Trail campsite in Madison County, on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 16 from 9 am to 5 pm. Come spend a day of Service on the river with RiverLink!
The campsite is just south of Marshall and we will be hiking into the site to construct a fire ring, privy, tent pads and steps on steep banks to protect against erosion. We will supply the tools, materials and water throughout the day. Wear warm clothes that can get dirty and hiking shoes. Contact Nancy Hodges at nancy@riverlink.org to register. We will meet at 9 a.m. at RiverLink to carpool, if you like.
Tasks to complete:
- Layout campsite (based on site plan)
- Privy construction
- Clear trail to privy (includes steps)
- Install timbers to protect banks at river access
- Build fire ring
- Install site signage
- Remove debris, dead trees, clear and tamp tent areas
- Clear trail to water source (last)
Timeline
7:30am -Nancy in truck with materials, tools, and a boat
8:30am -Meet volunteers to take materials and water jug across river
9:45am -Meet volunteers to hike tools in and start work
12:45 pm - Volunteer shift change, meet afternoon group (UNCA)
4 pm -Complete campsite, clean up and pack out tools, trash etc.
5pm -Back in Asheville
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Two drawings left in the
"Love the French Broad" raffle
Congratulations to Janice Blackham, the winner of our last Love the French Broad Raffle drawing of 2011. She won an ENO hammock, a RiverLink prize package, two bouldering/shoe rentals from Climbmax, a solar cell phone recharger, two passes to Navitat Canopy Adventures and more!
 | Janice shows off some of her loot with RiverLink's Dave Russell
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Sponsored by Asheville Adventure Guide, the raffle offers two more chances to win -- March, 2012, and the grand prize drawing on April 1, 2012. Tickets remain in the pot until the grand prize drawing.
Buy three tickets for $10 or one ticket for $5. To purchase tickets, stop by the RiverLink offices at 170 Lyman Street or visit the French Broad River Yacht Club Tackle Shop and buy them online.
You'll have a chance at winning one of two great prize packages and will help support RiverLink as we continue to make your French Broad River a place for everyone to live, work and play.
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Name that Transylvania waterfall, part IV
Last month, no one correctly guessed "Crevice Cliff Falls," which is also known as "Deep Ford Falls." Better luck this month!
Take a look at the Falls below and see if you know them. E-mail your answer to RiverLink's Dave Russell at dave@riverlink.org, and good luck.
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Upcoming Events
Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the RiverLink offices -- Volunteer orientation sessions. Contact Dave Russell at 252-8474, ext. 11 and become involved in the evolution of the river and learn more about RiverLink.
Thursday, Jan. 19,
RiverLink bus tour meets at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce at 11:45 a.m.-- RiverLink Bus Tour. Come experience the Riverfront magic firsthand! Contact Dave at 252-8474, ext. 11 for more information.
Ongoing -- Phone recycling. Drop off old and unwanted cell phones to the RiverLink office for fundraising and recycling. The office is open 8am- 5pm Monday through Friday. This is an on-going program, donations are welcome all year round.
Ongoing -- tree giveaway. We still have some young trees to give away. Contact Dave Russell (252-8474, ext. 11 or dave@riverlink.org) for more information and to arrange pickup.
Winter Warmer 2012 -- The 5th Annual Asheville Winter Warmer Beer Festival takes place on Saturday, January 21, 2012, from 3:00 - 7:00pm - at the Asheville Civic Center (or whatever its name is at that time).
Monday, January 16, time TBD -- MLK Day of Service workday on a French Broad River Paddle Trail campsite. Details to follow.
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Nepalese Browntop
Species Characteristics
Scientific Name: Microstegium vimineum
Growth Form: Annual grass
Reproduction: Seed, vegetative (stoloniferous)
Season of Flowering: Late summer
Management Information
Also called Japanese stiltgrass, this very shade tolerant, annual grass spreads both by seed and by runners. High seed production and accelerated seed set in response to mowing are the biggest challenges presented by this grass.
For small infestations the best approach for control is hand pulling. Allow plants to grow large enough to easily grip (but do not let them mature enough to go to seed!) and chose a day when soil is moist to make pulling easier. Be sure to pull as much of the root as possible. Pulling will disturb the soil and thus encourage germination of seedlings so expect to battle new plants. This can be frustrating but do not loose your resolve- the seed bank is being depleted with every wave of new germination. After initial pulling, an application of systemic herbicide to new seedlings is effective.
When you have treated the infestation enough times to significantly reduce the number of new germinants, plant perennial non-grasses in the void. This will give you the option to apply a grass specific herbicide to control seedlings while filling the void to invite competition and suppress germination of Nepalese browntop seedlings. If you are comfortable with burning, it can be a good alternative to pulling especially if the infestation is large. Large infestations may also be controlled by mowing but because Nepalese browntop responds to mowing by rapidly flowering, an effective mowing can only be done once and as late in the season as possible. The late timing is important to reduce the time for seeds to develop before the plants die in the fall.
Systemic herbicide application may be the most effective technique for large infestations because herbicide application has minimal soil disturbance. In places were the grass is mixed with desirable non-grasses, consider using a grass specific herbicide. Note that animals avoid consuming Nepalese browntop so control by grazing is ineffective.
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How do macro-invertebrates eat and breathe?
 | Corixidae, or water-boatman
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Feature Headlin
Most of us know how mammals, birds, and fish, eat, and breathe. But do you know how freshwater macroinvertebrates do these things? These creatures have fascinating and diverse ways of feeding and breathing.
Feeding:
Shredders- chew on intact or large pieces of dead or living plant material. They have basic mouth parts. (ex. northern casemaker caddisflies, giant stoneflies)
Collectors- acquire and ingest very small particles of organic material, often left behind by shredders. (ex. common netspinner caddisflies, black flies, brush legged mayflies, mussels, non-biting midges, aquatic earthworms)
Scrapers (grazers) - remove and consume algae growing on solid substrates, using specialized mouth parts (like a putty knife) that scrape the algae, and then sweep it into their mouths. (ex. flatheaded mayflies, water pennies, snails)
Piercers- Use specialized, protruding head or mouthparts, to puncture either plants or animals and extract fluids inside. Piercer-predators often attack much larger prey than themselves by injecting a digestive enzyme into the body, then sucking out the contents, leaving behind only the shell of the prey animal. (ex. water scorpions, predaceous diving beetle larvae)
Engulfer-predators- feed on live prey either whole or in pieces using large jaws to kill and eat other organisms. (ex. common stoneflies, hellgrammites)
Breathing:
Most aquatic macroinvertebrates rely on dissolved oxygen in the water for breathing.
The organism uses external gills or the surface of their body to collect and absorb oxygen under water, which passes through the skin. This is done through simple diffusion, and is referred to as a closed breathing system.
The organism may wiggle its body or have muscles attached to gills in order to maximize oxygen intake. Some aquatic macroinvertebrates act like terrestrial insects and take in air from the atmosphere through holes in their bodies called spiracles. This is referred to as an open breathing system. Some use a long tube that is extended up out of the water like a snorkel.
Others attach bubbles or a layer of oxygen to their bodies near their spiracle, and take that under water to use until it runs out.
 Predaceous diving beetle
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