From: RiverLink [volunteer@riverlink.org]
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 11:54 AM
To: Kathryn Blau
Subject: RiverLink Newsletter September 2007

RiverLink Newsletter ~ September 2007 ©2007 RiverLink.org
RiverLink is a regional non-profit spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to work, live and play. Since 1987 we have engaged in simultaneous efforts to address water quality concerns throughout the French Broad River basin, expand public opportunities for access and recreation, and spearheaded the economic revitalization of Asheville's dilapidated riverfront district. We hope you find this newsletter informative and enjoyable. To unsubscribe please click here
We apologize for the delay- thank you for your patience!

In this issue...

  • RiverLink Purchases Another Missing Link

  • RiverLink Receives Grants for Stream Restoration

  • Rockin' RiverFest a success!
  • River Cleanups
    • August highlights
    • Cleanup schedule

  • Volunteer Opportunities

Having trouble reading this newsletter in your email?
You can access it and other newsletters from our archive. Go to www.riverlink.org, click on newsletters, select 'RiverLink Newsletter' and 'archives' then press 'Go.'
 RiverLink Purchases Another Missing Link


The RiverLink board of directors is proud to announce that RiverLink, Inc.   acquired the former B&H Sheet Metal Buildings at 115 through 119 ½ Riverside Drive, locally known as the "Blue Buildings".  

Dick Hall, Chairman of the Board at RiverLink said, "This is what people see when they cross the Smoky Park Bridge.   It is Asheville's front door with over 100,000 cars a day crossing the bridge and looking down at the river - the view is about to become much more welcoming.  We are anxious to continue our work with area governments and the community at large to reclaim this precious piece of the floodway for the public in perpetuity and continue to implement the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay."

The former B&H Sheet Metal "Blue Buildings" property consists of 1.83 acres.  The purchase was made possible through the generous donations of Shelli L. and Brad Stanback and an anonymous donor.   RiverLink paid $575,000 for the property.  Buncombe County helped to obtain the appraisals.  All the property is located in the 100-year floodway.  In the 2004 flood, the building flooded to approximately 5 feet.   RiverLink will continue to work with local, state and federal governments, foundations, donors and investors to help turn this section of the riverfront into another wonderful park and greenway along the river. 

$50 per foot "Deeds of Support" will continue to be sold to help pay for the cost of demolition and future park development at the site. The property will be donated by RiverLink to the citizens and visitors of the region for inclusion in the riverfront greenway system.... click here to read more


For more information about RiverLink, how to buy a "Deed of Support" to help develop the greenway or to review the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay plans or to become involved visit our website at www.riverlink.org or email us at information@riverlink.org.

Click here to fill out form about future park usage.

Click Deed of Support to Buy a Missing Link and Support Turning the " Blue Buildings" into another great river park.

 RiverLink Receives Grants for Stream Restoration

Hominy Creek in West Asheville and Robinson Creek in Arden will soon be taking on a new and improved look.

RiverLink was recently the recipient of two grants from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund to restore and improve the water quality and habitat in several area streams. The banks along both streams will stabilized with rocks and logs, strategically placed to protect the stream, look natural, and improve the habitat in the stream.

The water quality in Hominy Creek will be improved by working on two feeder streams in West Asheville. These include Buttermilk Creek in Malvern Hills Park and Rhododendron Creek in West Asheville Park. Buttermilk Creek was recently named as part of RiverLink's name that stream contest, and is now getting a face lift. Over time the stream banks have become so eroded a safety fence was installed to prevent anyone from falling off the tall steep banks. As the banks are restored there will also be a significant amount of native plants to shade the stream and guarantee stability over time.

Robinson Creek in Arden will receive a heavy dose of river trees and shrubs. This creek was the former site of the Brookwood Golf Course, and is now being developed for residential housing. With the help of this grant, part of this development will include a 20 acre conservation easement and improved water quality and habitat.

RiverLink recently completed the stream restoration on the Swannanoa River at Azalea Park.  This prevented tons of pollution from entering the stream each year and provided for a much improved recreation and fishing hole. These projects help RiverLink continue its mission toward the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River as a place to live, work, and play.

RiverLink in Schools: Watershed Education

RiverLink's Watershed Education program links students to the rivers

RiverLink seeks to enhance environmental education in the French Broad watershed through water-based environmental education lessons in K-12 grade classrooms adapted from Project WET and EnviroScapeT that will compliment the NC Standard Course of Study.  Our lesson plans focus mainly on the relationship between science education and daily life decision making.



Our lessons will focus on:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      The connection of technology to water quality<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      the direct relationship between science education and daily life<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      student engagement in scientific investigation<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      science as a link to personal decision

RiverLink envisions the program as a way to bring educational and innovative classroom-ready lessons to students.  It is our goal to provide students with quality lessons that relate to the North Carolina state curriculum and the French Broad River watershed environment in which they live. 

Download your copy of the lessons we are offering for 2007-2008!

Click here to register online!

Popular Watershed Ed. lessons:

Rover Outreach Van: This mobile technology classroom includes high-tech interactive visualizations such as a fly through of the river or an underwater look at what lives in the river.


Kids in the Creek:
provides an outdoor experiential learning opportunity for students to learn about factors affecting water quality of our streams and the aquatic organisms that live there. This is a hands on opportunity for students to learn more about watersheds and their local creeks.



Enviroscape:
a plastic model of a watershed that shows students the effects that pollution can have on water quality.


River of Words and Art:
students produce art and poetry inspired by the French Broad River.

Rockin' RiverFest a success!

Thanks to everyone who participated!!!

The annual Rockin' RiverFest that took place this Saturday at French Broad River Park drew a wide variety of river lovers- kids, dogs, musicians, belly dancers, politicians, and of course, rafters. The Raft Race that started at Hominy Creek Park and floated down the French Broad River to the festival had over 50 boats. Raft materials included everything from bamboo to oil drums, as well as the more traditional canoes and kayaks. There were several pirate-themed boats as well as many local non-profits and businesses advertising their causes on the river. Rafts competed in categories such as Fastest Raft, Green Machine, Most Creative, and That Floats?.

Rafts were welcomed by music provided by Musician's Workshop Battle of the Bands, local food vendors, face painting, a dog parade, a raffle wheel, fishing and boating demos, and much more. Over 40 volunteers pitched in to help pull rafts off the river, serve drinks, and leave the park clean when the festivities were over.

The festival was sponsored by RiverLink, WOXL 96.5, and Buncombe CountyParks and Recreation , and proceeds benefited RiverLink's efforts to revitalize the French Broad River watershed.

River Cleanups

August river cleanup stats:

~ 3 river cleanups ~

~ ? volunteers ~

~ ? hours ~

~ ? bags of trash ~

Great job, cleanup teams! THANK YOU!!!

Biltmore Lake Association                                   Altamont Environmental

Hominy Creek in Candler                                  Reed Creek in Asheville

Buncombe County Early College
French Broad River in Asheville

We are always adding dates, so check www.riverlink.org for the most current schedule!


Volunteer Opportunities

Monthly volunteer orientation
First Wednesday of each month at 4:00pm
2007 dates: September 12, October 3, November 7, December 5
RiverLink offices, 170 Lyman St.
Open to the public- please RSVP to volunteer@riverlink.org

Come to RiverLink to find out all about how YOU can get involved in our efforts to revitalize the French Broad watershed! A 30 minute presentation will give an overview of ongoing and special events volunteer opportunities. You will have a chance to ask questions, fill out a volunteer application, and speak with the Volunteer Coordinator about your interests and availability.

 Fall Internships

We are currently seeking interns for Fall 2007 for the following positions (click for full description):



RiverLink, Inc.
www.riverlink.org
P.O. Box 15488
Asheville, NC  28813-0488
Office: (828) 252-8474 x118

Fax: (828) 253-6848
info@riverlink.org


Get RiverLinked- read the blog!
www.getriverlinked.blogspot.com

Check us out on MySpace!
www.myspace.com/riverlink
  News
RiverLink aquires more land
Citizen Times, September 8

Fixin' up the French Broad
Mountain Xpress, September 4

Streams form Battle Lines

Article on buffer rules in Citizen Times, August 20

This is abosuletely about protecting property

Riverkeeper Editorial on the proposed buffer rules in the Citizen Times, August 19

Hot day, cool river, having a blast

Citizen Times, August 12

Educator tries to inspire love for French Broad

Citizen Times, August 11

Water becoming our most valuable natural asset

Karen Cragnolin editorial in Citizen Times, August 5

Local business raises funds for RiverLink

Many thanks to Chef's Cargo, an environmentally friendly kitchen store featuring bamboo items in Biltmore village for making RiverLink their charity of choice !

Events
River cleanups: see schedule below

RiverSculpture Festival
September 1- October 31
French Broad River Park
Special events on weekends

Volunteer Orientation
September 12, October 10 4pm

RiverLink, 170 Lyman Street
RSVP to volunteer@riverlink.org


National Public Lands Day
September 29
Invasive exotic plant ID and removal on the French Broad in Hot Springs
To volunteer contact Lindsay Majer, lindsay@equinoxenvironmental, 545-1880

First Friday Paddles
October 5, 5pm
meet at Jean Webb Park
float to Woodfin Park
picnic post-paddle
Contact:

firstfridays@braveulysses.com


Sunset Cruises
June-October
First and Third Wednesdays
October 3 & 17, 5pm

$40, $5 goes to RiverLink
Meet at Southern Waterways

GET RIVERLINKED!
The newest feature of our newsletter that aims to educate you about the French Broad River watershed and get you RIVERLINKED!
River Fact

Q: How will global warming affect rivers?

A: Global warming is projected to have far-ranging effects on rivers across the United States and worldwide. Although these changes will vary from region to region, scientists expect higher average global temperatures over the next century to cause higher river temperatures, resulting in harm to freshwater fish like salmon and bass and significant changes in aquatic plant and animal habitat. In addition, rainfall patterns will shift some areas will get more precipitation, some less. Higher temperatures will cause mountain snowpack to melt earlier in the year, causing significant changes to river flow patterns - with less water available during the warmer and drier summer months. Changing water levels in our rivers poses greater challenges for farming, manufacturing, drinking water supplies and wildlife habitat.

River Photo
River Quote

The French Broad by Wilma Dykeman (1955)
Readers are welcome to submit river facts, photos, quotes, and anything else related to the rivers!
Email
volunteer@riverlink.org

 ©2007 RiverLink

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