 Asheville Middle School FLOW 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk to Benefit RiverLink
Saturday March 7th 5K Race begins at 9am at Carrier Park
Asheville Middle School is hosting a 5K walk/run and 1 Mile Fun Run
to benefit RiverLink as part of their For the Love of Water (FLOW) unit of
study on water. Jennifer Pharr Davis, the Women's Appalachian Trail
Record Holder, will kickoff the 5K. Davis set the record as the fastest
female to complete the entire Appalachian Trail this past August 2008 where
she hiked (and sometimes ran) 2,175 miles in 57 days, 8 hours and 35
minutes; 30 days faster than the previous female record holder.
T-shirts
are guaranteed to the first 200 registered participants in the 5K with great
prizes awarded to the top two males and females in each age group.
The
FLOW 5K race begins at 9am on a fairly even course that includes paved and
trail portions, all with a serene view of the French Broad River.
The FLOW 1 mile Fun Run/Walk will begin after the completion of the 5K.
Registration for the 5K is $20 per person before race day and $25 on race
day. The 1 mile Fun Run/Walk is $5 per person. The race serves as
the culminating event for the 8th grade student class who will also be
participating in several community service projects with RiverLink focusing on
water conservation and protection.
Click here for more details including race registration, awards and schedules for packet pickup.
For questions about registration, please contact Jo Gibbs at 828-350-6244 or jo.gibbs@asheville.k12.nc.us |
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Celebrating the French Broad River: Earth Day Art and Poetry Contest
How Do You See Your River?
DEADLINE SUBMISSION IS MARCH 18th
 
RiverLink is now accepting artwork and poetry submissions through March 18th from PreK-12th graders throughout the Watershed! Work should be be based around interpretations of the French Broad River.
Completed work can be submitted by:
- Mailing to RiverLink attn Ashley Brown P.O. Box 15488 Asheville, NC 28813-0488
- Dropping off at the RiverLink office
Accepted Mediums:
- 2D artwork (paint, collage, oil pastel, all types accepted!)
- Sculpture
- Poetry and writing
- Small bookmark size art
Prizes:
- 2 Person River Paddle Trips from Asheville Outdoor Center/Southern Waterways
- 1/2 off 6-week Art Class in River Arts District
- River Portraits by well known photographer, Kristi Hedberg
- Books from Malaprops
- Work on Display at Pack Place and REI
- Autographered books illustrated by Robin Rector Krupp
- Toys from Dancing Bear Toy Store
- Everyone receives a prize!
For more information or to enter your student, child, or yourself, please visit the following link:
http://www.riverlink.org/earthdaycontest.asp
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 RiverCamps
Accepting Applications Now!
(Don't Miss Out! Last Year's Camps were completely filled with waiting lists!)
1st Submission deadline:
May 25th
 
Environmental Education! River Recreation! Service Learning!
Plan you Child's Summer Adventure with RiverLink!
~ Kids in the Creek ~ River of Words & Art ~River cleanup ~ Tree plantings ~ Canoe, kayak or raft trip ~ Tour of River Parks, stream restorations, and rain gardens ~ Rockin' RiverFest ~ And much more! ~
Many thanks to the French Broad River Garden Club Foundation and the Friends of the Earth Garden Club for their generous contributions to provide 10 inner city children with scholarships to participate in the RiverLink's River Camps! For more information or to register your child please visit the following link: http://www.riverlink.org/camps.asp |
Watershed Education Program is "Heating
Up" and Reaching Thousands!
 
Local Girls Scout Troop Post Signs
Signs indicate Buttermilk Creek in Malvern Hills Park in West Asheville is polluted and to not get into creek
Fairview Elementary 5th Graders
Building watershed models to learn about water patterns and flow
From posted signs with Girls Scouts by the streams to being interviewed by
Isaac Dickson's 5th graders, RiverLink's Watershed Education Program is
busy and reaching thousands. This past month, many interactive
and engaging classes were taught including Common Water were students complete a relay race for the world's fresh water and discover its
finite quantity. RiverLink is quickly gearing up for March with
many unique volunteer opportunities available for everyone! See
below for events and ways to get involved! Please contact Ashley Brown, Education Coordinator education@riverlink.org or 828-252-8474 ext. 111 if you're interested in volunteering.
Volunteer Opportunities
 
Watershed Education Days
When: Wednesday March 11 and Thursday March 12 3:30-4:30
Where: Brevard Middle School
Who: SOS After School Program
Lessons: March 11th-Slideshow and Rainstick Making
March 12th- River of Words
and Art with walk to a nearby stream
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Public Outdoor Education Days
When: Every 1st and 3rd Fridays starting in March 3-5pm
(March 6, March 20, April 3rd, April 17th)
Where: Carrier Park next to the Wetland
Who: Open to the Public
Lessons: ROVER, Kids in the Creek and Macroinvertebrate Study
Note: This will be a more casual class setting where the public can attend. We will combine the mobile technology of the ROVER van with our nets,
waders, and outdoor equipment to provide a unique, hands-on experience perfect
for any age. This is a great opportunity to come observe and learn more about
our education programs.
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Earth Day Art Contest Organizing
When: March 19, 20, 23, and 24; anytime between 9-5pm
Where: RiverLink offices
Who: RiverLink staff and volunteers
Note: We will have accepted artwork and poetry from preK-12th graders across
the French Broad Watershed and will need help organizing the anticipated 300+
pieces! This is an excellent opportunity for art and poetry lovers to view and
read alot of great work!
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Media Arts Project
When: during RiverLink office hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Where: RiverLink offices
Who: RiverLink staff and volunteers
Note:We are putting together a multi-media slideshow with pictures,
video footage, and sounds clips to be used in
classrooms to help inspire the River of Words and Art class students.
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 Don't Take My Word For It!
Click here to read comments from students and teachers on their experiences
participating in RiverLink's environmental education programs. |
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What is Muddy Water Watch (MWW)?
MWW is a state-wide initiative to reduce sediment runoff from construction sites by providing training workshops and materials to help volunteers understand erosion control violations, and how they can help prevent our biggest polluter- sediment.
How can you help?
RiverLink's MWW organizers are looking for volunteers. No previous knowledge of erosion and sedimentation is needed, just a motivation to learn. We are looking for people to:
-monitor construction sites and take pictures of potential violations
-document and report streams, creeks, and other waterways that are polluted with excessive sediment
-learn how to use several data storage websites
-take photographs after heavy rainfalls
-MUCH MORE!
Upcoming MWW Training will be in Burnsville, NC - location information coming soon!
March 24th, April 7th, and April 21st
5:30 -8:30 pm
Volunteers will need to attend all three trainings.
How do I learn more about MWW?
Visit www.riverlink.org or www.muddywaterwatch.org
Here you will find directions, job descriptions, contact information, workshop dates and locations, and much more.
To sign up, contact Hartwell Carson, RiverLink's French Broad Riverkeeper at 828-252-8474 ext. 114 or email Riverkeeper@riverlink.org
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Robinson Creek Stream Restoration
 Construction has started on RiverLink's stream restoration project on Robinson Creek. Robinson Creek is a tributary of the Cane Creek Watershed in Skyland, NC. A portion of the stream was straightened during previous development and this 3,400 linear feet stretch will be restored to create a natural channel, improve aquatic habitat by re-establishing a natural pool and riffle structure, reducing stream bank erosion and re-vegetating the riparian buffer with native plant species.
This restoration will be incorporated into a new site plan that will convert the existing Brookwood Golf Course to a residential development. This development will also be treating its stormwater runoff before it enters the stream.
From 1990 to 1997, the Cane Creek watershed, of which Robinson Creek is a tributary, was one of the fastest growing watersheds in Western North Carolina. Current development is concentrated in the lower elevations. As land becomes scarce, more development will take place in the higher elevations and upper reaches of the watershed. Even now several higher slope areas in Cane Creek along the Swannanoa mountain range are under development.
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| REUSE AND RECYCLE!!! At the Blue Buildings
 Now that the weather is getting better, we hope to see more progress at the Blue Buildings demolition. This is another "Missing Link" in the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay between 12 Bones and the Smith Bridge along Riverside Drive. Many thanks to Critical Link award winners Sean Pace and Mark Guilbeau's prominent River District Artists who are leading the charge to recycle and reuse the materials from the Blue Buildings to create new and affordable artist studio space on the river. To get involved, please contact us at 828-252-8474 ext. 110
Click here to see all photos of The Blue Buildings demolition! |
Karen Cragnolin Park Update!
 We are in the second phase of testing for contaminants under our DENR Brownfield Program at Karen Cragnolin Park - stay tuned for more updates. So far so good. Remember that we are still raising money for the testing and acquisition of the land at Karen Cragnolin Park. You can own a piece of this future public greenway and "missing link" in the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay by purchasing a Deed of Support for $50 a foot. RiverLink will spend 100% of your donation on the park and give you a Deed suitable for framing inscribed with your name. Click here to purchase a DEED today!
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RiverLink Volunteer River Cleanups
February River Cleanup Tally
10 Volunteers
10 volunteer hours
5 Bags
A big thank you to all our awesome river cleanup volunteers!
Future Visions YWCA Adopt-a-Stream Team
French Broad River - Lyman St.
Upcoming River Cleanups
(see Upcoming Events above for more details)
March 7 starting at 9am
RiverLoafers Adopt-a-Stream Team
April 4 starting at 10am
UNCA Outdoors Program Adopt-a-Stream Team
April 22 - SAVE THE DATE
RiverLink Earth Day Event including canoe river cleanup on the French Broad River
More details coming soon!
April 25 - SAVE THE DATE
Brevard River cleanup and concert/dinner to benefit RiverLink
More details coming soon! |
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Volunteer Spotlight shines on Megan Gibney!
Megan Gibney became a RiverLink volunteer in January after recently moving to the area with her husband from Florida. Megan helped create a new information display for RiverLink to use at special events, festivals and area volunteer/internship fairs. As the saying goes a picture speaks a thousand words, the new display features more pictures to better capture RiverLink's mission and its accomplishments to engage more volunteers, members and donors. When asked why she wanted to volunteer to RiverLink, Megan said, "I am passionate about environmental issues and wanted to find a way to serve the community I live in. I learned about RiverLink's commitment to a very important part of Western North Carolina (the French Broad River) and knew I wanted to get involved." Thank you Megan! The next Volunteer Spotlight could be on you! To learn more about volunteering with RiverLink, please come to our Volunteer Information Sessions the 2nd Wed of each month at 10am and 5pm at our offices. Please contact Rachel Doebber, the Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, at volunteer@riverlink.org or 828-2852-8474 ext. 118 to RSVP for the information session. | |
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Quick Links
River News
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Special offer for RiverLink members!
 Want to spend a night at one the Southeast's premier inns for half price? During the month of March, the Richmond Hill Inn is offering RiverLink members 50% off one night's stay. For more information, please contact the Richmond Hill Inn at 828-252-7313.
To receive this special discount, you must present your RiverLink membership card at check-in. Want to become a member or can't find your current membership card? Please contact Carrie Allen, RiverLink Operations Manager at carrie@riverlink.org or 828-252-8474 ext. 115.
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Greener Bank Supports RiverLink
Carolina Mountains Credit Union is kicking off a "greener year" and offering free of charge two new services for all their members. Get a free bundle which includes checking, homebranch online account access, bill paying and e statements - all designed to save paper and postage and be "GREEN." For every new account Carolina Mountain Credit Union will donate a dollar to RiverLink. Please call 828-233-1140 for more information.
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 Support RiverLink and enjoy your coffee all in one cup!
RiverLink's French Broad River Coffee Blend from locally based roaster, Blue Smoke Coffee, is now available at these fine establishments in the Asheville area where $1 from every bag sold goes directly to RiverLink.
- Grove Corner Market in the Grove Arcade
- Red Bike Deli in the Grove Arcade
- New Bridge Market at 1311 Tunnel Rd in East Asheville area
- Laurey's Gourmet on Biltmore Ave near the Orange Peel
- Sunshine Pharmacy in Black Mountain
You can also purchase the coffee blend online from Blue Smoke Coffee.
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Need a Notary?
 Carrie Allen, RiverLink's Operation Manager and newest staff member, is a certified notary. For just $5 with all proceeds benefiting RiverLink, Carrie can notarize all your documents.
RiverLink is so excited to have Carrie on our crew as she keeps us and our office organized and in tip top shape. Carrie comes to us from a local accounting firm where she brings experience in handling our accounting needs, database management and daily correspondence. A native of Dallas, TX, she moved to WNC in 2001 after visiting and falling in love with area. When she's not working in the RiverLink office, Carrie loves to spend her spare time outside mountain biking in Bent Creek, rock climbing or hiking and backpacking with her dedicated sidekick, Petey as pictured above. Please contact Carrie to set up a time to notarize your documents at carrie@riverlink.org or 828-252-8474 ext. 115
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Upcoming Events
3/14/09
3/19/09
SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE FOLLOWING EXCITING EVENTS!
4/18/09
EarthFare event benefiting RiverLink - food, music & raffle! Details coming soon.
4/22/09
RiverLink Earth Day Event - rain barrel workshop, river cleanup & free environmental education activities! Details coming soon.
River cleanup & concert/picnic dinner to benefit RiverLink in Brevard.
Details coming soon.
French Broad River Fins & Gills Classic - get out your
fishing poles. Details coming soon.
8/1/09
Rockin' RiverFest '09
Start making your "Yacht" for the Rockin' RiverFest
Raft Race.
Details coming soon.
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We want your input for the new Karen Cragnolin Park!
If you have some ideas about this "missing link" in the Wilma Dykeman, click here to take the survey and give us your suggestions too!
Click here to purchase a Deed of Support to help us continue to make the Wilma Dykeman Riverway Plan a reality!
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February 27.
Kid Friendly Asheville,
February 27.
Asheville Citizen Times, February 27.
Citizen Times, February 26.
Citizen Times, February 23.
Citizen Times, February 11.
Citizen Times, February 11.
February 1.
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RiverLink Magazine
Paper copies available at RiverLink's offices and throughout the watershed at restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores.
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River Fact
The French Broad River occurs at a fairly low elevation, where winter temperatures are relatively moderate and summer temperatures approach those expected in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain provinces. This combination of geologic and climate influences forest and animal species found along the river.
River Photo
River Poem
River-
Ripples glistening in sunlight,
Rushing over and around boulders perched where they please,
Until you grow swollen and mighty,
Shifting and rolling them to their next home.
River-
Sustaining life to all that gather in or near you,
Drink to the thirsty,
Food to the hungry,
Solace to the troubled spirit.
River-
A highway for those who love to feel your power beneath them,
Floating, pushing, kayak and canoe to their next destination,
They paddle furiously against your strength,
Finally relenting to enjoy your serenity.
River-
Gurgling, rushing, crashing,
Like a cymbal; rhythmic as a drum,
Stimulating all my senses,
I lose myself in your sound
Relish in your beauty,
I share in your struggle to stay viable and free.
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Drought Update
Does the current drought have you wanting to conserve more water? If you have questions or want to discuss how to build a rain barrel or install a cistern, log on to the community water harvesting. Send an email to the moderator to join.The French Broad River watershed is currently in an Exceptional Drought, the most severe level. For more on the drought visit www.ncdrought.org/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | |
