RiverLink Whitewater Rafting Benefit on the French Broad River

May 5 -  Blue Heron Whitewater is hosting a whitewater rafting trip in support of RiverLink.   Join the adventure for a half day trip down Section 9 of the French Broad River. Spend the day on the river having fun and enjoying the beautiful river, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting RiverLink the Asheville conservation organization that is spearheading the French Broad River Paddle Trail and interactive map, the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay, watershed education for children all ages, and empowering 1,700 volunteers to assist with  numerous programs and projects improving water quality and economic development  in the French Broad River Watershed.

Participants will meet at Blue Heron Whitewater at 1:30 PM.  RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED  - call Blue Heron Whitewater to reserve your space at 1-888-426-7238 or 828-450-4663. The cost is $44 per person with a Minimum age of 8 years old. The price  includes: rafting, gear, guides, and safety overview.

Find more Asheville events, lodging and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

RiverLink Benefit Oyster Roast at Blannahassett Island in Marshall NC

December 8, 1 PM - 7 PM -  The Appalachian Oyster Bash and Seafood Boil:  A Benefit concert for RiveLink and DMA, and canned food drive for Neighbors In Need. The event is held at Marshall High Studios on Blannahassestt Island in  Marshall NC .

RiverLink is teaming up with Hills To Holy Water for a winter party on Blannahassett Island.  This is a way to celebrate the local catchers groups that promote a strong state and local economy.  The event will feature fresh seafood from Ocracoke Island and beer from Highland Brewing Company.   

This party can't happen with out amazing volunteers, and RiverLink still needs people to check IDs, serve beer, help with trash/recycling and maybe even fry some oysters.  Volunteer shifts are 12:00 PM -3:30 PM and 3:30 PM -7:00 PM. 

Volunteers will get a voucher for free food and beer. There are still shifts available, so come out to Marshall and have a great time for a good cause. To sign up or for more volunteer details contact Dave Russell:  828-252-8474 ext-11, email  dave@riverlink.org.

Support your Local Greenways Sunday October 28th!

Wilma Dykeman RiverWay RiverLink photo

RiverLink is working to support greenways along tributaries to the French Broad River, as part of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Plan to connect neighborhoods, downtown Asheville and the river to area assets and attractions, from the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC Arboretum, River Arts District, UNC-Asheville, Appalachian and Mountains to Sea Trails, Biltmore Village, and more. 

Currently, RiverLink is supporting greenway efforts through a variety ways, and you too can help support this local greenway initiative through Deeds of Support and local fundraising events.  Currently there are three greenway initiatives: the Broadway Greenway Link,  the Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway and the sustaining support for the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay which helps make all the connections.  Get more information about Greenway Development HERE.

On Sunday October 28th, RiverLink is co-hosting fundraising events for local greenways:

The Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway (FOHCG) will host the second annual Greenway Gathering at the Altamont Brewing Company from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. The event will launch the FOHCG's membership drive and will include activities for children, guest speakers, and a cycling ride. The family friendly cycling ride through the greenway will leave the brewery at 2:00 and return at 3:00.  Get ride details HERE. In addition to hosting the gathering, the Altamont Brewing Company will recognize the FOHCG as the "non-profit of the month" by donating a portion of beer sales from the event and throughout November to the organization.

FOHCG have partnered with Blue Ridge Bicycling Club, Asheville Greenworks, and RiverLink to support the ongoing maintenance, clean-ups, invasive species removal, and park water quality improvements. RiverLink serves as fiscal agent for the FOHCG, you can purchase deeds of support and Riverlink items through RiverLink's website HERE. 

Broadway Greenway Benefit Party   - starting at 4 PM, Jo and Kevin Hogan are opening their home at 273 Pearson Drive, Montford to help raise funds for the Broadway Greenway, aka the former Health Adventure site. Sponsors include RiverLink, The Montford Neighborhood Association, the Nine Mile vegetarian-friendly restaurant, ModestoWood Fire Kitchen, the WedgeBrewery, Clayworks and HossHaley.

The Hogans will prepare Spit Roast Turkey as the main course for a wonderful feast. Your ticket will also enter you into a raffle for a Hoss Haley bronze candelabra, a JoshCopus ceramic platter and a silkscreen print by Kevin Hogan. Tickets are $20 per person and additional raffle tickets may be purchased at $10 each. You do not have to be present to win. Call 254-4055 or e-mail scouser415@aol.com for tickets. Make checks out to the Montford Neighborhood Association and mail to 273 Pearson Dr. Asheville NC 28801, by October 21. If you wish to pay by credit card contact RiverLink at www.riverlink.org or information@riverlink.org and note that this is for the Hogan House Party Benefit.