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Green Drinks: Restoration Projects Along the French Broad River
August 8, 2024 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Join us for an update on Conserving Carolina’s restoration projects along the French Broad River from Conserving Carolina’s Natural Resources Manager, David Lee!
Conserving Carolina has completed several restoration projects along the French Broad River and it’s tributaries. To date restoring nearly 50 acres of wetlands, 125 acres of floodplain, nearly 23 acres of native pollinator habitat, and nearly 5 miles of streams. These restoration sites have returned abandoned agricultural land and a failed golf course development back to more natural floodplains designed to handle periods of high water, created wetlands, and restored native vegetation and habitat that supports a variety of species, both terrestrial and aquatic.
In addition, Conserving Carolina has been directly collaborating with Cherokee artisans who have harvested rivercane from some of these sites for making traditional baskets and clay for making traditional pottery. Cherokee artisans are also helping to develop planting plans on upcoming restoration projects along the French Broad River. These plans will prioritize plants of cultural significance to the Cherokee, such as white oak, rivercane, and yellowroot for their future harvest and sustainable use.
Come learn about these exciting projects and what the Conservancy has planned for 2024 – 2026!
David lived most of his life in Florida, but he spent many vacations camping, hiking, and enjoying nature in the southern Appalachians. These experiences instilled in him a sense of appreciation for the environment that led to a strong commitment to conserve it. After earning a BS in Environmental Science from the University of West Florida, David relocated to Asheville where he worked as a Bog Steward for The Nature Conservancy. He then served two consecutive terms with AmeriCorps Project Conserve with Conserving Carolina’s Weed Action Coalition of the Hickory Nut Gorge (WAC-HNG) where he preserved the natural habitats and scenic beauty of the Gorge through management of non-native invasive plants. He joined the staff in 2014 where he works to keep our protected lands healthy, which means a good deal of non-native, invasive species management.
5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!
Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.
Contact Pam Torlina, pam@conservingcarolina.org, with questions or for more information.