*RSVP IS REQUIRED*

*Upon RSVP you will receive directions to the site*

Background Info: Previously used as an agricultural site, the Mouth of Mud Creek is a 100+ acre habitat restoration project taken on by Conserving Carolina in 2015. Through several years of restoration work, Conserving Carolina and several partnering organizations have restored this property back to its original ecological function, a natural plain along the French Broad River. This remediation has provided significant ecological benefits, such as creating important habitat for wildlife, a forest buffer along the river, and breeding sites for fish, such as the elusive Muskellunge. Although major construction has been completed, there is still a lot of on-going work to do! One of the goals of this restoration project is to be able to successfully cultivate native rivercane, a grass with important functional and cultural significance to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The hope is that one day these tribes may continue their traditional practices through harvesting native rivercane from the Mouth of Mud Creek.

To learn more about this site, the Asheville Citizen Times recently put out a story about the Mouth of Mud Creek: https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/10/14/giant-muskie-might-soon-naturally-spawning-french-broad-watershed/3595686001/

Workday Description: We will be promoting the growth of native rivercane by removing non-native invasive plant species along the French Broad River.

Volunteers must be able to walk moderate distances across rough terrain. All tools and gloves will be provided. Plant ID and removal techniques will be taught on-site. You will get dirty, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing.

What to Wear:

• Face mask
• Work pants, long sleeves; dress for the weather
• Close-toed shoes
• Hat (little to no shade at site)

What to Bring:

• Drinking Water
• Snacks / lunch
• Work gloves (if you have a personal pair)
• Small backpack

Covid-19 Protocol:

We will be following Conserving Carolina’s Phase 3 Covid-19 Standards, this will include:

• Hosting groups no larger than 10 participants
• Providing every volunteer with their own, disinfected, set of tools
• Physical distancing of 6ft+ between every volunteer
• Wearing face masks when around the group

Interested in joining this workday? To RSVP or for more information email [email protected] or call Meredith 828-697-5777 ext. 211.