Giving Back: Volunteering with RiverLink

This volunteer experience at Karen Cragnolin Park is designed to educate and empower participants around watershed health, with a special focus on Asheville’s post–Hurricane Helene landscape. We’ll begin with a guided walk along the greenway, sharing the history of Asheville and the French Broad River, the founding of RiverLink, and the role conserved lands play in regional recovery. Along the way, participants will learn about native and non-native plants, green infrastructure practices, and the ecological significance of this site.

We hope participants leave with a deeper understanding of the local watershed and a sense of connection to the community — knowing they’ve made a meaningful, hands-on contribution during their time here.

Accessibility: Experience includes a guided educational walk along the greenway, followed by approximately 1.5 hours of hands-on volunteering. Volunteer activities may include planting or invasive species removal and will involve gardening-style work such as bending, kneeling, and using hand tools. Activities will take place on uneven terrain. All necessary tools and equipment will be provided on the day.

Transportation to and from the River Arts District is wheelchair accessible.  

How to Prepare: Volunteers should come prepared with closed-toe shoes, clothing suitable for light outdoor work, a water bottle, and anything else needed to be comfortable outdoors for several hours. The experience will take place rain or shine, so please come prepared for the forecasted weather on the day of the event, including a rain jacket or sunscreen, as well as a hat and sunglasses as needed. All tools and equipment will be provided.