AYPROS X GREENWORKS: French Broad RIVER CLEANUP

YOU MUST REGISTER WITH GREENWORKS HERE OR IN THE LINK BELOW.

Make a visible difference on the French Broad River while spending the day alongside other young professionals who care about Asheville and Western North Carolina.

AYPROS is sponsoring a hands-on river cleanup with Asheville GreenWorks on Saturday, August 1. Volunteers will paddle canoes, with some participants potentially using kayaks, along a section of the French Broad River. We will stop frequently to remove litter from the water, riverbanks, and surrounding muddy areas.

This is not a simple walk along the shoreline. Volunteers should expect to enter water that may reach or rise above their waists, move through muddy spaces, and get dirty. It will be challenging, rewarding, and a chance to make a real contribution to the health of one of our region’s most important natural resources.

Plastic and other litter left in the river can travel far beyond Asheville and eventually reach the ocean. Every bag removed helps protect wildlife, improve the health of our waterways, and reduce the amount of plastic moving downstream.

New and longtime AYPROS members are welcome. You do not need to already know anyone in the group. Come ready to work, meet other young professionals, and spend a Saturday taking care of the place we call home.

## Event Details

Saturday, August 1, 2026
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

## Meeting Location

Silver-Line Park
1050 Riverside Drive
Woodfin, NC 28804
There is plenty of parking at Silver-Line Park. Volunteers are encouraged to park along the left side after entering the parking lot.
The cleanup will end at the Asheville GreenWorks boatyard:

Asheville GreenWorks Boatyard
1444 Riverside Drive
Asheville, NC 28804

Asheville GreenWorks will coordinate the necessary vehicle shuttle to the takeout location. Volunteers should expect approximately one hour of preparation, instructions, and shuttle coordination before getting onto the river.

## What Volunteers Will Do

• Paddle a canoe or kayak along a section of the French Broad River
• Stop regularly to remove litter from the river and surrounding areas
• Walk through water that may reach above the waist
• Work in wet and muddy conditions
• Help collect and remove trash from the waterway

## What Asheville GreenWorks Will Provide

• Boats
• Paddles
• Life jackets
• Gloves
• Trash bags
• All other necessary cleanup equipment

## What to Wear

Please dress for water, mud, and physical activity:

• Quick-dry or athletic T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt
• Quick-dry or athletic shorts
• Swimsuit or synthetic undergarments beneath your clothing
• An old pair of sneakers or secure river shoes
• Wool socks or another pair of thick socks
• Hat or visor
• Sunglasses

Do not wear cotton shorts. Flip-flops, slides, Crocs, and bare feet are not permitted during the cleanup.

## What to Bring

• Sunscreen
• Towel
• Complete change of clothes for the ride home

## Registration Required

Registration must be completed directly through Asheville GreenWorks. There are 24 spaces available for AYPROS volunteers.
When registering, select the AYP Volunteer shift.
The separate StreamKeeper shift is reserved for volunteers who have already completed Asheville GreenWorks training.

Register through Asheville GreenWorks
Registering through the Asheville GreenWorks link is required to participate. Space is limited, so please reserve your place as soon as possible.

### Need Help Finding Us?

If you have trouble locating the group or are running a few minutes behind, call or text AYPROS Crew Leader Danielle Klein at 239-287-8952.

## About AYPROS Leadership & Service

At AYPROS, leadership is not only about titles. It is about stepping forward, showing up, and doing work that matters.
Our Leadership & Service events give young professionals the opportunity to work alongside local organizations addressing real needs across Asheville and Western North Carolina. This cleanup is a chance to serve the community, care for the French Broad River, and get to know others who want to make Asheville stronger.