MountainTrue envisions thriving communities in our mountain region and helps sustain each other and our natural environment. To achieve this, MountainTrue champions clean water and resilient forests and empowers residents throughout the region to engage in community planning, policy and project advocacy, and hands-on monitoring and improvement projects.
MountainTrue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that covers 26 counties in Western North Carolina and north Georgia. While the organization addresses many issues facing the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, MountainTrue focuses considerable time and effort to protect and improve water quality in Macon County’s rivers, lakes, and streams.
MountainTrue has deep roots in Macon County and southwestern North Carolina. Incorporated in 1982 as Western North Carolina Alliance, the organization was originally based in Franklin and largely focused on challenging threats to our National Forests. It wasn’t until its merger with the 25-year-old Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition, located in Murphy, that MountainTrue’s volunteer water quality monitoring and habitat restoration programs began in earnest.
MountainTrue and its volunteers have monitored E. coli levels at public swimming areas on the Little Tennessee River for the past two summers. E. coli is a bacteria found in the fecal waste of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and indicates contamination in our waterways. From May to September, we collect weekly water samples from 11 locations in Macon and Swain counties, along with 14 other locations in the western region. We process and analyze each sample and post the results to the international Swim Guide website (www.theswimguide.org) and mobile app before the weekend so you know where it is safe to swim.
This year, MountainTrue is beginning a microplastic water sampling project in Macon County. Volunteers will collect samples from rivers and streams in Jackson, Swain, and Macon counties. The microplastics will be filtered from the water samples and counted. Data from the samples is compiled into a citizen science database to provide public knowledge about microplastics and their impact on stream and human health. If you are interested in learning more about microplastics in our waterways, visit the website https://www.plasticfreewnc.com/facts-resources.
We are currently recruiting volunteers for both the Swim Guide and the microplastics sampling programs. Swim guide testing runs from May to September and involves collecting a water sample weekly on Thursday mornings. Microplastic samples are collected quarterly and year-round. Both programs offer a great opportunity to take action and support clean waterways in your community.
We are also recruiting site sponsorships for our Swim Guide monitoring locations. A variety of publicity benefits accompany sponsorships, including recognition on the Swim Guide app and a Swim Guide sponsor door cling acknowledging your support of clean local waterways.
Another way to get involved with MountainTrue’s work is participating in volunteer workdays to control nonnative invasive plants. MountainTrue, in partnership with Friends of the Greenway and Mainspring Conservation Trust, is hosting workdays at the Little Tennessee Greenway in Franklin to remove invasive plants, such as kudzu, privet, and Japanese honeysuckle from the riparian buffer of the Little Tennessee River. Removing invasive plants helps native plants thrive along the river, leading to healthier stream ecosystems.
To get involved with our volunteer opportunities and Swim Guide sponsorships email: [email protected]. Or, call the regional office at (828)837-5414.
The MountainTrue Western Regional Office at 90 Tennessee St. in downtown Murphy is open to the public. We recommend making an appointment in advance to ensure the appropriate staff member is available to speak with you. Read more about MountainTrue’s programs and policy work, volunteer opportunities, and/or to make a donation at www.mountaintrue.org.