Reduce rain runoff in your own backyard with the help of RiverLink

The environmental nonprofit is giving you the know-how and the tools to build green infrastructure at home.

rain garden.png

Get the tools to build a vibrant (and French Broad-friendly) rain garden like this one.

Photo via RiverLink

It’s gardening season — and in creating your outdoor oasis, you can show some love for the French Broad Watershed. RiverLink is hosting two workshops this month as part of its Reduce Rain Runoff campaign, helping you curb rain runoff (aka the biggest threat to the health of the French Broad River) right at home.

Rain Barrel Workshop | Saturday, May 18 | 10-11 a.m. | Black Mountain Town Hall, 160 Midland Ave., Black Mountain | Free, RSVP | Learn about the benefits of rain barrels and how to install them — you’ll even get a free barrel for your yard.

Rain Garden Workshop | Friday, May 31 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain | Free, RSVP | Hear about the advantages of rain gardens and pro tips for building and maintaining them — plus, get free native plants to start building your own.

Learn more about how green infrastructure helps keep the French Broad River healthy, and read up on local success stories.

More from AVLtoday
Make the most of the season without pulling out your wallet.
The cafe is moving to the former Laughing Seed location, opening a full service breakfast and brunch spot.
More than 100 people will embark on The Great Mother March, a 32-day walk from Asheville to Washington, DC, spreading a message of healing and unity.
Support local restaurants during two weeks of good eats.
Dig into Asheville’s must-try pizza shops — from late-night slices to fancy fare and everything in between.
Plus, the brewery plans to open a pizza spot.
Whether you’re plunging into icy water, hopping on the reformer, or basking in red light, wellness in 2026 is about finding what makes you feel good. With so many options popping up around Asheville, we’re sharing where to try these wellness trends.
From crafting to cooking, cornhole to carpentry, you can say goodbye to boredom.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
Over the past 20 years, the recording studio has become an institution — and under the new ownership of its longtime studio manager, Echo Mountain Recording is set to make a comeback.