The Past Present and Future of the French Broad River Post-Helene

Join AIA Western North Carolina for a presentation by Lisa Raleigh, RiverLink's Executive Director. We will begin with a discussion around the French Broad River's history of flooding. The conversation will include the geology, geography, and precipitation patterns that have contributed to the major flooding events throughout the past century, in addition to our increased vulnerability given our ever-warming planet. The discussion will then shift to what a more resilient FBR landscape could look like in urban developed floodplains while still honoring property rights, capitalism, and human nature. Lastly, we will consider the importance of including and ensuring our rivers' restoration and overall wellbeing in our region's recovery, as they are the economic, recreational, and environmental backbone to our region and our first line of defense in flood events.

Bio: Lisa Raleigh, PhD

Lisa comes to RiverLink from a lifetime out West -- raised in Montana and having spent thirty years in the high country of Colorado. A hydrologist by training, and a passionate nonprofit leader and fundraiser by practice, for the past four years, Lisa has has been honored to carry forward the mission of RiverLink and the extraordinary work and commitment of the staff and Board to the French Broad River watershed and the communities that live alongside her, particularly in light of post-Helene and the long road to recovery.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church Street, Asheville, United States