After the Storm: Community Riparian Restoration Event

The Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association (NORA) is proud to host an informal community information-sharing event focused on riparian restoration in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Event Details

📅 Monday, September 15th

🕔 5:00–7:00 pm

📍 Union Street Taproom, Erwin, TN

This gathering will feature presentations from experts with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Together, they will share insights on:

• How our waterways were impacted during Hurricane Helene

• Restoration techniques to stabilize and rebuild streambanks

• Available funding and resources for landowners

• Best practices for long-term resilience and ecological health

On-the-Ground Learning

Government Partners joined NORA last week when speaking to local landowners to gain perspective and information to provide better outcomes. Photo by Patrick Mannion

As the hosting organization, NORA helped bring these experts into the field last week to visit several impacted properties in our community. By seeing the damage firsthand and talking with landowners, our partners are better prepared to share practical, locally relevant strategies and resources that can support both recovery and resilience.

What to Expect

This will be an open, welcoming event with space for presentations, Q&A, and conversation. Landowners, community members, and anyone interested in protecting and restoring our waterways are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be available courtesy of Union Street Taproom—making this both an informative and enjoyable evening.

Why It Matters

Looking downstream on the Nolichucky from the Chestoa Recreation Area. Photo by Patrick Mannion

Riparian areas—the vegetated buffers along our rivers and streams—are the first line of defense against erosion, flooding, and pollution. Strengthening these zones is critical not only for ecological health but also for the safety and resilience of our community.

By connecting local expertise with community needs, we can turn this storm recovery into an opportunity to build back stronger and ensure the Nolichucky watershed thrives for generations to come.