NORA Night at The Union Street Taproom – October 27th

Join us for a special evening of community, connection, and support for the Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association (NORA)!

📅 Date: Monday, October 27, 2025

📍 Location: The Union Street Taproom, Erwin, TN

This gathering will serve as our Fall 2025 Board of Directors Meeting and a community fundraiser. It’s a time to celebrate the work we’ve accomplished together this year, connect with friends and partners, and look ahead to the important projects still to come.

Celebrating Our Progress

Over the past year, NORA crews and volunteers have completed dozens of cleanup missions, removing well over 200,000 pounds of debris from the Nolichucky River and its tributaries. Our partnership with MountainTrue, the East Tennessee Foundation, and many local organizations has made this possible. Together, we’ve not only cleared the river corridor but also restored pride and resilience in our community.

This fall and winter, we’re expanding our riparian restoration efforts — planting trees, stabilizing riverbanks, and building healthier habitats for wildlife and cleaner water for future generations.

Advocacy and Protection

NORA also continues to lead in river advocacy. Over the winter and spring we worked to hold CSX accountable for unsafe construction practices along the river. This summer we raised concerns about the illegal quarry in Poplar. Thanks to vigilance and community reporting, regulators have taken action, and remediation work is underway.

In partnership with MountainTrue, we launched water quality sampling efforts across the Nolichucky, ensuring science guides our advocacy and keeping communities downstream informed and safe.

Looking Ahead

As we turn toward 2026, NORA is building momentum for new community education and engagement programs. Plans are underway for:

• River safety classes to help paddlers and families enjoy the water with confidence.

• After-school youth programs focused on outdoor leadership, nature connection, and mentorship.

• Continued volunteer opportunities for riparian restoration, cleanups, and environmental education.

A Community Gathering & Fundraiser

At the Taproom event, we’ll share updates, welcome new faces who want to get involved, and host a “passing of the hat” donation drive to raise unrestricted funds. These funds support our programs and cover the essential administrative needs that keep our mission moving forward.

Come out for good company, good conversation, and a shared commitment to the Nolichucky. Let’s raise a glass – and some support – for the river we love.

We hope to see you there!