Volunteer Spotlight: Michael Munsell
Q: How long have you lived in the area?
A: I have lived in the area for about 10 years.
Q: What connects you to the Mills River and how did this connection begin?
A: I have always been an outdoorsman. Camping, hiking, and fishing are my favorite hobbies. One of my first fly fishing trips was South Mills River off the Pink Beds Trail loop and I've been hooked ever since. Having a river with limited accessibility from headwater to the confluence of the French Broad is amazing because you can see the river at every step as it grows.
Q: Why do you feel inspired to volunteer with Mills River Partnership?
A: I am a firm believer that every small positive action is a step in the right direction when it comes to community service and making your community a better place. I appreciate Mills River Partnership for their dedicated work in securing funding, contractors, supplies and volunteers to complete projects big and small to protect the river. Some of the planting or river cleanups seem daunting when you start, but with a dozen or more volunteers, the work gets accomplished swiftly. Volunteering helps unite everyone involved and is a super clear way to show people that if they just get out and put in a little effort, they can make big changes.
Q: What is your favorite memory or anecdote relating to the Mills River?
A: Without a doubt my favorite memories on the river are the ones I have been able to make with my two daughters(Olivia-3 & Charlotte-5). Kayaking and swimming with them are our favorite past-times and we do our best to be at the river anytime the weather allows.
Q: What about a river is most beautiful to you?
A: I love Mills River’s accessibility and the variety of ecosystems along its route. Pink Beds, Turkey Pen Gap, North Mills River Rec. area and Mills River Park all hold a special place in my heart. Seeing and learning about all of the plants, animals and minerals along the route has been a lifelong passion.
Q: Hurricane Helene majorly altered our rivers and landscapes in WNC. What hopes do you have for the Mills River’s future?
A: The amount of damage to the Mills River watershed that occurred during the Helene flood was extraordinary. Even though there was an exceptional amount of damage done to the river and the community, I was amazed at how so many of the natural elements of the river held steadfast through the storm. Looking forward, my hope is that landowners and other invested parties will see the value in wide, healthy riparian buffers. I am also grateful for the hard work the Mills River Partnership has done to remove logjams, stabilize the riverbanks and educate the community about the river. I would be very concerned for the river if the Mills River Partnership wasn't here to help protect the river and the community that surrounds it.
A: I have lived in the area for about 10 years.
Q: What connects you to the Mills River and how did this connection begin?
A: I have always been an outdoorsman. Camping, hiking, and fishing are my favorite hobbies. One of my first fly fishing trips was South Mills River off the Pink Beds Trail loop and I've been hooked ever since. Having a river with limited accessibility from headwater to the confluence of the French Broad is amazing because you can see the river at every step as it grows.
Q: Why do you feel inspired to volunteer with Mills River Partnership?
A: I am a firm believer that every small positive action is a step in the right direction when it comes to community service and making your community a better place. I appreciate Mills River Partnership for their dedicated work in securing funding, contractors, supplies and volunteers to complete projects big and small to protect the river. Some of the planting or river cleanups seem daunting when you start, but with a dozen or more volunteers, the work gets accomplished swiftly. Volunteering helps unite everyone involved and is a super clear way to show people that if they just get out and put in a little effort, they can make big changes.
Q: What is your favorite memory or anecdote relating to the Mills River?
A: Without a doubt my favorite memories on the river are the ones I have been able to make with my two daughters(Olivia-3 & Charlotte-5). Kayaking and swimming with them are our favorite past-times and we do our best to be at the river anytime the weather allows.
Q: What about a river is most beautiful to you?
A: I love Mills River’s accessibility and the variety of ecosystems along its route. Pink Beds, Turkey Pen Gap, North Mills River Rec. area and Mills River Park all hold a special place in my heart. Seeing and learning about all of the plants, animals and minerals along the route has been a lifelong passion.
Q: Hurricane Helene majorly altered our rivers and landscapes in WNC. What hopes do you have for the Mills River’s future?
A: The amount of damage to the Mills River watershed that occurred during the Helene flood was extraordinary. Even though there was an exceptional amount of damage done to the river and the community, I was amazed at how so many of the natural elements of the river held steadfast through the storm. Looking forward, my hope is that landowners and other invested parties will see the value in wide, healthy riparian buffers. I am also grateful for the hard work the Mills River Partnership has done to remove logjams, stabilize the riverbanks and educate the community about the river. I would be very concerned for the river if the Mills River Partnership wasn't here to help protect the river and the community that surrounds it.
VOLUNTEER WITH MILLS RIVER PARTNERSHIP
If you are interested in volunteering with Mills River Partnership please message us and we will contact you shortly about volunteer opportunities.