Floodplains along the French Broad River naturally soak up stormwater and provide a home for wildlife. But over time, ditches and berms have changed the land, separating the floodplain from the river.

Jordan Clark-Brown, right, and Katie Miller with Mountain True clean trash and debris along the French Broad River near Marshall on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

ASHEVILLE - The city announced the partial reopening of several riverfront parks and greenways along the French Broad on May 22, though some of the hardest hit areas remain fully closed.