We invite you to a special Saved by a Salamander Dinner at River House Inn and Restaurant on the banks of the New River in Grassy Creek, North Carolina. River House is renowned for it’s elegant but unpretentious ambiance and delectable food. River House is the first choice for fine dining in the Ashe County High Country area.

A unique menu will compliment the signature cocktail for the dinner. A silent auction of artwork donated by local artist Scott Balland will complete the evening.

All profits from the dinner will benefit the New River Conservancy.

Tickets are $100 per person and include a 3 course menu and signature cocktail for dinner. Seats are limited ~ Reserve yours today by purchasing tickets here.

Want to know more about healthy water systems and conservation best practices? Take a walk along Grassy Creek (a tributary of the New River) with the New River Water Watchers. We’ll have some sample water tests to practice with.

We’ll also hear about the vital importance of riparian buffers zones to water health. Joe Johnson from Foggy Mountain Nursery will talk about the New River Conservancy River Builder program and showcase the riparian buffer zone he planted along Grassy Creek through a partnership between the River Builder program and Hart-T-Tree Farms.

Wear your creek shoes if you want to practice water sampling!

Learn all about the famous Hellbender salamander! Also known affectionately as snot otter, lasagna lizard, devil dog, etc., the Hellbender is one of the most secretive residents of the Appalachian area. They are the largest amphibians in the country, reaching 29in in length.

Join us as Kelly McCoy from River Girl Fishing Co. tells us all about this amazing creature.

Dr. Shea Tuberty from Appalachian State University will lead us in a hands-on workshop to count macroinvertebrates in Grassy Creek, a tributary of the New River, and tell us what macroinvertebrates can tell us about water health.

Don’t forget your creek shoes!

Janet and Hardin Halsey were part of the citizens’ effort to block the damming of the New River by the Appalachian Power Company during the energy crisis of the 1970s. They even traveled to Washington DC to lobby legislatures as members of The National Committee for the New River. Learn more about this nationally significant, historic effort to preserve the New from eye witnesses!

Join us in the Bier Garden and enjoy some amazing local brews and beverages.

Boondocks (West Jefferson, NC) and Frosty Monkey (Independence, VA) food trucks will be onsite with some delicious dinner and treats.

The Old Store is pleased to present a performance by the Jeff Little Trio to cap off Saved by a Salamander Day. The performance is free for everyone.

We have some seating, but you might want to bring lawn chairs, just in case.

Jeff Little is an award-winning musician from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With few exceptions the piano does not play a prominent part in Americana or Appalachian music and is rarely the lead instrument. But Jeff Little is an exception and a remarkable one. Jeff has not only been recognized as a critically acclaimed musician but also a true music innovator.

Learn about the Jeff Little Trio on their website or click on the event image.