Calendar for Oct 1, 2008 - Oct 14, 2008
In & about the garden
Asheville Mushroom Club
Learn about all aspects of mushrooms (collecting, identifying, growing or cooking). Programs are open and free to the public. Info: 298-9988 or www.ashevillemushroomclub.com.
• 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Monthly meeting at WNC Nature Center. Free, but membership is required for foray participation.
Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society
Meets at the Red Cross Center, 100 Edgewood Rd., Asheville. Info: 687-9253 or 891-6632.
• 2nd SUNDAYS, 3pm - Meeting. Oct. 12: Presentation by Rosarians Ann and Larry Peck on "The Cherokee Rose in the Carolinas." Enter the world of the early 1800s and the life and times of the people, nature and roses of North America. The general public is invited to attend.
Bountiful Cities Project
Bountiful Cities Project builds community through events at community gardens in Asheville. Opportunities to be involved include gardening, beekeeping, compost maintenance, watering, working with youth, organizing and administration. Info: 257-4000 or info@bountifulcitiesproject.org.
• 2nd SATURDAYS, 12-5pm - Community workday.
Men's Garden Club of Asheville
The Club's purpose is to promote education in gardening, to encourage community beautification efforts, and to enjoy good fellowship. Meetings are at the Botanical Gardens, 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd., and are free and open to the public. Info: 712-1311 or www.mensgardenclubasheville.org.
• TU (10/7), 7:30pm - Will Blozan of Appalachian Arborists will talk about “Maintaining Trees When Mother Nature Has Other Plans.” He will discuss how to minimize the stresses imposed on trees due to drought, poor soil conditions, negligence, hemlock woolly adelgid and more.
N.C. Arboretum Events
The Arboretum hosts a variety of educational programs. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free. No parking fees on Tuesdays. Info: 665-2492 or www.ncarboretum.org.
• MONDAYS through FRIDAYS, 8am-2pm - Greenhouse and Production Facility Self-Guided Tours.
• THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS, 10am-Noon - Bonsai Volunteers in the Garden: Volunteers answer questions about both the collection and the garden.
• TUESDAYS through FRIDAYS, 10:30am - Guided Garden Tours.
• SA & SU (10/11 & 12) - 13th Annual Carolina Bonsai Expo. Juried exhibits by bonsai enthusiasts throughout the Southeast, as well as workshops, demos and a bonsai marketplace.
Pisgah View Community Peace Garden
An organic produce market at Pisgah View Apartments. Info: allison@qualityforward.org.
• DAILY, 9am-Noon & 4-7pm - The market is open.
Regional Tailgate Markets
For more information about area and regional farmers' tailgate markets, contact the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. Info: 236-1282 or www.asapconnections.org.
• DAILY - Portico Market at the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville. Info: madeline@grovearcade.com.
• WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS - 8am-Noon - Waynesville Tailgate Market at the Badcock & More parking lot at the corner of Walnut and Main. Info: 456-3517 or downtownwaynesville@charter.net; 8-11:30am - Watauga County Farmers Market on Hwy. 105 Ext. in Boone; 8am-1pm - Ashe County Farmers Market on the back street running parallel to Main St. in West Jefferson.
• WEDNESDAYS - 2-6pm & SUNDAYS 1-5pm - Greenlife Tailgate Market at 70 Merrimon Ave. Info: keepinitrural@bellsouth.net.
• WEDNESDAYS - 4:30-6:30pm - Tryon Tailgate Market, across the railroad tracks from the Tryon Theatre; 2-6:30pm - Downtown Tailgate Market at 76 Biltmore Ave. in downtown Asheville. Info: 683-1607 or fullsunfarm@earthlink.net; 3:30-6:30pm - West Asheville Tailgate Market behind the West End Bakery and Haywood Road Market. Info: 689-4505 or fisherbranchfarm@yahoo.com; 3-6pm - Spruce Pine Farmers Tailgate Market at Topaz Street between Upper and Lower Streets in downtown Spruce Pine. Info: 688-3269 or sarahrunkel@yahoo.com.
• FRIDAYS - 9am-2pm - Cherokee Farmers Tailgate Market on Acquoni Rd. in downtown Cherokee. Info: 497-3521 or tammara_cole@ncsu.edu.
• SATURDAYS - 8am-Noon - Alleghany County Farmers Market at the intersection of NC 18N and Grayson St. in Sparta; 8am-1pm - Asheville City Market in the Public Works parking lot on S. Charlotte St.; 7am-Noon - North Asheville Tailgate Market on the campus of UNCA. Info: 622-3654; 7am-Noon - Henderson County Tailgate Market at 100 N. King St. (between First and Second Avenues). Info: 693-7265 or Teresa7265@msn.com; 8-11:30am - Polk Tailgate Market in front of the Polk County Courthouse. Info: 894-8823 or Gerald.Harbinson@nc.usda.gov; 8am-Noon - Franklin Tailgate Market in Macon County at West Palmer St., across the street from othe old post office. Info: 524-3449; 8am-1pm - French Broad Food Coop Tailgate Market at 76 Biltmore Ave. in downtown Asheville. Info: 768-5137; 9am-Noon - Rutherfordton Farmers Market on Main St. in downtown Rutherfordton; 8am-Noon - Mountain Valley Farmers Market on the downtown square in Hayesville; 8:30am-1pm - Graham County Farmers Market in the United Community Bank parking lot in Robbinsville; 8am-Noon - Bakersville Farmers Market in the Bakersville Community Medical Clinic parking lot in Bakersville; 8:30am-12:30pm - Yancey County Farmers Market at the Burnsville Town Center, Hwy 19E at South Main St. Info: 682-0601; 9am-1pm - Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market in the parking lot near Pittman Cafeteria up Dormitory Dr. at Mars Hill College. Info: 649-0059 or tcharles@madison.main.nc.us; 10am-2pm - Cedar Valley Farmers Market in downtown Murphy on the square. Info: 321-9030 or appalachianeve@yahoo.com; 9am-Noon - Black Mountain Tailgate Market at 500 Montreat Rd. in Black Mountain. Info: 664-0060 or tailgate@main.nc.us; 9am-Noon - Jackson County Farmers Market on Railroad Ave. at Bridge Park. Info: 269-3866; 9am-Noon - Riceville Community Tailgate Market in the parking lot of the Riceville Community Center; 8am-Noon - Saturday Market in downtown Greenville, S.C. between Spring and Main Streets; 9-11am - Big Ivy Market at the old fire station, across from the post office, in downtown Barnarsville. Info: kmathews@barnardsville.com.
• SUNDAYS, Noon-4pm - Sundays on the Island, cross the river at the courthouse on Main St. in Marshall.
• TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 8am-Noon - Canton Tailgate Market at the town hall in the municipal parking lot on Park St. Info: 646-3412.
• TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS, 7am-Noon - Rutherford County Farmers Market on Fairgrounds Rd, off Business 74 Hwy. Info: 287-6010.
• TUESDAYS, Noon-5pm & SATURDAYS, 8am-2pm - Morganton Farmers Market behind Geppetto's Pizza on Beach St. in Morganton.
• TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS, 8am-2pm - Hendersonville Curb Market at Church St., directly across from the old courthouse. Info: 692-8012 or curbmarket@bellsouth.com; 7:30am-1pm - Transylvania County Tailgate Market in the parking lot behind South Broad Park, next to the library in Brevard.
Weaverville Garden Club
Info: 645-4935.
• 2nd TUESDAYS, 9:30am - Monthly meeting at Weaverville Town Hall.
Botanical Gardens at Asheville
This 10-acre nonprofit nature preserve at 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd. (next to UNCA) is dedicated to preserving and displaying the native flora of N.C. Info & event registration: 252-5190 or www.ashevillebotanicalgardens.org.
Ikenobo Ikebana
The Blue Ridge Chapter of Ikenobo Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arranging) is a nonprofit organization that meets monthly at St. John's in the Wilderness Parish House (Rt.#225 South & Rutledge Rd.) in Flat Rock. Info: 890-1550.
Environment & ecology
Reduce The Environmental Impact of Your Home
(pd.) Asheville's BuildSmart Alliance is offering free green-building seminars. Integrate green building solutions into your new or existing home. Saturday, October 11 from 9a.m.-12p.m. Greenlife Community Center, 70 Merrimon Avenue. Reservations recommended- Free! 828-257-4907 www.buildsmartalliance.com
Asheville Green Drinks
People who are interested in environmental issues and topics meet up for a drink at BoBo Gallery, 22 Lexington Ave. The events usually include a short presentation by a guest speaker. Sign up for the e-mail newsletter at www.ashevillegreendrinks.com.
• FR (10/3), 6pm - Socializing --- 6:30pm - History of Asheville's Transit. At the beginning of the 20th century, Asheville had an extensive trolley-based public transit system. By 1934, it had been totally dismantled.
• FR (10/10), 6pm - Socializing --- 6:30pm - Hear about Asheville Design Center's approach to community-design problems and the design of the human landscape. Info: www.ashevilledesigncenter.org.
Blue Ridge Naturalist Events
The Blue Ridge Naturalist is a program of the N.C. Center for Creative Retirement. Participation open to adults of all ages. Info: 251-6198.
• WE (10/1), 9am-4pm - "Last Stand of the Eastern Hemlock." The impact of the decline of Eastern Hemlock on the ecology of Appalachian forests, while not fully understood, will undoubtedly be dramatic. Join a day walk to explore the status of the "redwood of the East" and to consider its future. $40.
• TH (10/2), 9-11am - Blue Ridge Amphibians. Join naturalist Carlton Burke for a look at local amphibians. This talk is one in a series, Animals of the Blue Ridge. Each presentation will cover habitat requirements, reproductive strategies and life histories. $7.
• SA (10/4), 8:30am-4:30pm - Old Growth Hike: Upper Ox Creek. Visit old and diverse forests that reside at the cool mountain headwaters of the Blue Ridge region. Access is along part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Recommended to bring lunch, water, snacks, binoculars, walking stick and hiking boots. $40 --- 9am-5pm - Botanical Walk: Big Butt Trail. Begin at Cane River Gap and climb over the summit of Big Butt Knob and return by the same route. Pass through Northern Hardwood Forests that were never logged. Come prepared with lunch and rain gear. $40 --- 9am-Noon - Biofuels Workshop. Learn about the history of biofuels, availability, emissions, health, environmental benefits and problems, national trends, tax issues and incentives, SVO fuel versus biodiesel, vehicle conversion options for SVO and more. Includes viewing of a SVO-converted vehicle. $18.
• TU (10/7), 9am-4pm - Forest Typing for Beginners. Participants will do a few fifth-acre plots to learn techniques for tallying forest structure. Hike along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail on Woods Mountain. Tree identification skills are a big plus. $40.
• TH (10/9), 9am-Noon - Introduction to Birding. Bird identification, learning to use field guides and checklists, guides to birding sites, and how to select and use binoculars. One classroom session and one birding walk. Good walking ability and binoculars are required. Recommended: Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America. Binoculars and field guides available for loan. $36.
• SA (10/11), 9am-1pm - Fall Tree ID Walk. Learn the basics of tree identification on a walk through the changing fall forest. Led by naturalist Scott Dean. $24.
• MO (10/13), 9am-3pm - Cultivating Native Woodland Medicinals. A hands-on workshop that will address site selection and preparation, propagation techniques, sustainable harvesting, conservation status, regulations and the medicinal and culinary uses of these plants. $36.
Common Sense at the Nuclear Crossroads
A grassroots group based in Asheville that focuses on the transport of radioactive materials and nuclear industries in the Southeast. Info: www.nuclearcrossroads.org.
• 2nd MONDAYS - The group meets at the Unitarian Universalist Church, One Edwin Pl. Check website to confirm meeting details.
Cradle of Forestry Events
Experience the natural and cultural history of the Southern Appalachians at the birthplace of scientific forestry. Located on Route 276 in Pisgah National Forest. Hours: 9am -5pm, 7 days a week. Info: 877-3130 or www.CradleofForestry.org.
• SA (10/4), 9am-5pm - Forest Festival Day, with more than 30 traditional craftspeople, exhibitors and musicians. Colleges will compete in an Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet during the event. $6/$3.
• FR (10/10) through SU (10/12) - Visit with a small group of traditional outdoor skills practitioners at a reconstructed campsite of the late 1800s and early 1900s. See four styles of period shelters, old style campfire cookery and outdoor gear of a bygone day. $5.
Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society Events
Open to birders of all experience levels. Info: 254-7618 or eljeep129@charter.net.
• 1st SATURDAYS, 9am - Bird walk at Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary.
• SA (10/11), 9am-Noon - Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary Work Day. Help remove invasive willow trees. Please bring gloves and loppers. Info: goedsche@mindspring.com.
Environmental Film Fest
Films on water and energy conservation and the need for global environmental justice. Hosted by Clean Water for N.C. and partner organizations, the festival will give people a way to become involved in local issues. The event will also include local speakers, a raffle and networking. $12/$9 students. Info: 251-1291.
• TH (10/9), 7pm - "Patagonia Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival On Tour" at Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company on Merrimon Ave. The festival has been featured in almost 80 cities across the U.S.
Fall Litter Sweep
Help keep Buncombe County clean. Join in the 2008 "Pickitup!" Campaign. Collect three bags of trash and get a free "Pickitup!" T-shirt. Bags and safety vest provided. Info: 250-5460.
• Through SA (10/4) - Litter sweep.
A monthly research and idea sharing event featuring presentations from UNCA's NEMAC staff or university faculty, student undergraduate researchers and visiting professionals. Meets at UNCA's Reuter Center, Chestnut Ridge Room. Open to the public ... and yes, chocolate is served. Info: 250-3890.
• FR (10/3), 3-5pm - "Climate Change" will be the theme.
The City of Asheville is participating in the nationwide competition for cash awards to be used to support recycling efforts through local education and awareness programs. For more info or drop-off center locations: www.ashevillenc.gov/sanitation or 251-1122.
• Through FR (10/31) - Recycle aluminum cans!
The official public dedication will take place at the trail directly across from South Lake Shore Drive. Info: 456-2030 or recprograms@townofwaynesville.org.
• SA (10/4), 8:30am - Due to limited parking at the dedication spot, shuttle service will be provided from Bojangles and Waynesville Christian Fellowship parking lots --- 9am - Waynesville Town Manager Lee Galloway and Mayor Gavin Brown will kick off the event with a ribbon cutting of the new greenway, which links Lake Junaluska to the Waynesville Recreation Center.
Lunchtime Litter Walks
Get some exercise while promoting a healthy environment. Cosponsored by Quality Forward and Be Active Appalachian State Partnership. Call for more info, or to set up an alternate date and time for your group: 254-1776.
• TUESDAYS, Noon - Beautification cleanup starting from Quality Forward's office on Depot St. that lasts about an hour.
Mountain Green Series
Offered by Warren Wilson College's Environmental Leadership Center, the series consists of luncheon speakers and a walking tour that highlights sustainability efforts at WWC. Programs will be held in Canon Lounge, Gladfelter. $10 for lunch. RSVP: 771-3781. Info: www.mountaingreenwnc.org.
• MO (10/6), 11:30am-1pm - Anne Jackson, Perkins+Will, IIDA, CDT, LEED AP, will speak on "The Green Payoff: The Economics of Going Green" --- 1-3pm - The Green Walkabout.
N.C. Arboretum Events
The Arboretum hosts a variety of educational programs. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free. No parking fees on Tuesdays. Info: 665-2492 or www.ncarboretum.org.
• TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS, 1pm - Forest Trails Walk: A guided tour through different types of forest environments in an exploration of natural history. Wear walking shoes and dress in layers. Meet in the lobby of the Baker Exhibit Center.
Solar & Green Home Tour
Featuring 14 homes throughout the Asheville area. See a variety of homes with green-building products and technologies on this self-guided tour. Presented by the WNC Green Building Council. $5/$10 for nonmembers/$15 for a carload. Registration & info: www.wncgbc.org.
• SA (10/11), 11am-4pm - Solar & Green Home Tour. Visit three sites in Black Mountain, one in Barnardsville and ten in Asheville.
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
The mission of the SAHC is to protect the world's oldest mountains for the benefit of present and future generations. The volunteer-based organization works with individuals and local communities to identify, preserve and manage the region's important lands. Info: 253-0095 or www.appalachian.org.
• SA (10/11), 10am - Guided hike on Hemphill Bald, bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Led by Judy Coker, one of the joint owners of Cataloochee Ranch and trustee and member of SAHC. Meet at Cataloochee Ranch. RSVP.
Southern Forest Challenge
A grassroots effort supporting Dogwood Alliance and its work to protect Southern Forests. The event includes cycling and paddling. Info: www.southernforestchallenge.org.
• FR (10/10) through SU (10/12) - The Southern Forest Challenge 2008. The event will be held near Brevard.
The Imagine Center
Interested in working with the organization that puts on Organicfest, the first and largest festival celebrating organic, sustainable and green living in the Southeast? Come to the monthly planning meetings to find out how to get involved.
• 1st TUESDAYS, 6:30pm - Planning meeting at Westgate Earth Fare, 66 Westgate Parkway, in the Community Room.
WNC Alliance
Members of the WNC Alliance and the public are invited to be agents of change for the environment. Info: www.wnca.org.
• 1st THURSDAYS, 7pm - Meeting for Buncombe County members and the public at the WNC Alliance office, 29 N. Market St., Ste. 610, Asheville. Info: 258-8737.
• 1st MONDAYS, 4pm - Meeting for Ashe, Avery and Watauga members and the public. Be agents of change for the Watauga River Watershed. Info: 963-8682.
WNC Nature Center
For more information about programs and activities, 298-5600 or www.wildwnc.org. Located at 75 Gashes Creek Rd. Hours: 10am-5pm daily. Admission: $7/$5/$3.
• Through FR (10/31) - Native Waters, a national traveling exhibit focused on Native American perceptions of water and its conservation, will be on display.
• SA (10/11), 10am-4pm - The 32nd Annual Hey Day. Crafts, pumpkin and face painting, live music, clogging, a bake sale, Cake Walk, Hey Jump and more. All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the WNC Nature Center.
Asheville Bioneers
A collective of people of all ages, nationalities and persuasions who promote practical environmental solutions and innovative social strategies for restoring the Earth and communities. Info: 633-0860 or www.bioneers.org.
Canary Coalition
This broad-based regional grassroots clean-air advocacy movement involves all elements of the community in effecting legislative and regulatory action on the state and federal level, and is organizing large events to mobilize and display public support for clean air. Info: 631-3447 or www.canarycoalition.org.
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy
CMLC is a local nonprofit organization that helps families and landowners preserve the land that is important to them and the community. Volunteers welcome. Info: 697-5777, outreach@carolinamountain.org or www.carolinamountain.org.
Clean Water for North Carolina
This state-wide nonprofit organization promotes clean, safe water and environments, and empowered, just communities for all North Carolinians through organizing, education, advocacy and technical assistance. Info and volunteer opportunities: 251-1291 or info@cwfnc.org.
Conservation Education With The Cradle of Forestry
Meet the N.C. Standard Course of study requirements, earn Continuing Education Credit and earn credit toward your N.C. Environmental Education Certification. Info: agoldstein@fs.fed.us, 877-3350 ext. 203 or www.cradleofforestry.com.
ECO Events
The Environmental and Conservation Organization is dedicated to conserving and preserving the natural heritage of the mountain region through education, recreation, civic action and service. Info: 692-0385 or www.eco-wnc.org.
Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition
Coalition goals and actions involve a variety of local alt fuel/clean vehicle projects. Info: 251-6622 or bill@landofsky.org.
Laurel Valley Watch
Laurel Valley Watch is a nonprofit that was formed by residents of Laurel Valley in northwest Madison County as an urgent effort to preserve hundreds of acres at risk in a proposed high density development. Info: 680-9484 or www.laurelvalleywatch.org.
Long Branch Environmental Education Center
Trout pond, waterfalls and hiking trails through the protected Southern Applachian Highlands. Located in the Big Sandy Mush community 18 miles NW from Asheville. Open by appointment. Directions or info: 683-3662 or paul@LongBrancheec.org.
Regional Clean Air Campaign
The CAC is focused on educating the public about air pollution and actions everyone can take to improve air quality in the Asheville Region. Info: 251-6622 or www.landofsky.org/cleanair.
Rewild Katuah
Bringing folks together to rewild, relearn about themselves and about the land community. Most weekends and many weekdays. Always free. Info: rewildkatuah.blogspot.com or rewildkatuah@gmail.com.
RiverLink Events
RiverLink, WNC's organization working to improve life along the French Broad, sponsors a variety of river-friendly events. Info: 252-8474 or www.riverlink.org.
Save Our Forests
Dogwood Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving our Southern forests and bringing an end to unsustainable forestry practices. Through a combination of grassroots pressure and negotiation, the organization works to achieve the results necessary to create real and lasting protection for Southern forests. Info: www.dogwoodalliance.org, eva@dogwoodalliance.org or 251-2525, ext. 13.
Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project
This grassroots organization is dedicated to the defense and restoration of the native biodiversity of Southern Appalachia. Info: www.sabp.net.
Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition
SAFC seeks to protect and restore the wildlands, waters, native forests and ecosystems of the southern Appalachian landscape. Info: 252-9223, safc@safc.org or www.safc.org.
Southern Appalachian Herpetological Society
Dedicated to the care and conservation of reptiles and amphibians in WNC. Info: 779-2249.
Sustainable Asheville
Promotes sustainability in our community through education and networking. Offers an online calendar of community sustainabilty events, an e-mail newsletter, listings of local groups and events. Info: www.sustainableasheville.org.
The N.C. Bartram Trail Society
A trail club, working with the U.S. Forest Service to maintain 80 miles of woodland, foot-travel-only trail. Info: www.ncbartramtrail.org.
Volunteer Stream Monitoring
The Stream Monitoring program is a collaboration of several area nonprofits and government agencies. Citizen monitoring groups will be a focal point for community interaction, and promote a sense of stewardship of local waterways. Info: 251-1291 or gracia@cwfnc.org.
WENOCA Sierra Club
Members of the WNC Sierra Club Chapter work together to protect the community and the planet. The mission of the Sierra Club, America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, is to explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the earth. Info: www.nc.sierraclub.org/wenoca/ or 299-4171.
WNC Green Building Council
The nonprofit's mission is to promote environmentally sustainable and health-conscious building practices through community education. For info on monthly events: 254-1995 or www.wncgbc.org/events/calendar.php.
Critical Mass Bike Ride
Help promote bike culture in Asheville. Critical Mass cultivates bicycle advocacy, awareness and safety on the road. Meet at Aston Park. Free. Info: AshevilleFreakBikes@yahoogroups.com.
