Golden girls: How women are lighting up the solar industry

Despite being one of the fastest growing industries in the country, solar isn’t a very diverse field: In fact, only 19 percent of solar jobs are held by women. But with the technology becoming increasingly affordable and the number of jobs in the industry increasing, professionals working in the field say solar is taking off — and providing women with a lot of new opportunities.

Green Opportunities’ new director gets his feet — and his shoes — wet

As the new executive director of Green Opportunities, the green jobs training program that works with low-income Asheville residents, George C. Jones plans to continue the environmental consciousness that was practiced by previous leadership, but his tenure will be guided by his business background.

A mossier, more magical world: Local ‘mosser’ releases new book on moss gardening

Annie Martin — or Mossin’ Annie — is a Western North Carolina native, educator, landscape designer, farmer and champion — of mosses. She’s designed moss gardens for the North Carolina Arboretum and the Highland Botanical Station and her book, The Magical World of Moss Gardening, is being published by Timber Press and released this month.

Community groups, nonprofits form coalition to oppose Duke Energy transmission lines, expansion plans

Press release: Communities, neighbors and grassroots organizations across Western Carolina have joined forces to oppose Duke Energy’s Western Carolina expansion plans, including a network of power transmission lines, a large-scale gas-fired power plant near Asheville and substation at Campobello, SC.

Local solar company urges Duke Energy to support extension of renewable energy tax credit

Weaverville-based solar energy company Sundance Power Systems along with three other North Carolina rooftop solar providers has issued a public statement calling on Duke Energy to support an extension of the Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit. The credit is set to expire at the end of this year. While the N.C. House does include a […]

AAAC, Asheville Art Museum, Carolina Public Press among recipients of Community Foundation grants

From The Community Foundation Press Release Four Natural and Cultural Resources Focus Area Grants totaling $110,000 were recently awarded to the Asheville Area Arts Council, Asheville Art Museum, Carolina Public Press and NC International Folk Festival/Folkmoot by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.  Natural and Cultural Resources is a focus area for the Foundation, […]

John Wilson Community Garden in Black Mountain to hold Concert in the Garden

From The Dr. John Wilson Community Garden Press release The Dr. John Wilson Community Garden will host a concert in the garden on August 29. The evening will feature Aditi Sethi and Jay Brown with special guests Kiah Abendroth and River Guerguerian. A brief tour of the community garden will begin promptly at 6 p.m. […]

Bruce Drysdale Elementary receives grant from Christopher Reeve Foundation to improve accessibility

From Bruce Drysdale Elementary Press release Bruce Drysdale is proud to announce that it has received a $5,000 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The award was one of 84 grants totaling over $704,732 awarded by the Reeve Foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that provide more opportunities, access, and daily […]

Exchange nonprofit Asheville TimeBank to hold orientation and potluck dinner, Aug. 28

What is Asheville TimeBank? It’s a nonprofit sharing organization where members exchange services for other services. After paying a suggested donation of $10-$20 for a year’s membership, participants can earn and spend credits exchanging services such as gardening or computer work for babysitting or dog-walking. The organization will hold an orientation and potluck on Friday, […]

MountainTrue to hold Henderson County Big Sweep litter cleanup, Sept. 12

From MountainTrue Press release On Saturday, September 12, 2015, MountainTrue’s Southern Regional Office will host their annual Henderson County Big Sweep. Henderson County Big Sweep is a county-wide litter cleanup program that brings citizens and community organizations together to clear trash from their waterways. Civic organizations, Scout troops, church groups, school groups, Adopt-A-Stream teams, neighborhood […]

Inaugural Mountain Brew Fest canceled following communication failures with ALE, ABC

Environmental nonprofit MountainTrue has canceled its inaugural Mountain Brew Fest, previously scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, in downtown Hendersonville. According to the organization, the decision to cancel the event is related to an “inability to get clear and consistent answers regarding event requirements from the Alcohol Beverage Control and Alcohol Law Enforcement agencies.” Tickets will […]