Author and GMO critic Steve Druker to speak in Asheville on Oct. 5

Attorney Steven Druker‘s 2015 book, Altered Genes, Twisted Truth, has been recognized as an important addition to the conversation surrounding genetically modified organisms. In 2017, Druker received the Luxembourg Prize for Environmental Peace. Druker will speak in Asheville on Thursday, Oct. 5, 7-9 p.m., at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 123 Kenilworth Road. The title of Druker’s talk is […]

Duke Energy announces large-scale battery installation in Asheville area

The pace of news releases from both Duke Energy and its critics on a variety of issues continues to quicken in the run-up to public hearings on the utility’s request for a 14.9 percent rate increase overall. Duke Energy announced a $30 million battery storage facility as part of its modernization project at Asheville’s Lake Julian plant.

Groups announce plans to sue Duke Energy for hiding coal ash dam safety information

Press release from MountainTrue: Duke Energy Violates the Law by Hiding Critical Dam Safety Information Information Withheld for Coal Ash Sites across North Carolina CHAPEL HILL, N.C.— Local community groups across the country today sent Duke Energy and government authorities notices that they plan to bring enforcement actions against Duke Energy for withholding critical dam […]

Performance-based storytelling training offered at Earth Haven Nov. 4-5

Press release from Eric Wolf: Eric Wolf, Oracle Award Winning Storyteller offers two Days of Performance Based Storytelling Training at the Earth Haven Eco-village. On November 4th and November 5h there will be a weekend of Story Skill Development at the Earthaven Eco-village at 5 Consensus Cir, Black Mountain, NC 28711. Saturday will feature two […]

State conservation grants help protect farmland in Cherokee and Haywood counties

According to a press release, conservation efforts in Western North Carolina recently received state funds to protect farmland. Mainspring Conservation Trust received $1,240,368 to help purchase a perpetual conservation easement on 104 acres of cropland in Cherokee County. Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy received two grants totaling $335,000 to help purchase a perpetual conservation easement on 155 acres […]

Upcoming events at Mars Hill University

Press release from Mars Hill University: Coming Up at Mars Hill University September 18 – October 1, 2017 All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. For more information, contact Mike Thornhill, Director of Communications, (828) 689-1298, mthornhill@mhu.edu Tuesday, September 19 Crossroads Chapel Service Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Broyhill Chapel Welcome […]

Sierra Club provides list of action opportunities, including Duke rate increase hearing on Sept. 27

Updates from the WENOCA chapter of the Sierra Club: Public Hearing on Duke Energy Progress Rate Hikes Wednesday, September 27th, Buncombe County Court House Courtroom 1A, 60 Court Plaza, Asheville Begins at 7:00pm; Arrive at 6:00pm to sign up to speak; rally 5:00pm at Vance Monument The NC Utilities Commission is taking public comments on […]

WNC Regional Air Quality Agency Board to meet Sept. 26

Announcement from the office of the City Clerk for the city of Asheville: The WNC Regional Air Quality Agency Board will meet Tuesday, September 26, 2017.  This meeting will be held at 4:00PM at the Buncombe County Planning and Development Board Room at 30 Valley Street. The meeting was rescheduled from Monday, September 11, 2017. If you have […]

First annual Nature Festival set for Sept. 30 in Asheville

Press release from Land & Lore Ecotours: 1st Annual Nature Festival in Asheville brings Wildlife and Nonprofits into the Spotlight Asheville, NC, September 13, 2017: With the unique animal and plant life in the Appalachians and people moving to Asheville to enjoy it, local businesses feel it is time to celebrate nature! On September 30th, 3:00 […]

Helpmate to hold domestic violence awareness vigil on Oct. 4

Press release from Helpmate: October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Helpmate and UNC Asheville are partnering together to hold a Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil on Wednesday, October 4 from 5:30-7:30 pm. This event is free and open to the general community. Two survivors of domestic violence will share their story and The Alex Krug […]

Conservation purchase could end controversy over Fires Creek property

Press release from Mainspring Conservation Trust: A conservation solution to private property surrounded by U.S. Forest Service in Clay County could lead to a happy ending for everyone. Mainspring Conservation Trust, a regional land trust serving the six western-most counties in North Carolina, has entered into a contract with four landowners to purchase fifty acres […]

Buncombe County schools release early on Monday, Sept. 11 due to weather

Announcement from Buncombe County Schools: Due to the concerns of heavy rain and high wind conditions due to Hurricane Irma this afternoon, Buncombe County Schools students will dismiss 2 hours early on Monday, September 11. Buses will begin their routes two hours early and parents who pick up their students after school may do so […]

Green Opportunities gets $900,000 YouthBuild Grant

Press release from Green Opportunities: Asheville, NC-based non-profit Green Opportunities (GO) has been awarded a YouthBuild grant by the U.S. Department of Labor. GO is one of 77 programs from across the country to receive a YouthBuild grant this funding cycle. The $910,655 three-year grant will allow GO to increase enrollment of 16-24 year old […]

Arboretum photo exhibit to highlight mountain bog

Press release from The Nature Conservancy, North Carolina Chapter: Asheville – Asheville Photographer Michael Oppenheim spent a year documenting life in a rare mountain bog. Visitors to the North Carolina Arboretum will see what Oppenheim saw as he visited The Nature Conservancy’s Preserve in Henderson County. The Nature Conservancy will host an open house at […]

Asheville City Schools to dismiss early Monday, Sept. 11

Announcement from Asheville City Schools: ACS Operating on Early Dismissal Our Transportation Department and district Safety Teams have been monitoring Hurricane Irma’s storm patterns.  Based on the weather forecast,  Asheville City Schools will be dismissing its students early today, Monday, September 11th. Our elementary schools will be releasing students at 12:00 Noon.  Asheville Primary will […]

Advocates rally in support of recovery, healthier communities

Press release from Vaya Health: The 3rd Annual Western Regional Recovery Rally took place Saturday at Lake Junaluska Sept. 9, 2017 – More than 700 people came together Saturday at Lake Junaluska to rally in support of recovery from addiction, mental health concerns and other life challenges. Under the theme “We Recover Together,” the 3rd […]

State environment officials advise on storm debris

Press release from N.C. Department of Environmental Quality: In preparation for Irma, state officials providing guidance on best way to dispose of storm debris RALEIGH – In preparing for Hurricane Irma, state environmental officials are providing North Carolinians with guidance on the best methods for disposing of storm debris. The best way to dispose of […]