Press release from Asheville GreenWorks:
Oaks are our majestic National Tree. They provide exceptional habitat and food for wildlife, mitigate urban heat island effect, help clean our air and reduce stormwater runoff. The Ravenscroft Reserve Initiative (RRI) is working to acquire and preserve the 22 mature oaks and half acre of urban forest at 11 Collier Avenue in Asheville’s South Slope. The ecological benefits of this small forest and respite it provides from increasing urbanization will enhance the well-being of residents and visitors for generations to come.
In recognition of the vital role oaks and other neighborhood trees play in our community, Buncombe County Commission Chair Brownie Newman has signed a proclamation declaring October 2020 Oak Awareness Month – OAKtober. Buncombe County’s first annual OAKtober will be a month-long celebration of our community forest, local non-profits, and businesses who strive every day to keep WNC healthy, beautiful, and fun.
OAKtober will include events in collaboration with the following:
- Asheville GreenWorks’ Treasured Trees program; Oak Discoveries
- Yodelbud Invasive Plant Management; Invasive Vine Removal Days
- The Hemlock Restoration Initiative; Self-Guided Oak and Hemlock Hike
- The Asheville Nuttery; Open Source Orchard Map
- Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO); Personal Hammock Trail
- Blue Ridge Audubon Society; Backyard Bird and Tree ID
- Asheville On Bikes; Oaks as checkpoints in Pumpkin Pedaller
- Bountiful Cities; Self-Guided Tempie Avery Edible Orchard Tour with Map
- Coven Oldenwilde; Samhain Celebration
- Asheville’s Tree Protection Task Force; An Oak Fact a Day
Activities are fun, safe, and easy. Perfect for kids of all ages.
For links to OAKtober events, please visit “OAKtober Celebrations” on Facebook and Instagram.Asheville GreenWorks will be holding more special events, including an online auction where participants can bid on items to support RRI. If any supporters have items or services to donate, please email ravenscroftreserve@gmail.com. Visit Asheville GreenWorks at ashevillegreenworks.org to view the auction, their programs, and other upcoming events.
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