Learn considerations and best practices for building and using a composting toilet at a Living Web Farms workshop on Saturday, Oct. 29.
Forest farming can bring economic, environmental benefits to WNC
While growing food and other crops beneath the forest canopy isn’t new — it’s been practiced by indigenous and traditional cultures around the world for centuries — a new focus on forest farming is highlighting the possibilities of forest-based production of non-timber crops in Western North Carolina.
Small bites: Taco Throwdown at The Grey Eagle Taqueria
The Grey Eagle hosts a taco competition, chef Katie Button celebrates the publication of her first cookbook, Siam Thai Restaurant opens in North Asheville, Living Web Farms offers a pair of workshops and Buxton Hall Barbecue brings back its femalecentric Velvet & Lace pop-up concept with the Harvest Moon cocktail series.
If a tree falls in the city: Residents push to update Asheville’s tree ordinances
Citizen activists, members of Asheville’s Tree Commission and city officials are exploring the possibility of increased oversight on how trees are managed within the city limits. But with a lack of definition in key parts of the city’s policy, and obstacles at the state level impeding regulations on private property, updating Asheville’s tree ordinances is proving to be an uphill battle.
Early birds: Now is the time to preorder Thanksgiving foods from WNC farms
Roasted turkey and pumpkin pie still seem a long way down the road, but preorders are already going fast for locally raised holiday food items.
Beer Scout: White Labs begins hiring; Asheville breweries support conservation efforts
San Diego-based yeast producer White Labs is now hiring for its Asheville facility, and local breweries focus on supporting environmental sustainability and conservation efforts.
Cutting to the chase: What’s going on with tree removal in the River Arts District?
Residents commuting down Lyman Street and Riverside Drive have most likely noticed some serious changes to the tree line around 12 Bones. Work crews have been busy removing trees from the area, a project that is expected to continue through the fall. “I’ve been out of office almost 15 years, and I’ve gotten several calls […]
Transylvania Beekeeping Club hosts Honey and Bee Expo
Curious about the logistics that go into creating honey’s sweet sticky goodness? Join the Transylvania Beekeeping Club for its inaugural Honey and Bee Expo at Brevard Little Theater on Saturday, Sept. 10. The family-friendly event will include bee-focused activities for the kiddos, demonstrations, educational speakers and samplings of Pooh bear’s favorite edible. The club created the […]
In photos: 15th annual Organicfest
Local wellness, food and art vendors converged on Pack Square Park on Sunday to celebrate all things organic and sustainable.
Permaculture gathering nurtures relationships
Now a beloved local happening, the Southeastern Permaculture Gathering has taken place every year since 1994. Permaculture enthusiasts of many ages and experience levels gathered on the grounds of the Arthur Morgan School in Celo Aug. 5-7 to forge connections, gain insights and learn new skills.
Horse power: Using draft animals in the 21st century
While tractors and mechanized farm equipment have now largely replaced draft animals, a small but passionate contingent of farmers in Western North Carolina continues to rely on them to help with the daily work around their farms and as a source of extra income at times.
Main Street renaissance: WNC’s small towns confront growth, change
Asheville may be a top dream destination for many folks, but for an increasing number of newcomers and old-timers alike, the No. 1 dream destination may be just down the road a ways. With the challenges of urbanization besetting Asheville, newcomers and locals alike are turning to surrounding towns and communities in search of cheaper […]
Wildfires and pollen create air quality issues for some WNC residents
The unique combination of wildfires and high pollen counts in WNC this season may be contributing to the rise in allergies.
A spoke in the wheel: WNC’s cheese scene furthers sustainability
Artisan cheesemakers and small dairies work collaboratively to support each other’s businesses and grow Western North Carolina’s cheese scene.
Beer Scout: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. wins top environmental certification
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s Mills River production facility recently became one of only two breweries in the country to receive the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification.
Chef Katie Button leads effort to throw away less
At a recent workshop in Montana, the chef of Asheville’s Curate and Nightbell joined culinary professionals from across the country in exploring ways to advocate for food waste reduction.
Remembering the Great Flood of 1916
With the Great Flood’s centennial approaching, filmmaker David Weintraub has produced a documentary, Come Hell or High Water, exploring the catastrophe through descendants’ memories, historical photos and contemporary accounts. Xpress sat down with Weintraub to talk about the film, the flood’s impact on the region and the lessons to be learned.
Buzzin’ for Bees in Foodtopia: Bars and restaurants join Asheville’s Pollination Celebration
Specialty cocktails and food items will celebrate and support pollinators during Bee City USA’s annual week of festivities.
Earth Flavors project celebrates local foods and foodways
Asheville writer, audio documentarian and singer-songwriter Carla Seidl wraps up her two-year local foods project, Earth Flavors, with a reflection on what she learned from her many interviews with local growers and foragers.
Ashevillage’s Community Resilience Challenge tests residents’ skills, resources
“Be prepared” goes the Scouting movement’s mantra. And being able to face any challenge is often a goal of institutions. But the question is always: How? How can we be best prepared for whatever may come? The Boy Scout carries his pocketknife. Emergency services train for possible scenarios. Young people study to pass the big […]
Nature’s bounty: A food foraging adventure with No Taste Like Home
A walk in the woods with a local foraging tour yields wild edibles, healing mushrooms and some new knowledge for participants.