Recently Buncombe County has been awash in pet pigs needing homes. “We have a potbellied pig epidemic,” says Buncombe County Farm manager Don Collins.
Unstoppable: ‘We want to spread joy’
“For us personally, it was so heartening to hear from so many families who were worried about the safety of the Nature Center animals post-Helene,” says Kate Frost, executive director of Friends of the WNC Nature Center,
Asheville makers ensure dogs get their share of farm-to-table fare
From raw foods to baked treats, some local entrepreneurs’ offerings are seriously going to the dogs.
Meet the animals in Asheville’s local businesses
Dogs, cats and fish double as coworkers at many establishments. It is Asheville after all — one of the most dog-friendly places around.
Help Asheville Bears closes after spending $2 million calling attention to injured animals
The grassroots nonprofit grew out of one family’s crusade following the 2019 discovery of a bear they’d named Peaches that was suddenly missing a limb.
Trout hatchery renovation could impact local tourism
A renovation expected to begin next year at the 67-year-old Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery in Brevard will diminish upcoming trout stockings in local rivers by two-thirds. However, the effect that renovation could have on tourism and businesses that rely on anglers is difficult to determine.
Protecting wildlife from selfie culture
“It is interesting to me that anybody would think it’s OK to just walk up and grab a bear cub and not be concerned about where mama is,” says Appalachian Wildlife Refuge co-founder Savannah Trantham said. “If she had been close by, I think that you probably would have seen a different outcome.”
Laps and Naps saves senior cats
“We’re helping people as much as we’re helping cats, though it isn’t what we first set out to achieve,” says Nancy Gavin, cofounder of Laps and Naps, a local nonprofit serving senior cats.
Pia Silvani on training dogs — and humans
Pia Silvani is the director of behavior and training at the Asheville Humane Society, where she and a team of trainers teach canine manners and “puppy kindergarten” classes.
Whatever it takes: Serving the region’s homeless animals
“It’s thanks to the 600-plus volunteers at Brother Wolf that we’re able to forever change so many animals’ lives,” says Leah Craig Chumbley, executive director of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
Whatever it takes: Community support is essential
“Asheville Humane Society relies heavily on community support,” says Mabel Lujan, the organization’s communications manager. “From donations to fostering to suggesting us as a spot to grow your family, our caring community members provide the backbone to allow us to care for as many animals as we can.
New kennel will help families affected by domestic violence
The survivor of a violent relationship has difficult decisions to make. She has to figure out when it is safest to leave, where she can go, what she can bring and what she can’t. Sometimes she’s stopped cold when she realizes she might have to leave the dog behind.
WNC goatscaping services offer sustainable land management
Grazing goats are an increasingly popular means of eliminating invasive plants.
Why I volunteer: Aha moments!
Leland Arnsdorff is a volunteer at the WNC Nature Center. The organization works to connect people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region.
Green in brief: Duke Energy completes Hot Springs microgrid
The microgrid includes 2 megawatts of solar panel capacity and 4.4 MW of battery storage. Those resources are enough to power the entire town for an extended period if its connection to the main grid is disrupted.
From CPP: The uncertain future of old-growth forests in North Carolina, part three, the green salamanders
The recent decision to harvest 26 acres that encompass an old-growth patch of forest on a 3,500-foot mountaintop – the Southside Project – underscores what some say is the widening incongruity between the U.S. Forest Service’s mission, climate change crisis and the public’s will.
Green in brief: Asheville protects land at Mills River water plant
Backed by a $400,000 grant from the N.C. Land and Water Fund, the nonprofit Mills River Partnership is restoring roughly 14 acres of riverside near the plant. Maria Wise, the nonprofit’s executive director, says her organization will stabilize the riverbanks and replace invasive plants with native varieties.
From Asheville Watchdog: 3 dead bears found in Woodfin; mutilated for parts, or poached for meat?
The remains of three bears found in Woodfin — possibly a mother and two cubs — highlight a serious problem with poaching in the mountains, a bear advocacy group says. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission said the case may be the result of poaching, but its investigation is ongoing.
Q&A: Future hopes and plans for Esther Neonatal Kitten Rescue
Xpress speaks with Andee Bingham, executive director of Esther Neonatal Kitten Rescue, about her organization’s future goals, advice she’d offer those launching a nonprofit and her favorite kitten story.
Green in brief: WNC Nature Center opens new exhibit
In partnership with the WNC Farmers Market, the Asheville zoo launches its Educational Farmers Market Garden starting Wednesday, Nov. 16. The new exhibit focuses on sustainable relationships between agriculture and nature.
Green in brief: Wildlands Network flags WNC roads for wildlife crossings
Of the 20 North Carolina sites in the new report, six are in Western North Carolina — including the nonprofit’s No. 1 site, Interstate 40’s path through the Pigeon River Gorge.
