Asheville Pollination Celebration! returns for its eighth year in June. For the first time, the event includes a photography contest.
A portrait from Hot Springs during COVID-19
As of May 25, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, there are zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hot Springs. However, the town is still following statewide protocols to help flatten the curve of coronavirus infections, and businesses such as Laughing Heart Lodge have borne the impacts.
Nonprofit camps face uncertain summer
Camps have already suffered layoffs and revenue loss without the spring season, says Sandi Boyer, executive director of the North Carolina Youth Camp Association. But if they can’t operate this summer, they will face nearly 22 months without earned income. “It would be devastating for the camp industry to not open at all,” she says.
National closures curb outdoor recreation in WNC
“My whole world seems to be closing,” says Danny Bernstein, an Asheville-based outdoors writer who regularly leads hikes for the Carolina Mountain Club and Friends of the Smokies. “Staying 6 feet apart is easy on the trail. But how can we have outdoor activity if almost every piece of public land is closed?”
WNC celebrates socially distant Earth Day
“This COVID-19 crisis is a crisis for many of us and for us as a society, but it’s also an opportunity because it gives us a chance, a very rare chance, to step back from our busy lives and reflect on where we want to be going as a society,” says Rose Jenkins Lane, spokesperson for Hendersonville-based nonprofit Conserving Carolina.
Green in brief: Buncombe merges conservation departments, WNC trail closures
On March 17, the county announced that it would combine its Soil and Water Conservation District with N.C. Cooperative Extension to form the Agriculture and Land Resources Department. Meanwhile, the managers of numerous area parks and trails have opted to restrict access in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
News briefs: Asheville drafts tree ordinance, seeks Haywood-Page feedback
Three draft design concepts for the city-owned Haywood-Page properties were presented during a public work session on the issue Feb. 17, and residents can comment on those designs via online survey through Sunday, March 14.
National Forest Service seeks public input on Pisgah-Nantahala management
On Feb. 14, the U.S. Forest Service kicked off a 90-day comment period on the long-awaited draft of a new plan for the forests, set to take effect in 2021 and guide the service’s management approach over the next 10-15 years. Comment online, by mail and at public meetings throughout WNC ends on Thursday, May 14.
Green in brief: Asheville declares climate emergency, Duke opens Arden gas plant
“The loss of life and damage caused by current global warming demonstrates that the Earth is already too hot for safety,” states the document approved by a 6-0 vote of Asheville City Council on Jan. 28. “Restoring a safe and stable climate requires an emergency climate mobilization on a scale not seen since World War II.”
Give!Local 2019 wraps up banner year for grassroots fundraising
A heartfelt thanks is in order, to the 414 individuals who donated to 2019’s Give!Local partner nonprofits, generating a total impact of $178,804. Every dollar goes directly to local nonprofits making a difference in the WNC community. Mountain Xpress’ fifth annual campaign to raise funds and awareness for local organizations benefiting the community has nearly […]
All An Elk Trick
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
WNC shops share tips for turning your yard into a bird-watching haven
Winter is the ideal time to begin planting and planning to create a hospitable wild bird habitat.
Xpress seeks student art, writing for 2020 Kids Issues
Have you ever been on or dreamed of going on a big adventure? Then you’re in luck! For Xpress’ 2020 Kids Issues, the theme is “My Big Adventure.” Deadline is Friday, Jan. 31.
Extreme Salamandering
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Unwanted Attention
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Green in brief: Recycle Right NC campaign kicks off, climate change predicted for WNC fall
Using the slogan “When in doubt, throw it out,” the statewide Recycle Right NC initiative aims to reduce contamination and improve the economic value of recyclables. Additionally, according to the National Weather Service’s Greenville-Spartanburg office, Western North Carolina is likely in for warmer-than-usual conditions over the foreseeable future.
Wise Women gather at Kanuga
“The focus of the conference is woman to woman, kind of kitchen to kitchen,” explains Byron Ballard, who will present a workshop on traditional Appalachian healing methods at this year’s Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference at the Kanuga conference and retreat center near Hendersonville. “It’s about women being together in a women’s space and being free to talk, to do, to teach and to learn from each other.
Costumed adventures allow locals to transcend time and space
Whether playing a role in an elaborate fantasy scenario or serving as historical interpreters, many adventurous souls in Western North Carolina say that dressing up as someone from another time and place helps transport them to a different reality.
Outdoor Economy Conference comes to Asheville
In its inaugural year, the conference on WNC’s outdoors industry sold out, with over 250 attendees. This year, it’s expected to more than double in attendance, largely thanks to the efforts of the Growing Outdoors Partnership. The event takes place on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville.
Adventure cats hit WNC streets and trails
From mountain tops to dive bars, WNC adventure cats are heading to places they’ve never been before.
Biz briefs: Business Inclusion Office announces new name, office hours
The diversity of Western North Carolina’s business community comes through in this week’s business roundup. From a new luxury campground to equitable business contracting opportunities, check out what’s new.