The N.C. General Assembly cut funding for landslide mapping in 2011, a decision area officials and scientists attribute to a combination of revenue shortfalls and lobbying by development interests. The state is now allocating $3.6 million for a new mapping project in the wake of multiple landslides this summer.
Located on Amboy Road between Carrier Park and the French Broad River Park, the new Karen Cragnolin Park — named for RiverLink founder Karen Cragnolin — will connect the parkway system along the river’s western bank. But before the property can fulfill that role, it must overcome its past as a junkyard.
Sylvan Sport founder Tom Dempsey says the inspiration for his company’s adventure camping trailers comes from spending time outdoors — and there’s no better place to find inspiration than this area. “We couldn’t do what we do anywhere else,” he says.
In collaboration with the Sierra Club, New Alpha Community Development Corporation and Kingdom Living Temple, Dogwood Alliance is traveling across eight southern states to engage vulnerable communities and build solidarity around climate crises. Emily Zucchino with Dogwood Alliance says the event will tie the community’s poverty and gentrification issues together with the greater environmental context.
In November, North Carolina voters will choose whether to add the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife to their constitution. If the amendment passes, the state will join 21 others, including all of the South save Florida, Maryland and West Virginia, in explicitly affirming this right.
The benefit concert for the Puerto Rico Teachers Federation takes place July 7 at Salvage Station.
In conjunction with the work of the Energy Innovation Task Force, the Asheville Workplace Challenge aims to expand participation and engagement in the program, which recognizes the efforts of local companies as they do their part to create a more sustainable future.
One of only three local air quality agencies in North Carolina — the others are in Forsyth and Mecklenburg counties — WNCRAQA will hold a public hearing on its proposed budget for fiscal year 2019 on Tuesday, June 26
While the flood’s immediate aftermath may negatively impact water quality and populations of aquatic life, research suggests that WNC’s watersheds readily recover from similar events over the long term. But area experts emphasize that humans do play a role in maintaining the resilience of the region’s streams, rivers and lakes as development continues along their banks.
On Saturday, June 2, local nature lovers seeking the thrill of discovery can take part in the Blackrock BioBlitz, a citizen science program that will pair residents with more than a dozen expert naturalists to document the diverse flora and fauna of Sylva’s Pinnacle Park and its highest point, Blackrock Mountain.
Local legislators and environmental advocates share their thoughts on which state budgetary and policy decisions could have a big impact on WNC’s environment in the coming fiscal year and beyond. They cited issues including the state’s response to novel contaminants like GenX chemicals, the budget for the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality and funding for the Clean Water Management, Parks and Recreation and Farmland Preservation trust funds.
The success of the county’s and city’s goals to increase their use of renewable energy, say local experts, hinges on the availability of battery storage — and lots of it. With one very small local battery installation under its utility belt, Duke Energy Progress is developing two storage projects in Western North Carolina — but will those and future projects be large enough to make a meaningful difference?
At the Shiloh Community Garden, generations gather to connect with one another and with the environment.
As people flock to Western North Carolina to take advantage of the region’s abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, they also bring a human impact to wild places.
The education nonprofit’s anniversary party takes place May 11 at the Brevard Lumber Yard.
Arjuna da Silva built her off-grid home using natural materials such as wood, clay and straw. It’s a beautiful structure, but da Silva advises that natural building is best left to those with patience and expertise.
The Mother Earth News Fair returns to WNC Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, bringing exhibitors, vendors and presenters to the area to help attendees learn techniques for living simpler, more meaningful lives.
On April 24, the media center at Claxton Elementary School on Merrimon Avenue swarmed with students celebrating the school’s third annual Bee Day.
Got a broken toaster or sewing machine? Maybe a lawnmower that won’t crank after its winter hibernation? Check out the WNC Repair Café on Tuesday, April 24 in Hendersonville. At the free event, which is run by the local incarnation of a global network, residents can get help fixing common items, resulting in saving money and keeping repairable objects out of the landfill.
Local colleges and universities are offering an increasing number of sustainability focused degree and certificate programs to allow students to prepare for the jobs of the future and make a positive impact on the planet.
Stephanie Harper set up her vermicomposting bin for under $40, using supplies that are readily available locally. Her worms — which she says are “kind of like pets” — break down food waste, turning it into a rich fertilizer for the garden.