Attendees from many faiths will gather at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center on Nov. 10-13 to consider the possible effects global climate change could have on humanity’s ability to maintain a peaceful world.
Big project, big debt: Woodfin voters to decide future of greenway project with higher taxes in the balance
The question that may surprise and even confuse some Woodfin residents as they dutifully mark their ballots is: Should the 6,300 residents of the town of Woodfin take on an additional $4.5 million in debt to pay for a greenway, parks and other public works projects along the stretch of the French Broad that flows through […]
Give!Local fundraising drive begins
Give!Local returns Nov. 1, featuring 47 local nonprofits who are campaigning for financial support via Give!Local’s one-stop, online, donation platform. Festivities on Nov. 2 will formally kick off this two-month, end-of-year donation drive with a free party at Highland Brewing in Asheville, celebrating the participating nonprofits. This is Give!Local’s second year. Last year, the campaign raised […]
Duke Energy shows off excavated ash basin at Lake Julian plant
Duke Energy operating personnel and communications representatives proudly showed off the newly excavated 82 basin at the company’s Lake Julian power plant to local media on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The former coal ash pond is now being readied for its next act: the site of the utility’s new natural gas-fired plant, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2020.
Workshop shows how to build and maintain a composting toilet
Learn considerations and best practices for building and using a composting toilet at a Living Web Farms workshop on Saturday, Oct. 29.
WNC locals support protesters at Standing Rock
The Dakotas may be far from Asheville, but many WNC locals have traveled to the Standing Rock Sioux reservation since protests began there in late August over a disputed oil pipeline that crosses tribal lands. Others in Asheville have donated money or supplies to support the tribe’s efforts to block construction of the Dakota Access pipeline.
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.
Local artists create works inspired by the French Broad to benefit RiverLink
The third annual “Of Time and the River” art show and gala will be held at Zealandia Friday, Oct. 21 from 6-9 p.m. The event will benefit the nonprofit RiverLink, which promotes the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed.
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.
Extension Master Gardeners host fall gardening events
Through information sessions, a helpline and a day-long symposium on Oct. 12, the Extension Master Gardeners of Buncombe County continue their mission of educating the public on good gardening practices using research-based information provided by the North Carolina State University Extension Service throughout the fall.
Dying with a plan: Do not go unprepared into that good night
Death is inevitable, yet many people are caught off guard for it. Planning for your death can help survivors save time and money while allowing them to focus on more important matters.
Commissioners give unified push for Big Ivy wilderness, set public hearing for proposed tax schedule
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved economic incentives, a resolution urging the federal government to designate Big Ivy as wilderness and set a public hearing for the proposed tax schedule during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
In photos: Open Streets Asheville Festival
The inaugural Open Streets Asheville brought residents and visitors into the streets to enjoy downtown in a new way. With Battery Park Avenue, Wall Street and portions of Haywood Street, Patton Avenue and Church Street closed to automotive traffic, folks did art projects, movement-based activities, listened to buskers and relaxed with yoga and massage.
Road to redevelopment: Big infrastructure upgrades on RAD’s horizon
Asheville’s rustic, arts-and-industry-dominated River Arts District is on the brink of a major transformation. From road realignment, sidewalk construction and expanded bike lanes to an ambitious network of greenways with the RAD as its central hub, substantial changes will be taking place over the next few years that will improve the way residents and visitors to the city access, explore and inhabit the area.
Open Streets Asheville arrives downtown Sept. 18
Open Streets Asheville will celebrate homegrown businesses, local connections and healthy and safe physical activity with a car-free festival that will close selected downtown streets on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 18.
In Photos: Donald Trump rally, protest
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made a campaign stop in Asheville on Monday, Sept. 12. Xpress captured the scene inside the rally and outside the U.S. Cellular Center. For more on voices from the rally check out Xpress‘ previous coverage.
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 […]
North Fork Reservoir dam to get major improvements
The Asheville Water Resources Department shared plans for a major improvement project at the city’s 60-year-old North Fork Reservoir in four public meetings held Aug. 22-25. The $30 million to $35 million project will increase the reservoir’s capacity and bolster the dam’s ability to handle extreme rain events safely.
Air Tree n’ Tree
Two local treehouse projects, completed in association with the DIY Network show “Treehouse Guys,” demonstrate the possibilities of treehouse construction methods for vacation rentals, residences and other tree-centric purposes.
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.