Step Into the World of Pollinators at the 6th Annual Great Buzz Gathering!

Imagine a world without vibrant blooms, flourishing crops, or thriving wildlife. That’s the reality we face without pollinators—the tiny but mighty creatures essential to life on Earth. On Saturday, February 15, you’re invited to the The Mule at Devil’s Foot in Asheville to celebrate these unsung heroes and explore how we can all play a part in their conservation.

From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be immersed in a community united by a passion for biodiversity, native plants, and protecting pollinators. Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or just beginning to appreciate the beauty of bees, butterflies, and beyond, this event offers something for everyone.

You’ll enjoy five captivating 10-minute talks from experts on topics like the effects of climate change on pollinators, the best trees to plant for recovery after Tropical Storm Helene, and exciting updates on the Asheville Butterfly Trail. Each presentation promises to leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action.

Come early to explore exhibitor tables filled with resources, tips, and tools to make your garden, neighborhood, or community a haven for pollinators. Grab a bite or a beverage, connect with like-minded attendees, and soak up the buzz of excitement.

Pollinators are more than just insects; they’re the foundation of ecosystems and essential to our survival. Yet, nearly half of them are at risk of extinction. That’s why Bee City USA, founded here in Asheville, has grown to a nationwide movement of 426 affiliates, all dedicated to safeguarding these vital creatures.

This isn’t just another event—it’s a call to action, a chance to learn, connect, and make a tangible impact on the future of our planet.

So, whether you’re passionate about gardening, fascinated by biodiversity, or simply curious about how to help, this is your opportunity to join the movement. Together, let’s create a world where pollinators—and all life—can thrive.

Doors open at 12 PM for lunch and networking. The program begins at 1 PM.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Once again, Bertie finds himself suffering the slings and arrows of misfortune at the hands of his relatives, caught between his fierce Aunt Agatha, his plaintive cousin Egbert, a saucy jazz singer, and his future father-in-law. Another priceless predicament calling upon the redoubtable Jeeves to save the day.

Asheville Comedy Festival presents A WNC Benefit Show with comedian Rory Scovel and Friends. February 19, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Wortham Presents The Acting Company presents The Comedy of Errors

Maintaining the Biodiversity of the Mountains – planting native, removing invasives, restoring habitat and using environmentally friendly landscape management practices.

Western North Carolina is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. Unfortunately, development and increasing population are threatening the delicate ecosystems of the area. Many of the landscape methods that we utilize have negative environmental repercussions. We can do better.

Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better! In this series of classes Steve will discuss how to manage your landscape in the most environmentally friendly way possible using sustainable gardening practices. Also learn about tree health care and maintenance.

By making simple changes, such as choosing native over exotic plants and removing invasive plants, we can begin to restore habitat at home, at our businesses and throughout the region.

By cultivating and protecting healthy diverse habitats for pollinators, for wildlife, for healthy flora and fauna, we benefit the individuals who live in and enjoy these spaces and for our community, as a whole. By creating natural areas in your yard and leaving the leaves each fall you can benefit many kinds of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals which depend on the native plants and their fallen leaves and seeds for shelter, food and habitat.

March 6, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.

Planning Your Multi-Use Native Garden with Sarah Coury and Ben Pick

ON-SITE  |  Saturday, March 8  |  10 am – 12 pm

Native plants are beautiful, low maintenance, ecologically beneficial and bestow a distinct sense of place to cultivated landscapes. This class will guide students in planning a native garden to serve multiple purposes, including choosing species that are beneficial pollinator sources, important larval host plants, species for cut flowers, ornamental display, and edible gardens.

Bonsai Demo: Resurrection of the Chase Grove with Arthur Joura

ON-SITE  |  Sunday, March 9  |  2:30 – 4:30 pm

In 1997, the Arboretum received a donation of a bonsai tray landscape featuring Dwarf Hinoki Falsecypress. The donation came from a well-known bonsai artist in Pennsylvania named Chase Rosade. This large and popular planting was often on display in the bonsai garden, until 2021 when it was taken off display because the unique fabricated container in which it was planted began to crumble. A new container has been made and now it’s time to rebuild the landscape and get it back on display.

Meadows don’t have to be massive to contribute to the biodiversity and beauty of a landscape. Many gardeners are learning how to incorporate meadow style plantings in their home or small business landscapes. Join us for our engaging workshop on creating a meadow style landscape feature. Learn from Crissy Dzielak, Vice President and co-owner of Landmark Landscapes about the plants, installation techniques, and maintenance practices that bring these vibrant, naturalistic landscapes to life.

Topics covered include:

Plant Selection: Understand which grasses, wildflowers, and perennials are ideal for meadow-style plantings, focusing on native and drought-tolerant species that thrive in our region.

Installation Techniques: Learn step-by-step methods for preparing your site, sowing seeds, and planting plugs to establish a thriving meadow.

Maintenance Practices: Gain insights into sustainable practices for managing weeds, supporting plant diversity, and maintaining the health and beauty of your meadow over time.

This talk is perfect for gardeners and landscape enthusiasts looking to create low-maintenance, ecologically beneficial, and visually stunning meadow landscapes. Join us to explore meadow style plantings and how they can transform your garden into a haven for wildlife and a feast for the eyes.

March 12, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.

The Basement Famous Tour – An evening of standup with TJ

March 13, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.

The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.

Headliner Collin Moulton
Collin Moulton is one of the most fun, personable, and sought-after Headliners today. His new family friendly album “COLLIN CLEANS UP WELL” garnered him COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH on LAUGH USA SIRIUS XM 98 the month of MAY 2018 and ALBUM OF THE MONTH on RAW DOG in MAY 2018 as well.

He had his own stand-up special on SHOWTIME IN 2012, His new CLEAN COMEDY Dry Bar Comedy special ANTI ANIMAL VEGAN (2017) has over 40 million views, he’s been on NICKELODEON, and was featured on LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY. Touring for over 15 years Collin has gained an ease and enjoyment on stage that makes every show worth watching.

America knows and loves him. His familiarity and energy engages and relieves the audience before he even speaks and is always receiving a large volume of requests for specific material from his Rolodex of jokes!

His electric storytelling style makes you care about every topic he explores. Collin’s comedy is the release needed from our everyday lives. Come needing to laugh tonight, leave wanting to laugh forever!

Wortham Presents The Comedy Zone – Collin Moulton

You Are Here: Understanding Maps with Anton DuMars

ON-SITE  |  Saturday, March 15  |  1 – 3:30 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Elective Credit

With GPS built into our phones and cars, we are increasingly in danger of losing our ways of navigating. Expand your understanding of topographic and geologic maps with this course taught by Geologist Anton DuMars. An in-class portion will focus on an investigation of map symbols, scales, dates, color-coding, water features, and other attributes that are used to interpret data on topographic and geologic maps into. Then the class will move outside for a skills session to interpret real-world features within a map, stepping off on some exploration at the Arboretum. If you have one, please bring a handheld compass with you to the class but we will have some for students to borrow if needed.

This program takes place both indoors and out. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.

Headliner Collin Moulton
Collin Moulton is one of the most fun, personable, and sought-after Headliners today. His new family friendly album “COLLIN CLEANS UP WELL” garnered him COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH on LAUGH USA SIRIUS XM 98 the month of MAY 2018 and ALBUM OF THE MONTH on RAW DOG in MAY 2018 as well.

He had his own stand-up special on SHOWTIME IN 2012, His new CLEAN COMEDY Dry Bar Comedy special ANTI ANIMAL VEGAN (2017) has over 40 million views, he’s been on NICKELODEON, and was featured on LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY. Touring for over 15 years Collin has gained an ease and enjoyment on stage that makes every show worth watching.

America knows and loves him. His familiarity and energy engages and relieves the audience before he even speaks and is always receiving a large volume of requests for specific material from his Rolodex of jokes!

His electric storytelling style makes you care about every topic he explores. Collin’s comedy is the release needed from our everyday lives. Come needing to laugh tonight, leave wanting to laugh forever!

Wortham Presents The Comedy Zone – Collin Moulton

Drawn to Nature with Matt Reyna

ON-SITE  |  Sunday, March 16  |  10am – 12:30pm

Join us for a Sunday morning reserved for creative self-care. Using basic mark-makers (pencils, graphite, etc) we’ll explore the instinctual, yet undervalued act of drawing–through the lens of nature. Choose your own focus – capture grand mountain views from our classroom, work on a collective nature still life, or hone in on the small details of nature on your own. Weather depending, students may choose to sketch outside.

Basic art materials, hot tea, and a welcoming atmosphere will be provided. All skill levels welcome! Feel free to bring your own materials, but kindly keep wet media (paints, etc) at home.

This program takes place both indoors and out. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Scouting the First Signs of Spring with Lauren Lampley

ON-SITE  |  Tuesday, March 18  |  2 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Elective Credit

Spring is an exciting time of the year and even more so this year after the destruction following Tropical Storm Helene last year. Join Lauren on an exploration to find the first signs of spring! During this class we will also discuss the study of phenology and it is important to record the timing of spring’s events especially for climate scientists.

This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Geology of the Blue Ridge I with Anton DuMars

ON-SITE  |  Wednesday, March 19  |  12 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Geology of the Blue Ridge Core Credit

This is the first class of a two-part Geology course that explores the geologic history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains with lecture presentations, discussions and self-guided explorations in the field. The course begins with a discussion of the earth’s interior and plate tectonics, progresses to a model for the formation of the southern Appalachians and then describes the surficial processes that generate the current mountain topography. Discussion will also include an overview of geologic processes that affect these mountains today: earthquakes, mass movements and floods.

Have you ever wanted to be a relationship coach? Too bad, Taylor and Jordan need you. They just broke up – but still want to be friends. At least, Taylor does. Using their old date coupons and your participation, maybe they can navigate the hardest relationship of all – ✨friendship✨.

Returning to the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival for the third time, You Should Feel bad is an Atlanta-based theatrical trio that is excited to present a feel-bad comedy about relationships, and the harm that we are all capable of causing.

Forest Bathing Retreat: Spring Awakening & Renewal with Asheville Wellness Tours

ON-SITE  |  Saturday, March 22  |  1 – 4 pm

The changing seasons are rich with wisdom and guidance. Winter is a time for rest and dreaming, followed by spring, ripe with opportunities for renewal and growth. Cultivate those winter dreams and invite them to birth into reality during this enlivening afternoon retreat. Let your most authentic Self emerge from within and flourish amidst the beauty of the early spring!

Your guide, Kelly Bruce, will lead you on a gentle journey through the awakening forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) and nature therapy together for a restorative afternoon at the North Carolina Arboretum. We’ll celebrate the Spring Equinox in community, enjoying a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome. Presented through Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours.

This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Soil Health for Gardeners with Laura Lengnick

ON-SITE  |  Saturday, March 22  |  1 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge EcoGardener – Core

Learn why healthy soils are critical to the well being of our communities and how to cultivate landscapes that promote soil health. This practical, hands-on course will teach you how to conduct simple soil tests using tools you can find in your kitchen to monitor the health of your soil. Participants can bring a soil sample from their garden to test in this class.

International Comedian & Weird-Lil’-Gremlin, Amica Hunter, GETS UNDER YOUR SKIN and CRUSHES YOUR FUNNY BONE in this hilarious, captivating, and sometimes-unsettling-comedy about skeletons, and the horrors of living in a body. ANATOMICA is an intimate, unpredictable exploration of pain, zoology, & collective imagination. Every animal has a skeleton – But which biological structural system is the BEST? With candidness and a comfortably casual tone, Amica reviews the three skeletal systems found in earthly organisms and discusses the limitations of each one. What would it be like to inhabit a body completely alien from our classic human form? A gloriously deranged Ted-Talk by a wanna be scientist clown school graduate.

Part stand-up, part storytelling, and part clown, ANATOMICA is an investigation of the inadequacies of different animal body models, and a celebration of the absurdity of being trapped in a body that is limited by pain, fatigue, and ultimately decay. But, you know, make it fun!

Lunch + Learn: Wildfire Mitigation in Southern Appalachia with Troy Harrison

Sunday, March 23  |  12pm – 1pm

The Southern Appalachian ecosystem is home to a diverse landscape filled with a unique combination of wildlife and vegetation.  It is hardly surprising that Western North Carolina is a popular destination for those seeking a pace to settle down or build a second home.  However, living in close proximity to nature can carry a risk of damage or loss from wildfire.  This program will explore a brief history of wildfire suppression in our area, along with specific measures anyone can take to reduce risk of property damage.

International Comedian & Weird-Lil’-Gremlin, Amica Hunter, GETS UNDER YOUR SKIN and CRUSHES YOUR FUNNY BONE in this hilarious, captivating, and sometimes-unsettling-comedy about skeletons, and the horrors of living in a body. ANATOMICA is an intimate, unpredictable exploration of pain, zoology, & collective imagination. Every animal has a skeleton – But which biological structural system is the BEST? With candidness and a comfortably casual tone, Amica reviews the three skeletal systems found in earthly organisms and discusses the limitations of each one. What would it be like to inhabit a body completely alien from our classic human form? A gloriously deranged Ted-Talk by a wanna be scientist clown school graduate.

Part stand-up, part storytelling, and part clown, ANATOMICA is an investigation of the inadequacies of different animal body models, and a celebration of the absurdity of being trapped in a body that is limited by pain, fatigue, and ultimately decay. But, you know, make it fun!

Have you ever wanted to be a relationship coach? Too bad, Taylor and Jordan need you. They just broke up – but still want to be friends. At least, Taylor does. Using their old date coupons and your participation, maybe they can navigate the hardest relationship of all – ✨friendship✨.

Returning to the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival for the third time, You Should Feel bad is an Atlanta-based theatrical trio that is excited to present a feel-bad comedy about relationships, and the harm that we are all capable of causing.

Natural History Interpretation (3 sessions) with Brad Daniel

Tuesdays, March 25, April 1 + 8  |  12 – 4 pm

Natural history interpreters provoke interest and curiosity in our natural and cultural heritage. This course will introduce the basic principles of environmental interpretation and is designed for Blue Ridge Naturalists who will be leading nature walks, teaching natural history to adults or children, and delivering talks to community groups. Participants will learn how to create nature education talks or walks that are purposeful, enjoyable, informative and organized. Students will be given an opportunity to develop their own programs and practice their presentation and communication skills. This class fulfills a Capstone Core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate and should be completed near the end of a student’s studies in the program.

Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm, and will get four minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

The Golden Girls are back in an all new show! 2024 finds Sophia out on bail, after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring at Shady Pines. Blanche and Rose created CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from her much younger, sex-crazed love interest who turns out to be the district attorney prosecuting Sophia. What could possibly go wrong! Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends! This new comedy is for fans 18 and older…. because they’re not the same girls from the 80’s. Produced by Murray & Peter. Get tour info at GoldenGirlsTour.com

Thursday March 27, 7:00p-9:00p, doors at 6:30p

The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics who are on the show will do 3-5m of comedy depending on how many sign up to participate. The show’s top comics will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will select their favorite top comics of the evening who will be brought back to compete in our next round, date TBA. There are 3 competition rounds and a finale 5 comic Pageant who will vie for the crown, Asheville top-comic title & cash prize.