Calendar of Events

In this talk, happening in person at 7 p.m. in Lipinsky Auditorium, world-renowned neuroscientist and psychologist Richard Davidson will draw from scientific evidence that suggests that we can change our brains by cultivating certain habits of mind. By transforming the mind, these mental training strategies can improve the well-being of children and parents, students and teachers, citizens and communities.

On Friday, 2/11 at 9 AM, Davidson will host an additional Master Class in the Highsmith Student Union, Blue Ridge Room. He will discuss how scientific investigation into the practices of meditation and mindfulness enhances our potential for well-being.

Davidson’s visit to UNC Asheville is supported by the Howerton Distinguished Professorship, the NEH Distinguished Professorship, and is part of the University’s Cultural Events Series.

Starting your own seeds can be intimidating, but it also happens to be empowering and cost-effective! This class will explore the basics of how to start your own seeds as well as potential problems you’ll run into, understanding your seeds (and seed packets), and what to look for in healthy seedlings.

Wintertime is upon us and all that it entails. Shorter days, bad television, bad weather and bad food. There is a cure for all these ailments and its right outside your door. The landscape in the winter can be a beautiful site and with a little planning and creativity, you can spruce up your outdoor rooms with a few choice plants. This talk will discuss how to appreciate the garden in winter and how to take advantage of all seasons as we plan and take care our green spaces.

Workshop taught by Greg Paige, Director of Horticulture & Curator for the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory Arboretum

Greg Paige discovered his career goal early-creating and working in beautiful public gardens and sharing and teaching this passion with others. Prior to joining the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory as Director of Horticulture and Arboretum Curator in 2005, his 30-year career in public horticulture involved work at some of the finest gardens in the country. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, North Carolina, the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, the Holden Arboretum outside Cleveland, Ohio and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Arboretum

Through the rolling 350 acres of property in Charlotte, North Carolina you will discover an incredible and diverse collection of plants, gardens and research grounds that is the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory and Arboretum. With over 20,000 accessioned plants a few of the Arboretum highlights include one of the best collection of oak and conifer on the east coast, the biggest collection of magnolia in the country as well as extensive collection of holly, elm, crape myrtle, crabapple, maple, rhododendron and numerous display gardens. In addition to the collections and research areas several ponds, natural areas and woodland nestled throughout the Arboretum provide a home to a variety of wildlife.

The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Arboretum is actively developed, curated and managed to support learning, discovery, research, and training and to serve as a resource and support arm to the employees and customers of The Bartlett Tree Expert Company. The Arboretum seeks to contribute to and showcase a wide range of plant material as well as set an example of a sustainable, enjoyable and thought provoking living museum. In addition, working alongside and partnering with the public horticulture community and green industry is a crucial component to the mission of the Arboretum.

Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteer

Tomatoes are the queen of our summer garden vegetables, and they can be challenging here in Western North Carolina.  Back by popular demand, Master Gardener Phil Roudebush will help us maximize our yields of these luscious fruits.  He will talk about tomato varieties and how to successfully control diseases through cultural practices and appropriate chemical usage.  Phil has years of experience with tomatoes and you are sure to learn something new

Kickoff 2022 with the Western Regional SBCN and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems as we present a virtual series on enhancing your farming business. Convenient online classes for you to attend and hear from speakers with information, tips, and more. Registration is FREE!

Join us at 6 pm on Thursdays, January through March, to hear from EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems. We encourage you to take this time to engage with fellow agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and resource providers while learning new skills and the power of collaboration along the way.

Kickoff 2022 with the Western Regional SBCN and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems as we present a virtual series on enhancing your farming business. Convenient online classes for you to attend and hear from speakers with information, tips, and more. Registration is FREE!

Join us at 6 pm on Thursdays, January through March, to hear from EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems. We encourage you to take this time to engage with fellow agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and resource providers while learning new skills and the power of collaboration along the way.

January 20- Online Farm Taxes Explained: Property, Equipment and Sales. Dive deeper into farm taxes as they pertain to the many different sides of your farming business. Ask a local farmer about their experience navigating taxes and learn some tips of your own.
January 27- Online Sales Platforms for Direct to Consumer Sales: There are many choices to consider! Hear what works for some regional farmers and determine which platform may be a good fit for your operation.
February 3- Agritourism in Southwestern NC Trends and Storytelling: NCSU researchers spent a year learning from regional providers. What are their findings and recommendations? February 10- Airbnb, HipCamp and Harvest Host: Exploring farm visit options for lodging on your farm. Hear farmer success stories
February 17- Using Social Media to Promote your Farm Business: Facebook, Insta, and Twitter how to get followers and keep them!
February 24- Liability for On Farm Visits: Protect your visitors, your farm and home.
March 10- Making Value Added Products at Home: Regulations for a Home Certified Kitchen & Marketing Options
March 17- Food Safety: Good practices and Regulations for the farm
and market
March 24- Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Management: Services and Cost Share for your Farming Operations

 Buncombe County face covering requirement expires as COVID-19 metrics continue to improve.

COVID-19 metrics are continuing to improve overall. Since Jan. 18, there has been a 67% drop in new cases per 100,000 per week. The current new case rate is 386 new cases per 100,000 per week. Buncombe County is continuing to see a fairly rapid decline from week to week in new cases. Additionally, the percent positivity continues to decline and has fallen from 19.6% last week to 15.5% this week.

Hospitalization indicators are now more favorable and there has been a considerable drop in inpatient hospital beds occupied with COVID-19 from last week to this week. Last week, the percent of inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 was 13.4% and is now 8.8%. As of Monday, there were 104 total patients with COVID-19 in the Mission Health System as compared to a peak of 196 patients three weeks ago. ICU utilization continues to fall and is now well below 30%.

Deaths, unfortunately, have increased. Sadly, 21 new deaths were added to the dashboard, however, only 9 of these occurred in the last week. The remaining deaths occurred in weeks previous but were delayed in being reported. This has caused the local death rate to jump to 8 new deaths per 100,000 per week. It is likely that the death rate will fluctuate for several more days or weeks as deaths are the most lagging of all the indicators.