Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Thursday, April 21, 2022
Withholding Tax Basics
Apr 21 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
online

No cost due to sponsor support

This webinar will help participants better understand their withholding tax obligations with NCDOR. Participants will receive instructions on how to file and when to file a withholding tax return in addition to learning about the basics of state withholding taxes, how to register for an account in order to remit withholding tax, and when State withholding is required for employees and other types of compensation.


Speaker(s): NCDOR

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Friday, April 22, 2022
Freelance Business Week
Apr 22 all-day
Hybrid Event: various locations

For Freelancers by Freelancers

#FBW is designed to embrace the local freelance ethos of each city it is hosted in, this year we will meet the challenge of extending this mission – virtually and in person. The local organizers in WNC, Austin, Calgary, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Tampa, and Washington DC are collaborating, bringing local freelance business owners, leaders and supporters together for five days to expand your network.

What to Expect 

You can expect a week of expertise & resources, camaraderie & connections to include:

Motivation Monday morning Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon cutting at the Haywood Community College Creative Arts Building and an evening Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting taking place at MtnBizworks with an official proclamation by the Mayor of Asheville. Followed immediately by a social at Focal Point Coworking. This event will be free and open to all. However, there is limited capacity.

Tech Tuesday will feature content around the more technical aspects of business, devices, and platforms. Sessions at the Haywood Community College Small Business Center, Hatch Innovation Hub, and Westbase Coworking.

Wellness Wednesday will focus on content around work-life balance, mindset, and health. Sessions at Haywood Community College Smal Business Center, Asheville Yoga Center, and the Botanical Gardens.

Thriving Thursday will be a day-long affair featuring talks, workshops, and panels along with networking and resource tabling. Sessions all day at the Mojo Social Hall.

Fun & Failure Friday will explore the importance of play in our work, celebrating wins and embracing fun and failures. Sessions at Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Haywood Community College Smal Business Center and will wrap up with an afterparty at Franny’s Farm. Wanna make Friday an overnight or weekend stay at Franny’s Farm? Grab one of their cabins or campsites while they last.

All sessions are limited capacity, first come first serve. Once you purchase a ticket, you can create an agenda within the emamo event platform of sessions you want to attend but this does not guarantee you a seat at every session. Sessions at Haywood Community College Smal Business Center and Mojo Social Hall have the highest capacity.

(All programming and scheduling are subject to change. We will be following all current local guidelines on Covid safety at the time of the event.)

Overview of your event info.

Freelance Business Week Asheville 2022
Apr 22 all-day
Asheville Area

Freelance Business Week Asheville 2022

April 18th-22nd | Part of a larger national initiative, #FBWAVL will include networking events, workshops, and interactive panel discussions on topics designed to help you grow your one-person business as an independent professional.

Want to be kept in the loop about Freelance Business Week Asheville 2022? Freelance Business Week Asheville 2022 Intake (mailchi.mp)

White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6
Apr 22 all-day
Western North Carolina Mountains

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.

This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.

These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.

And the Hikes Are…

Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?

  1. Bearwallow Mountain
  2. Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
  3. Bracken Preserve
  4. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
  5. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
  6. Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
  7. Whitewater Falls
  8. Youngs Mountain Trail
  9. LOG YOUR HIKES
    • Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
    • You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
    • You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
    • Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
    • You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
    • Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
    • Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.

    The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee CompanyLazy Otter OutfittersMurphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.

Ribbon Cutting + Grand Opening: Public Safety Training Facility
Apr 22 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Coldwell Banker King
Friday, April 22nd | 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Join us at the Grand Opening Celebration & Ribbon Cutting of the new Public Safety Training Facility at BRCC.
Adding to the already established Fire Training Center, the Public Safety Training Facility meets the state requirements for basic law enforcement training as well as provides flexible multi-use indoor training space for all public safety training needs
Saturday, April 23, 2022
White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6
Apr 23 all-day
Western North Carolina Mountains

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.

This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.

These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.

And the Hikes Are…

Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?

  1. Bearwallow Mountain
  2. Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
  3. Bracken Preserve
  4. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
  5. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
  6. Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
  7. Whitewater Falls
  8. Youngs Mountain Trail
  9. LOG YOUR HIKES
    • Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
    • You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
    • You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
    • Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
    • You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
    • Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
    • Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.

    The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee CompanyLazy Otter OutfittersMurphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.

Hello Spring Pop-Up Event
Apr 23 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Mall

Hello Spring Pop-Up Event

Come shop with us on Saturday, April 23rd from 11am to 6pm at the Asheville Mall as we celebrate small businesses. We would like to also thank our partners, Biz Radio Asheville and Asheville Mall for making this possible.

WELCOME HOME EVENT FOR BLUE RIDGE HONOR FLIGHT VETERANS
Apr 23 @ 7:00 pm
Asheville Regional Airport

The community, family and friends are invited and encouraged to be present upon the return of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans from their visit to their memorials in Washington, D.C. that day.

“The welcome home for these veterans is one of the most memorable and moving parts of this whole trip,” says Blue Ridge Honor Flight Founder, Jeff Miller. “It means so much to them to have the welcome home they never got when they returned from the war, and it’s an amazing thing for bystanders to witness.”

Those wishing to attend the event are asked to park at Gate 7 of the WNC Agriculture Center on Highway 280 or at the Advent Health parking lot on Highway 280 beginning at 7 pm.

Parking is free and a complimentary shuttle will be transporting attendees to and from the airport for the event.

Please note that there is no parking available in the regular airport parking lot, however you may park in the WNC Agriculture Center parking lot, or in the Advent Health parking lot located across the street from the airport.

 

Established in 2006, Blue Ridge Honor Flight’s mission is to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor the sacrifices of themselves and their comrades.

Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
Apr 26 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
Basics of Bookkeeping
Apr 26 @ 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
In-Person/Online Hybrid: Flat Rock Building, Room 109

No cost due to sponsor support

Gain a workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for your business. Discover the three most important financial reports and how to use them to make the best-informed business decisions. If you’re a new business owner or need a refresher on the basics of accounting, this seminar is designed for you.


Speaker(s): Michelle Tracz

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
Apr 27 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
Apr 28 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
Apr 28 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6
Apr 28 all-day
Western North Carolina Mountains

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.

This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.

These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.

And the Hikes Are…

Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?

  1. Bearwallow Mountain
  2. Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
  3. Bracken Preserve
  4. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
  5. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
  6. Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
  7. Whitewater Falls
  8. Youngs Mountain Trail
  9. LOG YOUR HIKES
    • Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
    • You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
    • You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
    • Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
    • You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
    • Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
    • Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.

    The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee CompanyLazy Otter OutfittersMurphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.

State of Our Workforce: Western North Carolina Survey from Land of Sky Regional Council
Apr 28 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online survey
This survey is being sent to organizations in 10 counties in western North Carolina. It is being supported by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Land of Sky P-20 Council, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, and over 90 regional partners.
Please respond based on your experience at your current facility – there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand skills and hiring needs faced by your organization to better inform local leaders and create a strong pipeline of workers for the region.
All responses will be confidential and anonymous. You and your organization’s name and identifying information will not be shared.
Participants who complete the survey can choose to be entered to win gifts and experiences from WNC makers and businesses including Kimpton Hotel ArrasBiltmore EstateNavitat Canopy AdventuresHot Springs Resort and SpaEast ForkHighland Brewing, and Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn.
The survey is being conducted by RTI International, a North Carolina-based independent non-profit research institute, and is funded by Land of Sky Regional Council in cooperation with economic development, industry, and workforce partners across the region.
For question about completing the survey, please email Michael Hogan, the research director at [email protected]. If you have questions about your role or rights as a research participant, you can call RTI’s office of research protection at 919.316.3358 or 1.866.214.2043.
Financial Literacy Webinar
Apr 28 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
online
Financial Literacy Month

Fact: Small businesses that fail during the first 3 years usually fail because they don’t understand financials. Not because of products or service, but because they don’t understand.

In this workshop, you will learn:

• Tips to write a business plan and keep it up to date

• Understanding your credit, how to build it and/or fix it, and its impact on your business

• Business start-up funding options

• Bookkeeping tips

• How banking products can help you keep records from transactions

• Why profits should go in the bank first and not your pocket

• How SBA resource partners can have a positive impact on your business

Speaker(s): Sharon Harvey, SBA

Co-Sponsor(s): SBA, WWBC

Fee: No Cost

Webinar
In this workshop, you will learn: Tips to write a business plan and keep it up to date , understanding your credit, how to build it and/or fix it, and its impact on your business, business start-up funding options, and more!
Business After Hours
Apr 28 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Coldwell Banker King
Your Chance to Build Great Connections – You Don’t Want to Miss This Event!
Business After Hours is the Chamber’s premier networking event and the best chance for your to make valuable connections to build your business – all while having a great time!
With fantastic food and local beverages, courtesy of our hosts and the chance to win great door prizes – this event is the best combination of business and fun!
Market Your Business with YouTube (Part 1 of 2)
Apr 28 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
online w/ BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

No cost due to sponsor support

Video is the king and queen of the Internet and gets the most engagement out of any content format anywhere! Youtube is the most powerful, prolific, and widely used social video platform there is. In this session we will begin to cover:

  • How to create a channel for your business
  • How to upload a video and display it on Youtube as well as other locations online
  • Building a following of “Youtube Subscribers”
  • Live Q&A

And we will continue deeper in Part 2 as we talk about:

  • Going LIVE on Youtube
  • Best practices for quality, length, and style of video
  • Syndicating video to other channels – sharing your link vs. uploading native files
  • Live Q&A

Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Market Your Business with YouTube (Part 1 of 2)
Apr 28 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
online

No cost due to sponsor support

Video is the king and queen of the Internet and gets the most engagement out of any content format anywhere! Youtube is the most powerful, prolific, and widely used social video platform there is. In this session we will begin to cover:

  • How to create a channel for your business
  • How to upload a video and display it on Youtube as well as other locations online
  • Building a following of “Youtube Subscribers”
  • Live Q&A

And we will continue deeper in Part 2 as we talk about:

  • Going LIVE on Youtube
  • Best practices for quality, length, and style of video
  • Syndicating video to other channels – sharing your link vs. uploading native files
  • Live Q&A

Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Friday, April 29, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
Apr 29 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6
Apr 29 all-day
Western North Carolina Mountains

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.

This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.

These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.

And the Hikes Are…

Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?

  1. Bearwallow Mountain
  2. Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
  3. Bracken Preserve
  4. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
  5. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
  6. Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
  7. Whitewater Falls
  8. Youngs Mountain Trail
  9. LOG YOUR HIKES
    • Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
    • You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
    • You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
    • Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
    • You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
    • Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
    • Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.

    The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee CompanyLazy Otter OutfittersMurphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.

State of Our Workforce: Western North Carolina Survey from Land of Sky Regional Council
Apr 29 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online survey
This survey is being sent to organizations in 10 counties in western North Carolina. It is being supported by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Land of Sky P-20 Council, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, and over 90 regional partners.
Please respond based on your experience at your current facility – there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand skills and hiring needs faced by your organization to better inform local leaders and create a strong pipeline of workers for the region.
All responses will be confidential and anonymous. You and your organization’s name and identifying information will not be shared.
Participants who complete the survey can choose to be entered to win gifts and experiences from WNC makers and businesses including Kimpton Hotel ArrasBiltmore EstateNavitat Canopy AdventuresHot Springs Resort and SpaEast ForkHighland Brewing, and Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn.
The survey is being conducted by RTI International, a North Carolina-based independent non-profit research institute, and is funded by Land of Sky Regional Council in cooperation with economic development, industry, and workforce partners across the region.
For question about completing the survey, please email Michael Hogan, the research director at [email protected]. If you have questions about your role or rights as a research participant, you can call RTI’s office of research protection at 919.316.3358 or 1.866.214.2043.
Ribbon Cutting: Smart Start Partnership for Children’s Story Trail
Apr 29 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children's Story Trail
Join us in celebration of the FIRST EVER permanent Story Trail fixture in Henderson County, a collaborative community project with Smart Start Partnership for Children, Fletcher Parks and Recreation, Community Foundation of Henderson County, Henderson County Public Libraries, Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, and the Fletcher Area Business Association.
This Story Trail was made possible by the generosity of the Community Foundation of Henderson County’s Fletcher Community Fund.
A Story Trail is an engaging fun activity that takes the pages of a children’s story book and places them along a path or trail for the community and families to enjoy. Books and educational activities will be provided by the Henderson County Public Libraries.
Smart Start Partnership for Children will also be handing out free books to all children and families who attend.
Vision Henderson County Through the Years: 25th Anniversary Celebration
Apr 29 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Cascades Mountain Resort

Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Vision Henderson County program with an adult prom. Wear your best and come ready to party as we celebrate the legacy this program is building in Henderson County.

Saturday, April 30, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
Apr 30 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Grants Available for Resource Recycling Conference
Apr 30 all-day
online w/ The Recycling Partnership

Recycling Partnership Provides Registration & Travel Funding

The Recycling Partnership, in association with Resource Recycling, Inc,. is excited to announce applications are live for the 2022 Steve Thompson Memorial Grant Program.

For the first time since 2019, the Resource Recycling Conference will be in-person in Austin, TX from August 15-17, 2022. The grant program provides the opportunity to apply to have conference registration, a two-night hotel stay, and travel reimbursement up to $650 covered for the winners.

Applications are being accepted until the end of the day on Friday, May 6, 2022. We hope to see you in Austin!

Multifamily Recycling Grant Program
Apr 30 all-day
online w/ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
 

NC DEACS Accepting Applications Now!

Last month DEACS launched a Multifamily Recycling Grant to support recycling at multifamily properties in North Carolina. Local governments, recycling businesses, and property management companies are all eligible to apply for funding. Grant funding can be used to purchase equipment and site developments to establish or expand recycling access for multifamily units. The maximum award is $250,000.

  • Multifamily Recycling Grant Program – OPEN
    This special grant program offers funding to initiate or expand multifamily recycling programs within the state. Eligible applicants include local governments, recycling businesses or non-profits, multifamily property owners, or multifamily property management companies. Grant funds may be used to purchase typical equipment needs to start or expand the collection of traditional household recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass and plastic bottles and containers) from multifamily residences. Examples of eligible purchases include carts, dumpsters, collection vehicles, concrete pads, recycling corrals and education. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with no due date. Approved grant applications will be funded in the order in which they are received until funding is exhausted.

    Download the Multifamily Recycling Grant request for proposals (RFP) by selecting one of the following links (PDF or Word). Please submit completed applications to Tara Nattress at [email protected].

White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6
Apr 30 all-day
Western North Carolina Mountains

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.

This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.

These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.

And the Hikes Are…

Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?

  1. Bearwallow Mountain
  2. Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
  3. Bracken Preserve
  4. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
  5. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
  6. Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
  7. Whitewater Falls
  8. Youngs Mountain Trail
  9. LOG YOUR HIKES
    • Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
    • You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
    • You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
    • Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
    • You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
    • Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
    • Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.

    The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee CompanyLazy Otter OutfittersMurphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.

WNCHA Hidden History Hikes – Ellicott’s Rock
Apr 30 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ellicott’s and Governor’s rocks along the Chattooga River.

 

Join the Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) Saturday, April 30 at 9AM as we hike to Ellicott’s and Governor’s rocks along the Chattooga River.

Along the Chattooga River, the states of NC, SC, and GA intersect. From conflicts between Cherokees and white settlers, to the Walton War between Georgia and North Carolina over their boundaries, this area has seen its share of strife and political challenges. Surveyor Andrew Ellicott initially settled the conflict and placed a marker along the bank of the river in 1811. But eventually his work was challenged by the more precise “Governor’s Rock” a few years afterward. As late as the 1970s though, NC and GA once again disputed the precise location. Join us as we hike through three states and explore the history of this contested boundary.

*This is a backcountry hike. Please do not attempt if you are unsure of your ability*

*With a small trailhead parking area, we are limited to 5 vehicles. We will need a few volunteers to shuttle others in their vehicles. Please let us know if you are willing to do this when you sign the waiver form*

*Participants may wish to carpool to the initial meeting location at Ingles in Cashiers, NC. You will be asked about your preference upon registration, and those interested will be put in contact with one another*

Details:

Meet:  We will depart at 9AM from the Ingles in Cashiers (US Hwy 64E, Cashiers, NC, 28717). We will carpool 10 miles to the trailhead (Bull Pen Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717). More information regarding parking and the trailhead will be sent to registrants the day prior to the outing.
Return to Ingles: Approximately 3PM
Hike Length: 6.5 miles total, out and back.
Elevation Gain: 1,220 Feet
Hike Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (using National Park Service metric)

What to Bring:

  • Backpack
  • Plenty of water (2+ liters)
  • Bagged lunch and snacks
  • Hiking boots or comfortable trail shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (preferably no cotton)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking poles (recommended)
  • Hat (recommended)
  • Any needed medications.

Rain Date: In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified in advance, no later than 8PM the evening prior if the event is to be rescheduled.

Tickets: $20 for WNCHA members/$30 non-members. We also have two no-cost, community-funded tickets available. We want our events to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are able please consider making a donation along with your ticket purchase. These donations are placed in our Community Fund, which allows us to offer tickets at no cost to those who would not be able to attend otherwise.

Sunday, May 1, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
May 1 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.