Calendar of Events
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.

In February 2021, Buncombe County received an additional $1.75 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to continue building on efforts in collaboration with local leaders and the community to rethink the local criminal justice system, safely reduce Buncombe County’s jail population, and eliminate racial inequities. Community engagement is an essential component of justice system reform, and the Safety Justice Challenge (SJC) is seeking 10 community members to serve on a workgroup. This is a paid opportunity.
Community Members Needed
Community engagement for the Safety Justice Challenge is about involving people who are directly and indirectly affected by government policies and practices. The SJC Community Engagement Workgroup is seeking 10 community members to serve on the workgroup. For this workgroup, a community member is someone who is impacted by the justice system and is not affiliated with, or being paid by an organization to participate in the workgroup. Community members will receive a stipend funded by the MacArthur Foundation grant.
Please see the attachment for a complete timeline and application information. The application deadline has been extended until May 28, 2021.
Workgroup activities will include:
- Continuing to plan, facilitate, and host activities such as town halls, focus groups, listening session, criminal justice info sessions, and community meetings
- Reviewing content and material related to public education campaigns, information sessions, and community meetings
- Developing communication strategies between community and criminal justice system organizations
About the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
The current grant brings the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s total investment in Buncombe County to $3.55 million to date, and is part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, a $246 million national initiative to reduce over-incarceration and advance racial equity in local criminal justice systems by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.
Visit buncombecounty.org/justiceservices to learn more about the Safety Justice Challenge in Buncombe County.
Announcing an all-new scholarship for exemplary performing arts teens in Henderson County! Selected students will be invited to attend the following Studio 52 summer program with a full scholarship:
CONSERVATORY
Rising 8th – 12th Grades
Learn from industry professionals in this two-week, pre-professional program blending acting & music theatre training as teens hone their skills and find their voice.
Qualified Student Nominees Must:
– Be enrolled in HCPS as a rising 8th-12th grade student for the 2021-2022 school year.
– Exhibit a passion for theatre, music, or dance.
– Serve as a leader within their drama, dance, or music classes at school.
– Provide the name and contact of a HCPS teacher who can serve as a reference.
Need-based scholarships are still available for all Studio 52 Summer Camps. Applications for need-based scholarships can be found on the Studio 52 website. All scholarship applications are due June 1.

SAHC is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 service year. Application deadline May 31May 31: Application Deadline
June 1 – June 11: Interviews Scheduled
June 14 – June 25: Interviews Conducted
June 28 – July 2: Offers Made
September 1: First Day of Service
Overview, Eligibility, & Compensation
Project Conserve individually places members in service with one of our host site organizations working to protect the unique natural resources of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain region. Full-time (1700-hour) positions will serve 11-months from September through July. During their terms of service, members will promote conservation through education, volunteerism and direct environmental service. Members participate in required trainings and service days each month with the full Project Conserve team. Trainings may cover a broad range of topics including conflict resolution, forest management, trail construction, invasive plant identification, environmental education, volunteer management, and disaster preparedness.

The City of Asheville has partnered with Asheville GreenWorks to launch the Adopt-A-Spot program. Businesses, organizations, or individuals can choose a City-owned piece of property that they wish to adopt. The responsibility of the adopter will be to maintain either an edible or pollinator garden in this location. The program provides recognition of adopters through dedicated signage at the site. Make a positive impact on Asheville by promoting stewardship of publicly owned places.
Types of Spots to Adopt
As the inaugural Bee City, Asheville is an ideal location for planting pollinator habitats. Pollinators are responsible for ¾ of the world’s food supply and are vitally important to the health of our local urban forest. Pollinator plantings are both beautiful and ecologically sound features of the landscape, attracting butterflies, birds and bees into urban areas. A list of pollinator-friendly plants and local nurseries where they can be purchased can be found at www.beecityusa.org.
Establishing & Maintaining Orchards and Edibles
Fruit producing trees and shrubs growing in neighborhoods, parks and greenways provide fresh, accessible food to Ashevilleans. Through the Adopt-a-Spot program, your group can play a role in developing the urban food forest in Asheville. Projects can range from planting a small patch of blueberries or an entire orchard of fruit trees. The list of recommended edible trees and shrubs and local nurseries where they can be purchased can be found at www.ashevillegreenworks.org
Invasive Plant Removal
Invasive exotic plants disrupt the ecology of natural ecosystems, displace native plant and animal species, and degrade our biological resources. Aggressive invaders reduce the amount of light, water, nutrients and space available to native species. Some cause increased erosion along stream banks, shorelines and roadsides. Common invasive species in this area include kudzu, knotweed, English ivy and privet. Many Adopt-a-Spot projects will require invasive plant removal to prepare the land for planting and to prevent invasives from taking over existing and new plantings.
Planting in Bulb-Outs
Bulb-outs are areas that extend from the sidewalk along the sides of the street. They are typically in place at cross walks or on street parking. These areas can typically be accessed from the adjacent sidewalk. Through Asheville’s Adopt-a-Spot program, bulb-outs can be used for planting edible and/or pollinator gardens. Volunteers must use extra caution when working along streets and roadways.
Work at Tanglewood!
Want to work at Tanglewood this summer? We’re looking for Instructors, Teacher Assistants, Junior Teacher Assistants, and Stage Managers! More information can be found in each application link, and those can all be found HERE!

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.
Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.
Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.
Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.
NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

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In February 2021, Buncombe County received an additional $1.75 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to continue building on efforts in collaboration with local leaders and the community to rethink the local criminal justice system, safely reduce Buncombe County’s jail population, and eliminate racial inequities. Community engagement is an essential component of justice system reform, and the Safety Justice Challenge (SJC) is seeking 10 community members to serve on a workgroup. This is a paid opportunity.
Community Members Needed
Community engagement for the Safety Justice Challenge is about involving people who are directly and indirectly affected by government policies and practices. The SJC Community Engagement Workgroup is seeking 10 community members to serve on the workgroup. For this workgroup, a community member is someone who is impacted by the justice system and is not affiliated with, or being paid by an organization to participate in the workgroup. Community members will receive a stipend funded by the MacArthur Foundation grant.
Please see the attachment for a complete timeline and application information. The application deadline has been extended until May 28, 2021.
Workgroup activities will include:
- Continuing to plan, facilitate, and host activities such as town halls, focus groups, listening session, criminal justice info sessions, and community meetings
- Reviewing content and material related to public education campaigns, information sessions, and community meetings
- Developing communication strategies between community and criminal justice system organizations
About the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
The current grant brings the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s total investment in Buncombe County to $3.55 million to date, and is part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, a $246 million national initiative to reduce over-incarceration and advance racial equity in local criminal justice systems by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.
Visit buncombecounty.org/justiceservices to learn more about the Safety Justice Challenge in Buncombe County.
Announcing an all-new scholarship for exemplary performing arts teens in Henderson County! Selected students will be invited to attend the following Studio 52 summer program with a full scholarship:
CONSERVATORY
Rising 8th – 12th Grades
Learn from industry professionals in this two-week, pre-professional program blending acting & music theatre training as teens hone their skills and find their voice.
Qualified Student Nominees Must:
– Be enrolled in HCPS as a rising 8th-12th grade student for the 2021-2022 school year.
– Exhibit a passion for theatre, music, or dance.
– Serve as a leader within their drama, dance, or music classes at school.
– Provide the name and contact of a HCPS teacher who can serve as a reference.
Need-based scholarships are still available for all Studio 52 Summer Camps. Applications for need-based scholarships can be found on the Studio 52 website. All scholarship applications are due June 1.

SAHC is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 service year. Application deadline May 31May 31: Application Deadline
June 1 – June 11: Interviews Scheduled
June 14 – June 25: Interviews Conducted
June 28 – July 2: Offers Made
September 1: First Day of Service
Overview, Eligibility, & Compensation
Project Conserve individually places members in service with one of our host site organizations working to protect the unique natural resources of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain region. Full-time (1700-hour) positions will serve 11-months from September through July. During their terms of service, members will promote conservation through education, volunteerism and direct environmental service. Members participate in required trainings and service days each month with the full Project Conserve team. Trainings may cover a broad range of topics including conflict resolution, forest management, trail construction, invasive plant identification, environmental education, volunteer management, and disaster preparedness.

The City of Asheville has partnered with Asheville GreenWorks to launch the Adopt-A-Spot program. Businesses, organizations, or individuals can choose a City-owned piece of property that they wish to adopt. The responsibility of the adopter will be to maintain either an edible or pollinator garden in this location. The program provides recognition of adopters through dedicated signage at the site. Make a positive impact on Asheville by promoting stewardship of publicly owned places.
Types of Spots to Adopt
As the inaugural Bee City, Asheville is an ideal location for planting pollinator habitats. Pollinators are responsible for ¾ of the world’s food supply and are vitally important to the health of our local urban forest. Pollinator plantings are both beautiful and ecologically sound features of the landscape, attracting butterflies, birds and bees into urban areas. A list of pollinator-friendly plants and local nurseries where they can be purchased can be found at www.beecityusa.org.
Establishing & Maintaining Orchards and Edibles
Fruit producing trees and shrubs growing in neighborhoods, parks and greenways provide fresh, accessible food to Ashevilleans. Through the Adopt-a-Spot program, your group can play a role in developing the urban food forest in Asheville. Projects can range from planting a small patch of blueberries or an entire orchard of fruit trees. The list of recommended edible trees and shrubs and local nurseries where they can be purchased can be found at www.ashevillegreenworks.org
Invasive Plant Removal
Invasive exotic plants disrupt the ecology of natural ecosystems, displace native plant and animal species, and degrade our biological resources. Aggressive invaders reduce the amount of light, water, nutrients and space available to native species. Some cause increased erosion along stream banks, shorelines and roadsides. Common invasive species in this area include kudzu, knotweed, English ivy and privet. Many Adopt-a-Spot projects will require invasive plant removal to prepare the land for planting and to prevent invasives from taking over existing and new plantings.
Planting in Bulb-Outs
Bulb-outs are areas that extend from the sidewalk along the sides of the street. They are typically in place at cross walks or on street parking. These areas can typically be accessed from the adjacent sidewalk. Through Asheville’s Adopt-a-Spot program, bulb-outs can be used for planting edible and/or pollinator gardens. Volunteers must use extra caution when working along streets and roadways.
The One Act Festival is scheduled for June 11-26, 2021. Submissions are free and open to all local playwrights with plays 5-15 minutes long!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
-
Please limit your cast to a maximum of six actors
-
Scripts with minimal set, costume and prop requirements are preferred
-
We are not considering Theatre for Young Audiences at this time
-
We will not accept Screenplays or Musicals at this time
The Magnetic Theatre tends to produce plays that have not received major/recent productions in the Asheville area. We respond primarily to plays with a sure command of language, that are accessible to a diverse and discerning audience, and clear dramatic action that truly uses the resources of live theater.
If you wish to submit a play for consideration, please include a complete manuscript, bio, resume, and any other supporting materials (e.g. reviews) that might help pique our interest in you and your work.
Work at Tanglewood!
Want to work at Tanglewood this summer? We’re looking for Instructors, Teacher Assistants, Junior Teacher Assistants, and Stage Managers! More information can be found in each application link, and those can all be found HERE!

Looking for a way to give back and support our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women? The YWCA is looking for volunteers. If you have a few hours here and there or would like a regular volunteer gig, we could use your help. Please follow this link to see our current openings or email our volunteer coordinator to discuss alternate opportunities.
Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit
Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue
Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!
What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 5/6,13,20 & 27, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12
Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof!

Listen to This: Stories and More on Screen
“Not Like It Looks In the Movies”
True tales of cinematic moments with real-life results. Featuring stories by Carmela Caruso, Dorrie Sieburg and more. Hosted by Tom Chalmers via Zoom.
Access to this stream will require the use of Zoom video conferencing which is available for free online, and via the Google and Apple app stores. Once you purchase your ticket, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to attend the event. All sales final. No exchanges or returns.
Performed via Zoom
Join us next week for a brand new Listen to This! May’s theme is “Not Like It Looks In the Movies” – true tales of cinematic moments with real-life results! Featuring stories by Carmela Caruso, Dorrie Sieburg and more. Hosted by Tom Chalmers. Once you purchase your ticket, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to attend the event! We won’t be able to see or hear you, but you’ll be able to see and hear all of the performers! Grab your popcorn and your pjs and enjoy an evening of great storytelling!

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In February 2021, Buncombe County received an additional $1.75 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to continue building on efforts in collaboration with local leaders and the community to rethink the local criminal justice system, safely reduce Buncombe County’s jail population, and eliminate racial inequities. Community engagement is an essential component of justice system reform, and the Safety Justice Challenge (SJC) is seeking 10 community members to serve on a workgroup. This is a paid opportunity.
Community Members Needed
Community engagement for the Safety Justice Challenge is about involving people who are directly and indirectly affected by government policies and practices. The SJC Community Engagement Workgroup is seeking 10 community members to serve on the workgroup. For this workgroup, a community member is someone who is impacted by the justice system and is not affiliated with, or being paid by an organization to participate in the workgroup. Community members will receive a stipend funded by the MacArthur Foundation grant.
Please see the attachment for a complete timeline and application information. The application deadline has been extended until May 28, 2021.
Workgroup activities will include:
- Continuing to plan, facilitate, and host activities such as town halls, focus groups, listening session, criminal justice info sessions, and community meetings
- Reviewing content and material related to public education campaigns, information sessions, and community meetings
- Developing communication strategies between community and criminal justice system organizations
About the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
The current grant brings the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s total investment in Buncombe County to $3.55 million to date, and is part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, a $246 million national initiative to reduce over-incarceration and advance racial equity in local criminal justice systems by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.
Visit buncombecounty.org/justiceservices to learn more about the Safety Justice Challenge in Buncombe County.
Announcing an all-new scholarship for exemplary performing arts teens in Henderson County! Selected students will be invited to attend the following Studio 52 summer program with a full scholarship:
CONSERVATORY
Rising 8th – 12th Grades
Learn from industry professionals in this two-week, pre-professional program blending acting & music theatre training as teens hone their skills and find their voice.
Qualified Student Nominees Must:
– Be enrolled in HCPS as a rising 8th-12th grade student for the 2021-2022 school year.
– Exhibit a passion for theatre, music, or dance.
– Serve as a leader within their drama, dance, or music classes at school.
– Provide the name and contact of a HCPS teacher who can serve as a reference.
Need-based scholarships are still available for all Studio 52 Summer Camps. Applications for need-based scholarships can be found on the Studio 52 website. All scholarship applications are due June 1.

SAHC is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 service year. Application deadline May 31May 31: Application Deadline
June 1 – June 11: Interviews Scheduled
June 14 – June 25: Interviews Conducted
June 28 – July 2: Offers Made
September 1: First Day of Service
Overview, Eligibility, & Compensation
Project Conserve individually places members in service with one of our host site organizations working to protect the unique natural resources of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain region. Full-time (1700-hour) positions will serve 11-months from September through July. During their terms of service, members will promote conservation through education, volunteerism and direct environmental service. Members participate in required trainings and service days each month with the full Project Conserve team. Trainings may cover a broad range of topics including conflict resolution, forest management, trail construction, invasive plant identification, environmental education, volunteer management, and disaster preparedness.

The City of Asheville has partnered with Asheville GreenWorks to launch the Adopt-A-Spot program. Businesses, organizations, or individuals can choose a City-owned piece of property that they wish to adopt. The responsibility of the adopter will be to maintain either an edible or pollinator garden in this location. The program provides recognition of adopters through dedicated signage at the site. Make a positive impact on Asheville by promoting stewardship of publicly owned places.
Types of Spots to Adopt
As the inaugural Bee City, Asheville is an ideal location for planting pollinator habitats. Pollinators are responsible for ¾ of the world’s food supply and are vitally important to the health of our local urban forest. Pollinator plantings are both beautiful and ecologically sound features of the landscape, attracting butterflies, birds and bees into urban areas. A list of pollinator-friendly plants and local nurseries where they can be purchased can be found at www.beecityusa.org.
Establishing & Maintaining Orchards and Edibles
Fruit producing trees and shrubs growing in neighborhoods, parks and greenways provide fresh, accessible food to Ashevilleans. Through the Adopt-a-Spot program, your group can play a role in developing the urban food forest in Asheville. Projects can range from planting a small patch of blueberries or an entire orchard of fruit trees. The list of recommended edible trees and shrubs and local nurseries where they can be purchased can be found at www.ashevillegreenworks.org
Invasive Plant Removal
Invasive exotic plants disrupt the ecology of natural ecosystems, displace native plant and animal species, and degrade our biological resources. Aggressive invaders reduce the amount of light, water, nutrients and space available to native species. Some cause increased erosion along stream banks, shorelines and roadsides. Common invasive species in this area include kudzu, knotweed, English ivy and privet. Many Adopt-a-Spot projects will require invasive plant removal to prepare the land for planting and to prevent invasives from taking over existing and new plantings.
Planting in Bulb-Outs
Bulb-outs are areas that extend from the sidewalk along the sides of the street. They are typically in place at cross walks or on street parking. These areas can typically be accessed from the adjacent sidewalk. Through Asheville’s Adopt-a-Spot program, bulb-outs can be used for planting edible and/or pollinator gardens. Volunteers must use extra caution when working along streets and roadways.
The One Act Festival is scheduled for June 11-26, 2021. Submissions are free and open to all local playwrights with plays 5-15 minutes long!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
-
Please limit your cast to a maximum of six actors
-
Scripts with minimal set, costume and prop requirements are preferred
-
We are not considering Theatre for Young Audiences at this time
-
We will not accept Screenplays or Musicals at this time
The Magnetic Theatre tends to produce plays that have not received major/recent productions in the Asheville area. We respond primarily to plays with a sure command of language, that are accessible to a diverse and discerning audience, and clear dramatic action that truly uses the resources of live theater.
If you wish to submit a play for consideration, please include a complete manuscript, bio, resume, and any other supporting materials (e.g. reviews) that might help pique our interest in you and your work.
Work at Tanglewood!
Want to work at Tanglewood this summer? We’re looking for Instructors, Teacher Assistants, Junior Teacher Assistants, and Stage Managers! More information can be found in each application link, and those can all be found HERE!

Looking for a way to give back and support our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women? The YWCA is looking for volunteers. If you have a few hours here and there or would like a regular volunteer gig, we could use your help. Please follow this link to see our current openings or email our volunteer coordinator to discuss alternate opportunities.

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – May 28 – June 19
by W. Shakespeare
Always our biggest Shakespeare hit of any season it’s performed, Midsummer is one of Shakespeare’s best works and funniest comedies. Not to be missed!


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Announcing an all-new scholarship for exemplary performing arts teens in Henderson County! Selected students will be invited to attend the following Studio 52 summer program with a full scholarship:
CONSERVATORY
Rising 8th – 12th Grades
Learn from industry professionals in this two-week, pre-professional program blending acting & music theatre training as teens hone their skills and find their voice.
Qualified Student Nominees Must:
– Be enrolled in HCPS as a rising 8th-12th grade student for the 2021-2022 school year.
– Exhibit a passion for theatre, music, or dance.
– Serve as a leader within their drama, dance, or music classes at school.
– Provide the name and contact of a HCPS teacher who can serve as a reference.
Need-based scholarships are still available for all Studio 52 Summer Camps. Applications for need-based scholarships can be found on the Studio 52 website. All scholarship applications are due June 1.

SAHC is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 service year. Application deadline May 31May 31: Application Deadline
June 1 – June 11: Interviews Scheduled
June 14 – June 25: Interviews Conducted
June 28 – July 2: Offers Made
September 1: First Day of Service
Overview, Eligibility, & Compensation
Project Conserve individually places members in service with one of our host site organizations working to protect the unique natural resources of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain region. Full-time (1700-hour) positions will serve 11-months from September through July. During their terms of service, members will promote conservation through education, volunteerism and direct environmental service. Members participate in required trainings and service days each month with the full Project Conserve team. Trainings may cover a broad range of topics including conflict resolution, forest management, trail construction, invasive plant identification, environmental education, volunteer management, and disaster preparedness.

The City of Asheville has partnered with Asheville GreenWorks to launch the Adopt-A-Spot program. Businesses, organizations, or individuals can choose a City-owned piece of property that they wish to adopt. The responsibility of the adopter will be to maintain either an edible or pollinator garden in this location. The program provides recognition of adopters through dedicated signage at the site. Make a positive impact on Asheville by promoting stewardship of publicly owned places.
Types of Spots to Adopt
As the inaugural Bee City, Asheville is an ideal location for planting pollinator habitats. Pollinators are responsible for ¾ of the world’s food supply and are vitally important to the health of our local urban forest. Pollinator plantings are both beautiful and ecologically sound features of the landscape, attracting butterflies, birds and bees into urban areas. A list of pollinator-friendly plants and local nurseries where they can be purchased can be found at www.beecityusa.org.
Establishing & Maintaining Orchards and Edibles
Fruit producing trees and shrubs growing in neighborhoods, parks and greenways provide fresh, accessible food to Ashevilleans. Through the Adopt-a-Spot program, your group can play a role in developing the urban food forest in Asheville. Projects can range from planting a small patch of blueberries or an entire orchard of fruit trees. The list of recommended edible trees and shrubs and local nurseries where they can be purchased can be found at www.ashevillegreenworks.org
Invasive Plant Removal
Invasive exotic plants disrupt the ecology of natural ecosystems, displace native plant and animal species, and degrade our biological resources. Aggressive invaders reduce the amount of light, water, nutrients and space available to native species. Some cause increased erosion along stream banks, shorelines and roadsides. Common invasive species in this area include kudzu, knotweed, English ivy and privet. Many Adopt-a-Spot projects will require invasive plant removal to prepare the land for planting and to prevent invasives from taking over existing and new plantings.
Planting in Bulb-Outs
Bulb-outs are areas that extend from the sidewalk along the sides of the street. They are typically in place at cross walks or on street parking. These areas can typically be accessed from the adjacent sidewalk. Through Asheville’s Adopt-a-Spot program, bulb-outs can be used for planting edible and/or pollinator gardens. Volunteers must use extra caution when working along streets and roadways.


