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.
All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting. Included with admission.
Financial Empowerment for Women
Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World® – Building Resources for a Better Life. YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families and their community.
Knowledge is Power
A series of “kitchen table” discussions that investigate the causes of poverty, the hidden rules of class, and resources needed by all. Participants will assess individual situations as well as the condition of our community to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
“Going through the program made me realize that I wasn’t in this by myself. I was surrounded by people just like me who were humble enough to say ‘I need help.”
“The class has re-shaped my thinking process- the way I approach situations as possibilities, not obstacles”
Participants Receive
- Childcare and meals at each session
- A $20 stipend for each session attended
Received once the program is completed - A workbook to keep track of learning and personal goals
- One-on-one case management for 18
months to support personal success - Transportation support is available
| The Growing Minds Team will be offering free, virtual trainings for teachers, caregivers, parents, and anyone interested in providing farm to school activities with kids. An entire group can register or you can sign up as an individual. We will alternate between School Garden Trainings and Farm to Preschool Trainings. See below for the descriptions, dates, and times. Trainings are held via Zoom.
School Garden Training |
Join Buncombe County Soil and Water Educators for WILD Excursions this summer! These outdoor education experiences are FREE and are for middle and high school students. Part service learning, part experiential education, participants will walk away with an appreciation for Buncombe’s natural wonders. Events are either on-site at the Buncombe County Soil and Water Office (49 Mt. Carmel Rd. 28806) OR no-cost transportation will be provided starting from the same location. Transportation is limited. Contact Rose Wall and Jen Knight for more details: [email protected]
Help us make our first catalog of plants and animals found at the Land and Agricultural Resources Gardens and Nature Trail while learning how to use the app-based tool iNaturalist.
- Wednesday, Sept. 14, 4-5:30 p.m.
- To bring: water and snacks, sunscreen/bug spray
Struggling with Shakespeare? In our Shakespeare Level Up class, local director Melon Wedick helps deepen your understanding of the language, clearing the way for a sharper and more immersive performance. Join us from 5-7pm on Mondays and Wednesdays from August 15 through September 19 and hone your craft with Melon!
Enrollment is now open for an adult improvisation acting class at Hendersonville Theatre (HT). Classes will be taught by professional improvisation actor and comedian Emily Swindal. Classes will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm for 8 weeks starting August 10. The class will conclude on September 28 with a showcase of the students’ work.
Improv Level One: Communicate. Collaborate. Play. is for anyone over 18. Tuition is $180. Hendersonville Theatre will offer a free class preview and information session on Monday, August 8 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to attend.
To register for the class, please visit HVLtheatre.org or call the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. No registration is required to attend the free information session.
Emily Swindal lived in New York City for 8 years as an actor and improv comedian before relocating to Hendersonville during the pandemic. Swindal studied and performed improv and sketch comedy writing at New York City’s Magnet Theater and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. Swindal has performed with an assortment of improv teams. Some of her past instructors include Elana Fishbein, Peter McNerney, Ross Taylor, Michael Lutton, and Nicole Drespel. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory.
Swindal’s teaching motto is “growth only happens when you are willing to step outside your comfort zone.” In this class, actors will work at getting comfortable onstage and stepping into bravery while having fun doing it. The class will teach students to have compassion for themselves and their classmates as performers as they learn the fundamentals of improvisation and develop support and spontaneity.
One of the missions of HT is to provide arts education that promotes life-long learning, in a way that inspires, nurtures, enriches, and empowers.
Hendersonville Theater has made masks optional for students, but volunteers, staff and performers are fully vaccinated. No proof of vaccination is required to attend a class.
All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting. Included with admission.
Lenoir-Rhyne University Call to Action |
|
Earn a Master of Science in Sustainability Studies!
 Innovative curriculum designed around you to meet the needs of the world around us. The Master of Science in Sustainability Studies program at Lenoir-Rhyne University helps to develop leaders in the field who will tackle future challenges in the world around us as they relate to sustainability. In doing so, we seek to develop advocates for change. What makes our program unique? Read on.
Curriculum Snapshot
Take the program at your own pace, whether that is part time or full time. Here are some highlights of what you need to know:
Request information from one of our admission staff »
How to Apply
Visit the program website » Application requirements and all you need to know to apply » |
| Find us on Facebook and Twitter! |
Financial Empowerment for Women
Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World® – Building Resources for a Better Life. YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families and their community.
Knowledge is Power
A series of “kitchen table” discussions that investigate the causes of poverty, the hidden rules of class, and resources needed by all. Participants will assess individual situations as well as the condition of our community to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
“Going through the program made me realize that I wasn’t in this by myself. I was surrounded by people just like me who were humble enough to say ‘I need help.”
“The class has re-shaped my thinking process- the way I approach situations as possibilities, not obstacles”
Participants Receive
- Childcare and meals at each session
- A $20 stipend for each session attended
Received once the program is completed - A workbook to keep track of learning and personal goals
- One-on-one case management for 18
months to support personal success - Transportation support is available
NOTE: This Educator Workshop is intended specifically for educators — not the general public.
Hosted by Grandfather Mountain education specialist Cassie Petrilla, BEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning and Expertise Sharing) provides learning resources devoted to improving the quality of outdoor science education for field instructors, leaders and classroom teachers. The BEETLES learning sessions encourage educators to look at specific aspects of research-based science pedagogy and inspire deeper thought about individuals’ teaching and learning.
Join Petrilla at Grandfather Mountain to discuss two of the BEETLES professional learning sessions, “Making Observations” and “Promoting Discussion,” and explore how to help students develop observational skills by encouraging curiosity and wonder, as well as ways to nurture discussion about observable science ideas and the benefits of discussion-based practices.
NC EE Certification Credit: Criteria I, 6 hours and CEU credit are available.
This workshop is free to attend, although advance registration is required. Limited to 25 participants. Registration opens here July 15. Attendees are asked to bring their own lunch, although there is a restaurant on site.
What to Bring?
Your time will be spent indoors and outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important. Please bring a daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing (i.e., extra layers, rain gear), water, lunch, notepad/paper, pen/pencil, etc. Mildred’s Grill will be open and participants may purchase food from the restaurant for lunch if they prefer to do so.
Additional information
Educational Experience Forms will be available for certification hours and Continuing Education Credit for the instructor to sign off on. Grandfather Mountain may also serve as Criteria III – Site visit hours, but these hours must be gained outside of the time that the workshop takes place (i.e., prior to or after the workshop). Staff will be available to sign off on these site visit forms.
Refunds/Cancelations
The majority of Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list. If you cannot attend the event that you registered for please let us know. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We ask that individuals who are feeling ill stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants and Grandfather Mountain staff.
About Grandfather Mountain Educator Workshops
Grandfather Mountain’s Educator Workshop series invites educators to take advantage of the mountain’s classroom in the clouds. This is an opportunity to learn and have fun, while earning certification as an environmental educator in North Carolina. These programs offer credits with Criteria I, II and III programs. All workshops take place at Grandfather Mountain and may include some walking, so participants are encouraged to bring appropriate footwear and be prepared for inclement weather. Learn more about 2022’s lineup.
Presenter: Cynthia Gillooly, Co-owner of Verde’ Design, a custom floral and season garden container business
Plants have been grown in closed glass terrarium cases for hundreds of years, and it’s still a creative, engaging way to grow plants indoors today. Join Cynthia Gillooly, an experienced indoor plant expert, and learn about terrarium containers and plant selection for those high-humidity gardens. Cynthia will teach us about soil, plant care and maintenance, and her tricks, tools and accessories to make your own terrific terrariums.
Registration: The talk is free but registration is required. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
Zoom seminar access: After registration, you will receive an email with instructions and a link to join this online live broadcast via Zoom. The ability to access Zoom through a computer, tablet or smartphone with a reliable internet connection is necessary to attend.
Instructor: Carlton Burke
$55 Non-member Adult**
(**Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes.)
Certificate Credit: BRN Elective, BREG Elective
Western North Carolina has an abundance of butterfly and moth species. Carlton Burke provides an introduction to identifying and understanding the life cycles of these delicate creatures with painted wings. Learn more about conservation efforts and ways to attract and protect them in your home landscape.
Carlton Burke is a naturalist and educator who operates Carolina Mountain Naturalists, an educational service which offers wildlife and nature educational programs throughout western North Carolina. He also was on the staff of the western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville for over 25 years as the Curator of Exhibits. Carlton co-hosts a weekly radio program NATURE NEWS and is also a NC state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Registration and Participation in Online Classes through the Arboretum:
- This class will be taught online via Zoom. Make sure your Zoom app is up to date.
- Registration for this class will close two days before the class start date.
- You will receive your login instructions and the link to join the live meeting one day in advance of the class start date.
- Make sure you enter your email address correctly when registering.
- You will receive access to a recording within 1 to 3 business days following the class. Access expires after 30 days.
Please add [email protected] to your contacts to ensure our emails do not end up in your spam folder.
Arboretum Members: Please sign in above in the top right-hand corner before adding classes to your shopping cart. Your member discount will be applied on the checkout page. Click here for membership discount instructions.
Adult education
We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing. We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities. Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Assist with serving snacks
- Interact with children during activity time
- Supervise games and outdoor free time
- For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration
Requirements:
- Background check
- Orientation booklets will be provided
- Masks are required if unvaccinated
Meet up with Betsy and Florrie by the Bowen Bridge along Riverside (look for balloons) for a leisurely walk and informative talk about the first two pollinator habitats created by Bee City USA-Asheville committee members and friends along the Greenway. We’ll cover a brief history of the Greenway habitats as we walk around the River Arts District Habitat (RAD HAB) and then to the second habitat nearby, emphasizing good habitat characteristics, discussing shrubs and perennials there, and looking for pollinators. We’ll also talk about expansion plans, the difference in the RAD HAB and the pollinator meadow, and invasive plants along the way, finishing at the meadow.
Betsy Savely is co-chair of GreenWorks’ Bee City USA-Asheville Leadership Committee and was the first Asheville resident to have her pollinator habitat certified by GreenWorks. She graduated from the North Carolina Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist Program in 2020, co-creating a large pollinator habitat in the River Arts District for her BRN project. She has been an avid landscaper and gardener for over 30 years and has created many wildlife and pollinator habitats in the Asheville area.
Florrie Funk has been on the board of Bee City USA-Asheville for six years. She has had a life-long love of wildflowers and wild places. She has spent the last thirty years learning about native ecosystems and working as a volunteer in nature education, citizen science projects, plant diversity restoration, and removal of invasive species. Recently she has focused on native habitat gardening and photographing pollinators. She is of the opinion that in all creation, there are no insignificant pieces.
What goes on behind the curtain? In our Tech Youth Production Classes, students learn and experience technical theatre and backstage work, including: safety, basic light and sound board operation, and stage management. Students will then put their skills to practice by running all technical and backstage roles during the Youth performances of The Prom, a musical comedy about big Broadway stars on a mission and a small-town Indiana prom.
Registration begins on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Tuition will be $250.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available.
Student Ages: 12-18
Classes: Aug 25-Oct 13 | Thursdays at 4:30-6:00 PM
Tech Week: Oct 17-20 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-8:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, Oct 22 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, Oct 23 at 2:30 PM
NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out a registration. Once your application is processed, we will be in touch with you to register.
Students explore their potential and harness their skills in this intermediate course all about the art of the scene. Students will discover their strengths and weaknesses through practicing acting exercises and character development techniques. Scene study is best for students who are already familiar with basic performance training. The course includes a showcase for family and friends on the final day of class.
Registration begins on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.
NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.
Are you looking for a way to develop your Spanish language skills or a way to keep your skills fresh? Join this friendly and welcoming Spanish Language Practice Group organized by Pack Library. Newcomers are always welcome on the first Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. This group meets online and is focused on providing an intermediate level, immersive discussion experience. This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up.
Anni Albers, Yellow Meander, 1970, serigraph on paper. Museum purchase, 1992.09.64.
More Than Math is a professional-development program that integrates visual art into the mathematics curriculum for 3rd through 8th grades. Utilizing artworks from the Museum’s Collection as the basis for teaching math standards, More Than Math introduces and explores concepts shared by mathematics and the visual arts such as balance, geometric form, pattern, perspective, proportion, and symmetry.
Randy Harter, retired math specialist for Buncombe County Schools, and Museum educators lead these interactive, hands-on teacher professional-development workshops for local WNC math teachers. Participation in the More Than Math program also includes field-trip admission and guided tours for your class to the Museum as well as access to the interactive More Than Math website. The More Than Math website includes grade-specific mathematics curriculum addressing the NC Standard Course of Study, lesson plans/resources, and a virtual art gallery.
Grades 3–8 math teachers are invited to apply to participate in this professional-development workshop. To apply, complete and submit the form below.
Please note:
- Professional-development workshops take place in the Museum’s John & Robyn Horn Education Center.
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Museum is committed to providing engaging and educational experiences for pre-K–12 teachers in WNC schools. Our professional-development opportunities include curriculum-based and exhibition-inspired workshops led by Museum educators and/or special guests that provide teachers with tools to facilitate object-based learning. These workshops are interactive, hands-on, and incorporate artmaking. Come excited to learn together with your colleagues, and leave inspired with ideas to incorporate into your classroom and personal practice!
Application Deadline September 28th
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking.
We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses. We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses. We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models. Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program.
Program Details
2022-2023 Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training includes:
(This is the previous class schedule, which will be updated once finalized for the upcoming year.)
- Winter Course Schedule & Descriptions 2021-2022
(October – March)- ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
(February)- OGS Spring Conference
(March)- Mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
15 hours (February/ March – September)- Production Training
45 hours (April – October):- WNC CRAFT tours on sustainable farms around WNC
- Field Days with regional partner Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Community Farm
- One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting. Included with admission.
Financial Empowerment for Women
Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World® – Building Resources for a Better Life. YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families and their community.
Knowledge is Power
A series of “kitchen table” discussions that investigate the causes of poverty, the hidden rules of class, and resources needed by all. Participants will assess individual situations as well as the condition of our community to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
“Going through the program made me realize that I wasn’t in this by myself. I was surrounded by people just like me who were humble enough to say ‘I need help.”
“The class has re-shaped my thinking process- the way I approach situations as possibilities, not obstacles”
Participants Receive
- Childcare and meals at each session
- A $20 stipend for each session attended
Received once the program is completed - A workbook to keep track of learning and personal goals
- One-on-one case management for 18
months to support personal success - Transportation support is available
Application Deadline September 28th
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking.
We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses. We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses. We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models. Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program.
Program Details
2022-2023 Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training includes:
(This is the previous class schedule, which will be updated once finalized for the upcoming year.)
- Winter Course Schedule & Descriptions 2021-2022
(October – March)- ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
(February)- OGS Spring Conference
(March)- Mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
15 hours (February/ March – September)- Production Training
45 hours (April – October):- WNC CRAFT tours on sustainable farms around WNC
- Field Days with regional partner Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Community Farm
- One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting. Included with admission.
MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.
We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.
Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.
|
Lenoir-Rhyne University Call to Action |
|
Earn a Master of Science in Sustainability Studies!
Innovative curriculum designed around you to meet the needs of the world around us. The Master of Science in Sustainability Studies program at Lenoir-Rhyne University helps to develop leaders in the field who will tackle future challenges in the world around us as they relate to sustainability. In doing so, we seek to develop advocates for change. What makes our program unique? Read on.
Curriculum Snapshot
Take the program at your own pace, whether that is part time or full time. Here are some highlights of what you need to know:
Request information from one of our admission staff »
How to Apply
Visit the program website » Application requirements and all you need to know to apply » |
| Find us on Facebook and Twitter! |
Grandfather Mountain is an amazing diversity hotspot for breeding birds in the southern Appalachians with more than 120 species detected during the nesting season. But those numbers go up even more during spring and fall migration. Its position along the escarpment and the quality, diversity and extent of forests and other habitats nearby make it a magnet for migrant species of all types. From warblers to hawks to hummingbirds, migration is a wondrous period of the year for birders and nature enthusiasts alike.
In this Adult Field Course, participants will visit several locations on Grandfather Mountain to learn about the diversity of migrants and the timing and mechanics of migration — and hopefully see dozens of species using Grandfather as a staging area on their long flights to Central and South America. The classroom segment of the course will take a deeper dive into the science of migration and some of the technology unlocking the secrets of bird movement.
Curtis Smalling is the director of conservation for Audubon North Carolina and a lifelong birder. He grew up and resides in Watauga County. A graduate of Appalachian State University in Biology and Appalachian Studies, his lifelong fascination with birds and the mountains has led him to primary research on species like golden-winged warblers, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, wood thrush and many others here and abroad. He oversees Audubon NC’s work on Forests, Coastal Sanctuaries and Resilience, as well as Bird Friendly Communities. He serves in leadership roles on several bird and species working groups and committees and has published and presented extensively on birds and their conservation.
Program Itinerary
8:15 a.m. Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Birding at a variety of locations on the mountain
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch Break (bring your own or can be purchased at Mildred’s Grill)
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Classroom presentation on migration ecology and bird diversity on the mountain
Registration
This Adult Field Course costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club. Attendance is limited to 15 participants. Registration opens here July 18. Purchase tickets below. Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction, and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees. Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.
What to Bring?
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important. Please bring a daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing (i.e., extra layers, rain gear), water, lunch, camera, binoculars, etc. Also bring a water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, portable chair or pad, field guide/notepad, hand lens and knife for close-up observations, and wax paper or paper bags (with basket or box) to wrap specimens in.
Refunds/Cancelations
The majority of Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list. If you cannot attend the event that you registered for please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We ask that individuals who are feeling ill stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants and Grandfather Mountain staff. Refunds will be granted to these individuals.
More about Field Courses
Welcome to Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s (GMSF) Adult Field Courses! We are excited to share the unique wonders of the mountain with you. Since 2008, GMSF has aimed at creating educational programming that deepens understanding through in-depth study and field research. Our goal is to provide you with a rich experience in a particular field of study, and to also provide a safe and memorable trip to Grandfather Mountain. Read more.
Visit one of the Oklawaha Greenway’s three eBird Hotspots with Cathy Ford, an experienced local birder and learn about birds currently migrating through Henderson County, as well as those that live on the Greenway year round, Meet in Patton Park at the Round Pavilion, Please bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen and a
hat, No dogs or strollers,
Financial Empowerment for Women
Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World® – Building Resources for a Better Life. YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families and their community.
Knowledge is Power
A series of “kitchen table” discussions that investigate the causes of poverty, the hidden rules of class, and resources needed by all. Participants will assess individual situations as well as the condition of our community to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
“Going through the program made me realize that I wasn’t in this by myself. I was surrounded by people just like me who were humble enough to say ‘I need help.”
“The class has re-shaped my thinking process- the way I approach situations as possibilities, not obstacles”
Participants Receive
- Childcare and meals at each session
- A $20 stipend for each session attended
Received once the program is completed - A workbook to keep track of learning and personal goals
- One-on-one case management for 18
months to support personal success - Transportation support is available
Grab your binoculars and get ready for our annual feathered frenzy. This event was designed so birders of all skill sets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies – bird watching! Live bird demos, guided walks, activities for kids and our annual hawk watch are just a few of the reasons this event is perfect for the whole family.
Check out the full schedule below.
Flock to the Rock 2022 Schedule of Events
Saturday September 17th
7:30am Early Bird Walk*
10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin
10am – 10:30am Who gives a Hoot (live bird program)
10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding
11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney
12pm – 12:45pm Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)
1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding
2pm – 2:45pm Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)
Sunday September 18th
7:30am Early Bird Walk*
10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin
10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding
11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney
11:30am – 12:00pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)
1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding
2pm – 2:30pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)
*pre-registered event
Kids have great imaginations – this is the place to let it loose! Our youngest students will learn to bring fun stories and characters to life. Through games and play, they’ll get comfortable expressing with their voices and bodies. And, their confidence will grow as they perform with other kids! Join us for play and creativity!
Registration begins on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $175 – Scholarships are available.
NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.