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.

April 2020 Apr 2020
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Saturday, April 11, 2020
Grandfather Mountain CLOSED to all activity
Apr 11 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain will close until further notice, effective Sunday, March 15. The closure means the park will prohibit public access, including from the main entrance gate and hiking trails.

In addition, all special events and programs scheduled through Memorial Day have been canceled or postponed.

Read more
Categories: Outdoors
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Apr 11 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Read more
Categories: Hike Outdoors
Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students
Apr 11 all-day
Catawba College

Read more
Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors
Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Apr 11 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.

Offered on weekends, April – October.

Read more
Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors
Join the Global Tree Inventory Challenge
Apr 11 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Image may contain: possible text that says 'TREES CH CHALLENGE 2020 April I- April 30'

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th Anniversary of the GLOBE program, the Buncombe County Library System and NASA are challenging you to make every tree count by using the GLOBE observer app to contribute to a global tree inventory.

Learn more at observer.globe.gov/trees-2020

To join the library team and become a citizen scientist download the free GLOBE observer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account, go to settings, click on JOIN a GLOBE Team, and type in the referral code: GLIDCTAZ.

You are now part of our Citizen Scientist team, Friends of Treebeard! Follow the directions and head outside!

Happy Earth Day teammate!

Read more
Categories: Community Outdoors
Mud Creek Workday WNC Earth Month
Apr 11 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Conserving Carolina

Help us restore this wetland by removing non-native invasive species. This property borders the confluence of Mouth of Mud Creek and the French Broad River. We are working to restore this property from farmland to a functional and healthy wetland. It is important to remove the non-native invasive species to allow native species to thrive.

Must be able to walk ~.25 mile and ability to bend over. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water and lunch. Extra snacks will be provided.

Meet at the Hendersonville office at 9:30AM to carpool or at GPS coordinates (35.406279, -82.529429) at 10:00AM.

RSVP or for more information email [email protected] or call Natalie at 828-697-5777 ext. 211

Read more
Categories: Outdoors Volunteers
PEANUTS™ Easter Beagle Express CANCELLED
Apr 11 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) has continued to
follow the rapidly developing concerns and threats due to the impact of COVID19. As it continues to spread, it is important that we follow the current guidance
and recommendations from our state and national officials. Our top priority
remains the safeguard of our visitors, employees, and community.
GSMR will extend the current suspension of passenger train operations until May
1, 2020 or until further notice. This also includes our model train museum and
retail store.
We will continue in providing clear options to offer the best customer service and
booking flexibility. Guests who currently hold reservations will be notified with
the option of rescheduling or cancellation. For all reservations effected by this
suspension we will continue waiving all fees.
Guests may also call our reservations line at 1-800-872-4681 between the hours of
9AM to 5:00PM EST or email us at [email protected]. Calls and emails
will be answered in the order they are received. Please remain patient with us as
our call and email volume will increase.
At this time, we are not announcing any cancellation of service beyond May 1,
2020 as we remain hopeful to see the return of our busy 2020 railroad season very
soon. However, as the situation changes and new information becomes available
our timeline may be altered and we will continue communicating as quickly as
possible.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back The PEANUTS™ Easter Beagle Express April 10 & 11! This 4-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00am, and will travel along the Tuckasegee River to the quaint town of Dillsboro, North Carolina for a 1 ½ hour layover of activities.

Passengers will join Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown and our Easter Bunnies for old fashioned Easter fun! Festivities include an on-going Easter egg hunt, crafts, coloring sheets, temporary tattoos, and snacks with Snoopy and more. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures, so do not forget your camera! BOOKING IS NOW AVAILABLE!

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Holiday Outdoors
Sunday, April 12, 2020
#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC
Apr 12 all-day
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

Keep it fun while following social (physical) distancing recommendations! Join us in taking the #BackyardChallenge to celebrate #EarthMonth2020 in your own backyard. How have you been enjoying time outdoors? Check out the gallery below to see ways SAHC staff have been getting fresh air while sticking close to home. Share your own and tag us on social media. #BackyardChallenge #EarthMonth2020 #MyAppalachia #SAHC
Read more
Categories: Community Outdoors
Grandfather Mountain CLOSED to all activity
Apr 12 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain will close until further notice, effective Sunday, March 15. The closure means the park will prohibit public access, including from the main entrance gate and hiking trails.

In addition, all special events and programs scheduled through Memorial Day have been canceled or postponed.

Read more
Categories: Outdoors
Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Apr 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.

Offered on weekends, April – October.

Read more
Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors
Join the Global Tree Inventory Challenge
Apr 12 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Image may contain: possible text that says 'TREES CH CHALLENGE 2020 April I- April 30'

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th Anniversary of the GLOBE program, the Buncombe County Library System and NASA are challenging you to make every tree count by using the GLOBE observer app to contribute to a global tree inventory.

Learn more at observer.globe.gov/trees-2020

To join the library team and become a citizen scientist download the free GLOBE observer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account, go to settings, click on JOIN a GLOBE Team, and type in the referral code: GLIDCTAZ.

You are now part of our Citizen Scientist team, Friends of Treebeard! Follow the directions and head outside!

Happy Earth Day teammate!

Read more
Categories: Community Outdoors
Monday, April 13, 2020
Join the Global Tree Inventory Challenge
Apr 13 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Image may contain: possible text that says 'TREES CH CHALLENGE 2020 April I- April 30'

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th Anniversary of the GLOBE program, the Buncombe County Library System and NASA are challenging you to make every tree count by using the GLOBE observer app to contribute to a global tree inventory.

Learn more at observer.globe.gov/trees-2020

To join the library team and become a citizen scientist download the free GLOBE observer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account, go to settings, click on JOIN a GLOBE Team, and type in the referral code: GLIDCTAZ.

You are now part of our Citizen Scientist team, Friends of Treebeard! Follow the directions and head outside!

Happy Earth Day teammate!

Read more
Categories: Community Outdoors
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
A Little Dose of Inspiration: Learn to Love the River series! Tell Us Your River Story
Apr 14 all-day
River Link On Line
A Little Dose of Inspiration

This poem comes to us from a 6th grade student at The Learning Community School. We are always impressed with the creativity and talent of these kids, and we love to hear what the river means to them! Our annual Voices of the River Contest is a showcase of these incredible works. We’re excited to announce this years winners during our virtual Earth Day Kids celebration on April 22nd at 11 AM.
The looking glass

The rippling water

Like the iron in a forge

The beauty

Like the delicate wings of a dragonfly

The Calmness and the stillness

Mixing with the rushing

Forming true peacefulness

The sun rises over the mountain

Kissing the water

Forming small rainbows

The looking glass

The rippling iron water

The beauty

The calmness

With thriving fish

Is the definition

Of tranquility

– Leo B.B.
There are countless stories in our community about the impact the river has had on people. Everyone’s experience with the river is a little different and we’d love to hear about yours! If you would like to share how the river has played a role in your life click below to tell us your story. Our favorites will be featured in future issues of the Learn to Love the River series!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr1b6tJqIkiUXIAAj0ILyELg2V48w4iKHSISTOOhaR4L41Qg/viewform?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=191b64e9-75b2-483f-909b-c345ee2dc5f9
RiverLink staff is motivated by the stories of our volunteers and the beauty of the French Broad River (FBR) community. We miss you! We want to hear from you. During these uncertain times and this period of social isolation, we could all use some inspiration. Share your story with us, so we can spread enthusiasm to others. Submit a written or oral story following one of our suggested prompts, or create your own! Please keep topics relevant to the local natural environment, RiverLink volunteer experience, or FBR community. We ask you to limit stories to a maximum of 500 words or 5 minutes spoken. Either upload a file to the first tab or type in your story in the second tab.

Suggested Prompts:
-A river memory or experience
-An awe inspiring or life changing experience in local nature
-An exciting or positive volunteer experience with RiverLink
-A story about the resilience of the FBR community
-A reason you love the river or FBR community
-A poem honoring the French Broad River and its inhabitants
-An Earth Day memory or experience

Guidelines:
-500 words maximum (or a video/audio recording- 5 minutes or less)
-Appropriate content for all ages
-Pictures not required, but would be a great addition!
Read more
Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors
Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate of Merit
Apr 14 all-day
The North Carolina Arboretum

Join over one hundred students on a quest to deepen understanding of the natural sciences through the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate of Merit. The program offers adult learners a comprehensive curriculum of study about the natural world of Western North Carolina. Classes meet year round and students work to complete 240 hours in core courses on ecology, botany, geology and plant identification as well as electives on animals, lichens, insects and more. View current class offerings for credit in the Blue Ridge Naturalist program here. All students must complete and present a final project prior to graduation.

To begin your program complete an application and return it to the Education Center along with a a one-time, non-refundable $55 application fee.

Read more
Categories: Education Outdoors
NEW! North Carolina BioBlitz Patch for Adults
Apr 14 all-day
The North Carolina Arboretum

NEW! North Carolina BioBlitz Patch

For adults looking for an extra challenge this spring, the Arboretum has created the North Carolina BioBlitz patch in conjunction with the 2020 City Nature Challenge (April 24 – 27). To earn the patch, participants will need to create a free iNaturalist account; attend the “Intro to iNaturalist” class on April 9 (or watch the recorded version later); make 50 nature observations during the City Nature Challenge; and help identify 50 species during the Challenge’s “identifying” stage (April 28 – May 3). Students in the Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist and Blue Ridge Eco-Gardener certificate programs can earn three elective credits if they complete the North Carolina BioBlitz program and one credit if they only take the “Into to iNaturalist” class.

Read more
Categories: Education Outdoors
Online Hide Tanning Course Return to Ancestral Ways
Apr 14 all-day
Wild Abundance

A video-based program that guides aspiring hide tanners through every step of tanning a deer hide.

Natalie Bogwalker

Natalie is a hide tanner, craftswoman, builder, teacher, mom, and gardener. She founded Wild Abundance 10 years ago because of her passion for sharing real, practical skills that get people closer to the Earth. Hide tanning was one of the first earthskills that she learned, and it changed her life profoundly. That was over 15 years ago! Since then she’s tanned uncountable hides, but more importantly, she’s taught hide tanning to hundreds of students.

Natalie knows what usually trips people up who are new to hide tanning. In this online course she shares a thorough, step-by-step guide to hide tanning, including numerous tips and tricks that will help you succeed.

 

Read more
Categories: Education Outdoors
Bring a Friend Wildflower Hike
Apr 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Join Friends of the Smokies for a guided spring wildflower hike on Porters Creek Trail to Fern Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Famous for its display of fringed phacelia, this trail is one of the most spectacular hikes in the Southern Appalachians.

The hike is 3.6 miles with gentle elevation gain.

Members of Friends of the Smokies can bring a friend for free. Not a member of Friends? Join and your first hike is free! The 2020 Classic Hikes of the Smokies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park feature interpretation of the trail, history, and park projects supported by Friends of the Smokies. These hikes support restoration and rehabilitation of some of the Smokies most impacted trails through the Trails Forever program.

Read more
Categories: Hike Outdoors Volunteers
Join the Global Tree Inventory Challenge
Apr 14 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Image may contain: possible text that says 'TREES CH CHALLENGE 2020 April I- April 30'

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th Anniversary of the GLOBE program, the Buncombe County Library System and NASA are challenging you to make every tree count by using the GLOBE observer app to contribute to a global tree inventory.

Learn more at observer.globe.gov/trees-2020

To join the library team and become a citizen scientist download the free GLOBE observer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account, go to settings, click on JOIN a GLOBE Team, and type in the referral code: GLIDCTAZ.

You are now part of our Citizen Scientist team, Friends of Treebeard! Follow the directions and head outside!

Happy Earth Day teammate!

Read more
Categories: Community Outdoors
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
A Little Dose of Inspiration: Learn to Love the River series! Tell Us Your River Story
Apr 15 all-day
River Link On Line
A Little Dose of Inspiration

This poem comes to us from a 6th grade student at The Learning Community School. We are always impressed with the creativity and talent of these kids, and we love to hear what the river means to them! Our annual Voices of the River Contest is a showcase of these incredible works. We’re excited to announce this years winners during our virtual Earth Day Kids celebration on April 22nd at 11 AM.
The looking glass

The rippling water

Like the iron in a forge

The beauty

Like the delicate wings of a dragonfly

The Calmness and the stillness

Mixing with the rushing

Forming true peacefulness

The sun rises over the mountain

Kissing the water

Forming small rainbows

The looking glass

The rippling iron water

The beauty

The calmness

With thriving fish

Is the definition

Of tranquility

– Leo B.B.
There are countless stories in our community about the impact the river has had on people. Everyone’s experience with the river is a little different and we’d love to hear about yours! If you would like to share how the river has played a role in your life click below to tell us your story. Our favorites will be featured in future issues of the Learn to Love the River series!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr1b6tJqIkiUXIAAj0ILyELg2V48w4iKHSISTOOhaR4L41Qg/viewform?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=191b64e9-75b2-483f-909b-c345ee2dc5f9
RiverLink staff is motivated by the stories of our volunteers and the beauty of the French Broad River (FBR) community. We miss you! We want to hear from you. During these uncertain times and this period of social isolation, we could all use some inspiration. Share your story with us, so we can spread enthusiasm to others. Submit a written or oral story following one of our suggested prompts, or create your own! Please keep topics relevant to the local natural environment, RiverLink volunteer experience, or FBR community. We ask you to limit stories to a maximum of 500 words or 5 minutes spoken. Either upload a file to the first tab or type in your story in the second tab.

Suggested Prompts:
-A river memory or experience
-An awe inspiring or life changing experience in local nature
-An exciting or positive volunteer experience with RiverLink
-A story about the resilience of the FBR community
-A reason you love the river or FBR community
-A poem honoring the French Broad River and its inhabitants
-An Earth Day memory or experience

Guidelines:
-500 words maximum (or a video/audio recording- 5 minutes or less)
-Appropriate content for all ages
-Pictures not required, but would be a great addition!
Read more
Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors
Grandfather Mountain CLOSED to all activity
Apr 15 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain will close until further notice, effective Sunday, March 15. The closure means the park will prohibit public access, including from the main entrance gate and hiking trails.

In addition, all special events and programs scheduled through Memorial Day have been canceled or postponed.

Read more
Categories: Outdoors
NEW! North Carolina BioBlitz Patch for Adults
Apr 15 all-day
The North Carolina Arboretum

NEW! North Carolina BioBlitz Patch

For adults looking for an extra challenge this spring, the Arboretum has created the North Carolina BioBlitz patch in conjunction with the 2020 City Nature Challenge (April 24 – 27). To earn the patch, participants will need to create a free iNaturalist account; attend the “Intro to iNaturalist” class on April 9 (or watch the recorded version later); make 50 nature observations during the City Nature Challenge; and help identify 50 species during the Challenge’s “identifying” stage (April 28 – May 3). Students in the Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist and Blue Ridge Eco-Gardener certificate programs can earn three elective credits if they complete the North Carolina BioBlitz program and one credit if they only take the “Into to iNaturalist” class.

Read more
Categories: Education Outdoors
Join the Global Tree Inventory Challenge
Apr 15 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Image may contain: possible text that says 'TREES CH CHALLENGE 2020 April I- April 30'

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th Anniversary of the GLOBE program, the Buncombe County Library System and NASA are challenging you to make every tree count by using the GLOBE observer app to contribute to a global tree inventory.

Learn more at observer.globe.gov/trees-2020

To join the library team and become a citizen scientist download the free GLOBE observer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account, go to settings, click on JOIN a GLOBE Team, and type in the referral code: GLIDCTAZ.

You are now part of our Citizen Scientist team, Friends of Treebeard! Follow the directions and head outside!

Happy Earth Day teammate!

Read more
Categories: Community Outdoors
Thursday, April 16, 2020
A Little Dose of Inspiration: Learn to Love the River series! Tell Us Your River Story
Apr 16 all-day
River Link On Line
A Little Dose of Inspiration

This poem comes to us from a 6th grade student at The Learning Community School. We are always impressed with the creativity and talent of these kids, and we love to hear what the river means to them! Our annual Voices of the River Contest is a showcase of these incredible works. We’re excited to announce this years winners during our virtual Earth Day Kids celebration on April 22nd at 11 AM.
The looking glass

The rippling water

Like the iron in a forge

The beauty

Like the delicate wings of a dragonfly

The Calmness and the stillness

Mixing with the rushing

Forming true peacefulness

The sun rises over the mountain

Kissing the water

Forming small rainbows

The looking glass

The rippling iron water

The beauty

The calmness

With thriving fish

Is the definition

Of tranquility

– Leo B.B.
There are countless stories in our community about the impact the river has had on people. Everyone’s experience with the river is a little different and we’d love to hear about yours! If you would like to share how the river has played a role in your life click below to tell us your story. Our favorites will be featured in future issues of the Learn to Love the River series!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr1b6tJqIkiUXIAAj0ILyELg2V48w4iKHSISTOOhaR4L41Qg/viewform?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=191b64e9-75b2-483f-909b-c345ee2dc5f9
RiverLink staff is motivated by the stories of our volunteers and the beauty of the French Broad River (FBR) community. We miss you! We want to hear from you. During these uncertain times and this period of social isolation, we could all use some inspiration. Share your story with us, so we can spread enthusiasm to others. Submit a written or oral story following one of our suggested prompts, or create your own! Please keep topics relevant to the local natural environment, RiverLink volunteer experience, or FBR community. We ask you to limit stories to a maximum of 500 words or 5 minutes spoken. Either upload a file to the first tab or type in your story in the second tab.

Suggested Prompts:
-A river memory or experience
-An awe inspiring or life changing experience in local nature
-An exciting or positive volunteer experience with RiverLink
-A story about the resilience of the FBR community
-A reason you love the river or FBR community
-A poem honoring the French Broad River and its inhabitants
-An Earth Day memory or experience

Guidelines:
-500 words maximum (or a video/audio recording- 5 minutes or less)
-Appropriate content for all ages
-Pictures not required, but would be a great addition!
Read more
Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors
Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate of Merit
Apr 16 all-day
The North Carolina Arboretum

Join over one hundred students on a quest to deepen understanding of the natural sciences through the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate of Merit. The program offers adult learners a comprehensive curriculum of study about the natural world of Western North Carolina. Classes meet year round and students work to complete 240 hours in core courses on ecology, botany, geology and plant identification as well as electives on animals, lichens, insects and more. View current class offerings for credit in the Blue Ridge Naturalist program here. All students must complete and present a final project prior to graduation.

To begin your program complete an application and return it to the Education Center along with a a one-time, non-refundable $55 application fee.

Read more
Categories: Education Outdoors
NEW! North Carolina BioBlitz Patch for Adults
Apr 16 all-day
The North Carolina Arboretum

NEW! North Carolina BioBlitz Patch

For adults looking for an extra challenge this spring, the Arboretum has created the North Carolina BioBlitz patch in conjunction with the 2020 City Nature Challenge (April 24 – 27). To earn the patch, participants will need to create a free iNaturalist account; attend the “Intro to iNaturalist” class on April 9 (or watch the recorded version later); make 50 nature observations during the City Nature Challenge; and help identify 50 species during the Challenge’s “identifying” stage (April 28 – May 3). Students in the Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist and Blue Ridge Eco-Gardener certificate programs can earn three elective credits if they complete the North Carolina BioBlitz program and one credit if they only take the “Into to iNaturalist” class.

Read more
Categories: Education Outdoors
Online Hide Tanning Course Return to Ancestral Ways
Apr 16 all-day
Wild Abundance

A video-based program that guides aspiring hide tanners through every step of tanning a deer hide.

Natalie Bogwalker

Natalie is a hide tanner, craftswoman, builder, teacher, mom, and gardener. She founded Wild Abundance 10 years ago because of her passion for sharing real, practical skills that get people closer to the Earth. Hide tanning was one of the first earthskills that she learned, and it changed her life profoundly. That was over 15 years ago! Since then she’s tanned uncountable hides, but more importantly, she’s taught hide tanning to hundreds of students.

Natalie knows what usually trips people up who are new to hide tanning. In this online course she shares a thorough, step-by-step guide to hide tanning, including numerous tips and tricks that will help you succeed.

 

Read more
Categories: Education Outdoors
Keeper For A Day at Grandfather Mountain
Apr 16 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Grandfather Mountain

Keeper For A Day

Learn how to interact with the animals, clean up, prepare food and provide enrichments. Observe various training sessions, animal behavior and the inner workings of the animal habitats.

Requirements:

Limited to two persons per day. No pets allowed in habitat area. Keepers for a Day must:

— be 12 years of age or older
— be capable of walking up and down steep, rough terrain
— sign a waiver of liability

Expected Daily Schedule:

Arrive at 8 a.m., meet the keepers, and go to work! Assist as we let out the animals, feed them and clean their habitats. You may be asked to lift and carry animal food, tools or other items. Learn about training and providing enrichments. End your exciting shift at 11 a.m.

What to Wear:

You will get dirty! Please wear appropriate, closed-toe hiking or work boots and no loose jewelry. Coats, jackets, gloves and hats are recommended for cooler weather. Please bring sunscreen.

Weather:

Keeper for a Day will continue on schedule regardless of weather conditions. In the event that weather conditions could affect the opening of the habitats, you will be contacted.

The weather on Grandfather Mountain can change at a moment’s notice. Temperatures are commonly 5 to 10 degrees colder than what they are at the bottom of the mountain in Linville. It is recommended that you dress in layers and be prepared for any weather condition.

2019 Keeper for a Day Dates

Month Days Time Number
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
May 7, 14, 21, 28 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
June 4, 11, 18, 25 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
August 6, 13, 20, 27 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
September 3, 10, 17, 24 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day

Reservations:

Keeper for a Day must be booked at least one week in advance by calling (828) 733-8715. Please allow 24 hours for a response.

Price:

The cost is $75 per participant ($60 each for Bridge Club members). Admission to the park is included.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Join the Global Tree Inventory Challenge
Apr 16 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Image may contain: possible text that says 'TREES CH CHALLENGE 2020 April I- April 30'

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th Anniversary of the GLOBE program, the Buncombe County Library System and NASA are challenging you to make every tree count by using the GLOBE observer app to contribute to a global tree inventory.

Learn more at observer.globe.gov/trees-2020

To join the library team and become a citizen scientist download the free GLOBE observer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account, go to settings, click on JOIN a GLOBE Team, and type in the referral code: GLIDCTAZ.

You are now part of our Citizen Scientist team, Friends of Treebeard! Follow the directions and head outside!

Happy Earth Day teammate!

Read more
Categories: Community Outdoors
Friday, April 17, 2020
A Little Dose of Inspiration: Learn to Love the River series! Tell Us Your River Story
Apr 17 all-day
River Link On Line
A Little Dose of Inspiration

This poem comes to us from a 6th grade student at The Learning Community School. We are always impressed with the creativity and talent of these kids, and we love to hear what the river means to them! Our annual Voices of the River Contest is a showcase of these incredible works. We’re excited to announce this years winners during our virtual Earth Day Kids celebration on April 22nd at 11 AM.
The looking glass

The rippling water

Like the iron in a forge

The beauty

Like the delicate wings of a dragonfly

The Calmness and the stillness

Mixing with the rushing

Forming true peacefulness

The sun rises over the mountain

Kissing the water

Forming small rainbows

The looking glass

The rippling iron water

The beauty

The calmness

With thriving fish

Is the definition

Of tranquility

– Leo B.B.
There are countless stories in our community about the impact the river has had on people. Everyone’s experience with the river is a little different and we’d love to hear about yours! If you would like to share how the river has played a role in your life click below to tell us your story. Our favorites will be featured in future issues of the Learn to Love the River series!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr1b6tJqIkiUXIAAj0ILyELg2V48w4iKHSISTOOhaR4L41Qg/viewform?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=191b64e9-75b2-483f-909b-c345ee2dc5f9
RiverLink staff is motivated by the stories of our volunteers and the beauty of the French Broad River (FBR) community. We miss you! We want to hear from you. During these uncertain times and this period of social isolation, we could all use some inspiration. Share your story with us, so we can spread enthusiasm to others. Submit a written or oral story following one of our suggested prompts, or create your own! Please keep topics relevant to the local natural environment, RiverLink volunteer experience, or FBR community. We ask you to limit stories to a maximum of 500 words or 5 minutes spoken. Either upload a file to the first tab or type in your story in the second tab.

Suggested Prompts:
-A river memory or experience
-An awe inspiring or life changing experience in local nature
-An exciting or positive volunteer experience with RiverLink
-A story about the resilience of the FBR community
-A reason you love the river or FBR community
-A poem honoring the French Broad River and its inhabitants
-An Earth Day memory or experience

Guidelines:
-500 words maximum (or a video/audio recording- 5 minutes or less)
-Appropriate content for all ages
-Pictures not required, but would be a great addition!
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Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors
Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate of Merit
Apr 17 all-day
The North Carolina Arboretum

Join over one hundred students on a quest to deepen understanding of the natural sciences through the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate of Merit. The program offers adult learners a comprehensive curriculum of study about the natural world of Western North Carolina. Classes meet year round and students work to complete 240 hours in core courses on ecology, botany, geology and plant identification as well as electives on animals, lichens, insects and more. View current class offerings for credit in the Blue Ridge Naturalist program here. All students must complete and present a final project prior to graduation.

To begin your program complete an application and return it to the Education Center along with a a one-time, non-refundable $55 application fee.

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Categories: Education Outdoors