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.
Currently picking: Gala, Golden Delicious, Early Fuji, Mutsu, and a few Honeycrisp
Sky Top Orchard has been a family-owned & operated farm since 1967 when father and son duo Everette and David Butler planted the first trees on Mt. McAlpine, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For almost 60 years, Apple Dave and his wife Lindsey grew Sky Top from a small roadside tent into what it is today.
Built with love, sweat, and a lot of hard work, Sky Top has grown to include our hayride and bee train, the apple cannon, and of course, our famous apple cider doughnuts. But throughout the years, one thing stays the same: tradition. At Sky Top, we believe family and creating long-lasting memories is the most important part. We look forward to being a place for you to bring your families for years to come.
Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial
American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)
Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.
House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.
Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free
Hours of Operation
The Master Gardener Learning Garden at the Cooperative Extension consists of eight distinct gardens: Cottage, Dye, Four Seasons, Gateway, Rose, Pollinator, Sun and Shade, and Vegetable. This program will be a “show and tell” of annual, perennials, shrubs and trees that were particularly interesting or outstanding this year. Come and get inspiration for your own garden!
Please dress appropriately for the weather.
The talk is free and registration is NOT required.
Tours of St. John in the Wilderness are sponsored and led by a team of volunteer docents who seek to tell the story of our historic parish. Tours are held every third Saturday of the month at 11:00am and last about one hour.
There is no cost to tour the churchyard. Please wear comfortable shoes, and meet in the Carriage Entrance of the church. Space is limited to 30 people per tour
Verner Center for Early Learning is a nonprofit agency providing high quality, affordable early care and education to children birth to five years of age throughout Buncombe County. The mission of Verner Center is to foster holistic learning environments where young children and families thrive. The organization embraces a philosophy that includes excellence in early childhood practices, diversity among children and families, and partnerships and collaboration with families and communities. This philosophy is demonstrated through provision of high quality education, family services, health and nutrition services, and professional development for teachers.
We are currently looking for compassionate volunteers to support our experiential garden.
Volunteer Opportunity Includes:
- Pulling weeds
- Cleaning out garden beds
- Prepping new garden beds
- Building small projects
- Mowing
- Weed eating
- Laying mulch
- Watering
Volunteer Requirements:
- Respond to the shift
- Comfortable working in various weather conditions
- Comfortable bending, stooping, twisting
- Ability to stand for 1-2 hours at a time
ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) announced 19 farms participating in the 2022 Farm Tour, Sept. 17–18, noon to 5 p.m. These farms showcase the diversity of agriculture in the region, from vegetables to livestock, orchards to creameries, and are all located within an hour of Asheville. Tourgoers can experience working farms through guided and self-guided tours, demonstrations, interacting with farm animals, u-pick produce and flowers, local food tastings, and more. The tour is appropriate for attendees of all ages and abilities.
The Farm Tour features four geographic clusters to help visitors maximize their time at farms. Tourgoers should select two to four farms to visit each day, spending around an hour at each. Descriptions of each farm’s offerings, plus a map, driving directions, tour tips, are available at asapconnections.org/farmtour. A free printed guide will be available at community locations in mid-August. Ten farms, noted with an asterisk, are new to the tour in 2022.
Haywood Cluster
*KT’s Orchard and Apiary
Sustainabillies/Two Trees Farm
Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa
The Ten Acre Garden
Leicester Cluster
Mount Gilead Farm/French Broad Creamery
*Davis Ranch
Franny’s Farm and The Utopian Seed Project
Addison Farms Vineyard
*Good Wheel Farm
McDowell Cluster
*Camp Grier
*Crow Fly Farms
*Sweet Betsy Farm
*Lee’s One Fortune Farm
Henderson Cluster
Raspberry Fields
*Creasman Farms
*Bee-utiful Farmstead
Holly Spring Farm
Sideways Farm and Brewery
*Jeter Mountain Farm
 19 farms will participate in ASAP’s 2022 Farm Tour, Sept. 17-18, 12-5 p.m. These farms, including 10 new to the tour in 2022, represent some of the amazing diversity of agriculture happening in our region. Learn about harvesting rice in Western North Carolina, pick your own apples, feed farm animals, explore the process of honey-making, and much more! Farms are organized by cluster to help you plan and maximize your time on the farm.
Learn more about what each farm will offer on the tour and use our Farm Tour map to start planning your weekend. Advance passes ($35, good for all passengers in your vehicle) are on sale now. You can also sign up to volunteer for one day of the tour and tour for free the day you aren’t working.
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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
The Organic Growers School is looking for dedicated individuals interested in serving on our Board of Directors! We are currently seeking socially conscious, diverse, impact-driven individuals to join our Volunteer Board of Directors.
The board of directors plays a critical role in the Organic Growers School. Members of the board are involved in program and policy oversight, financial management, strategic direction, and fundraising.
OGS is looking for energetic, passionate people to:
Build community networks
If you believe in the value of organic growing and want to be part of OGS’s change agenda, we have a chair for you at our boardroom table!
Applications are due by October 10th.
Visit Grandad’s for the day and enjoy a variety of family fun activities on a 100-acre family farm and apple orchard located in Hendersonville NC near Asheville. Select pre-picked apples fresh off the trees daily from our bins or enjoy you-pick on select weekends. Starting in late September, in Grandad’s pumpkin patch you will find pumpkins and jack o’lanterns in every size and shape. At Grandad’s Barn and Country Store, you will find a great selection of fall harvest decorations, apple peelers, apple bakers, and other apple gifts. Come by our bakery where we have hot cider donuts all day along with apple pies, cookies, hot cider, apple cider slushies, and many other apple goodies to eat!
The Justus Family has been growing delicious NC Apples in Hendersonville for more than Four Generations, our Fifth generation is now an active part of Justus Orchard as well. At our NC Apple Orchard, you will find U Pick or We Pick Apples, Blackberries, and Pumpkins Whether you choose to U Pick or We Pick, you can sample, mix and match to make sure go home with your favorite apples for eating or cooking. Review the apple varieties we grow and sell and their usual ripening times here.
We invite you to experience picking your own NC Apples, enjoy a day in the beautiful Western North Carolina Mountains, there is something for everyone and all ages. Tour the orchard picking apples, stop by the pond to see our ducks, visit the farm animals, let the kids take a ride on the Cow Train through the orchard, visit Apple House for pre-picked Apples, Honey, Jams, Jellies and Preserves and other homemade goodies. Visit the Bakery which offers our famous homemade Fried Apple Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider, Cider Slushies, Caramels, Apple Bread and more! You can also find fresh Mountain Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes and other local fall vegetables.
We look forward to having you visit one of the oldest U Pick or We Pick Apple Orchards in Western NC. We guarantee fresh apples, delicious baked good, beautiful views and wonderful hospitality!
Currently picking: Gala, Golden Delicious, Early Fuji, Mutsu, and a few Honeycrisp
Sky Top Orchard has been a family-owned & operated farm since 1967 when father and son duo Everette and David Butler planted the first trees on Mt. McAlpine, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For almost 60 years, Apple Dave and his wife Lindsey grew Sky Top from a small roadside tent into what it is today.
Built with love, sweat, and a lot of hard work, Sky Top has grown to include our hayride and bee train, the apple cannon, and of course, our famous apple cider doughnuts. But throughout the years, one thing stays the same: tradition. At Sky Top, we believe family and creating long-lasting memories is the most important part. We look forward to being a place for you to bring your families for years to come.
ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) announced 19 farms participating in the 2022 Farm Tour, Sept. 17–18, noon to 5 p.m. These farms showcase the diversity of agriculture in the region, from vegetables to livestock, orchards to creameries, and are all located within an hour of Asheville. Tourgoers can experience working farms through guided and self-guided tours, demonstrations, interacting with farm animals, u-pick produce and flowers, local food tastings, and more. The tour is appropriate for attendees of all ages and abilities.
The Farm Tour features four geographic clusters to help visitors maximize their time at farms. Tourgoers should select two to four farms to visit each day, spending around an hour at each. Descriptions of each farm’s offerings, plus a map, driving directions, tour tips, are available at asapconnections.org/farmtour. A free printed guide will be available at community locations in mid-August. Ten farms, noted with an asterisk, are new to the tour in 2022.
Haywood Cluster
*KT’s Orchard and Apiary
Sustainabillies/Two Trees Farm
Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa
The Ten Acre Garden
Leicester Cluster
Mount Gilead Farm/French Broad Creamery
*Davis Ranch
Franny’s Farm and The Utopian Seed Project
Addison Farms Vineyard
*Good Wheel Farm
McDowell Cluster
*Camp Grier
*Crow Fly Farms
*Sweet Betsy Farm
*Lee’s One Fortune Farm
Henderson Cluster
Raspberry Fields
*Creasman Farms
*Bee-utiful Farmstead
Holly Spring Farm
Sideways Farm and Brewery
*Jeter Mountain Farm
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
The Organic Growers School is looking for dedicated individuals interested in serving on our Board of Directors! We are currently seeking socially conscious, diverse, impact-driven individuals to join our Volunteer Board of Directors.
The board of directors plays a critical role in the Organic Growers School. Members of the board are involved in program and policy oversight, financial management, strategic direction, and fundraising.
OGS is looking for energetic, passionate people to:
If you believe in the value of organic growing and want to be part of OGS’s change agenda, we have a chair for you at our boardroom table!
Applications are due by October 10th.
Visit Grandad’s for the day and enjoy a variety of family fun activities on a 100-acre family farm and apple orchard located in Hendersonville NC near Asheville. Select pre-picked apples fresh off the trees daily from our bins or enjoy you-pick on select weekends. Starting in late September, in Grandad’s pumpkin patch you will find pumpkins and jack o’lanterns in every size and shape. At Grandad’s Barn and Country Store, you will find a great selection of fall harvest decorations, apple peelers, apple bakers, and other apple gifts. Come by our bakery where we have hot cider donuts all day along with apple pies, cookies, hot cider, apple cider slushies, and many other apple goodies to eat!
The Justus Family has been growing delicious NC Apples in Hendersonville for more than Four Generations, our Fifth generation is now an active part of Justus Orchard as well. At our NC Apple Orchard, you will find U Pick or We Pick Apples, Blackberries, and Pumpkins Whether you choose to U Pick or We Pick, you can sample, mix and match to make sure go home with your favorite apples for eating or cooking. Review the apple varieties we grow and sell and their usual ripening times here.
We invite you to experience picking your own NC Apples, enjoy a day in the beautiful Western North Carolina Mountains, there is something for everyone and all ages. Tour the orchard picking apples, stop by the pond to see our ducks, visit the farm animals, let the kids take a ride on the Cow Train through the orchard, visit Apple House for pre-picked Apples, Honey, Jams, Jellies and Preserves and other homemade goodies. Visit the Bakery which offers our famous homemade Fried Apple Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider, Cider Slushies, Caramels, Apple Bread and more! You can also find fresh Mountain Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes and other local fall vegetables.
We look forward to having you visit one of the oldest U Pick or We Pick Apple Orchards in Western NC. We guarantee fresh apples, delicious baked good, beautiful views and wonderful hospitality!
Currently picking: Gala, Golden Delicious, Early Fuji, Mutsu, and a few Honeycrisp
Sky Top Orchard has been a family-owned & operated farm since 1967 when father and son duo Everette and David Butler planted the first trees on Mt. McAlpine, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For almost 60 years, Apple Dave and his wife Lindsey grew Sky Top from a small roadside tent into what it is today.
Built with love, sweat, and a lot of hard work, Sky Top has grown to include our hayride and bee train, the apple cannon, and of course, our famous apple cider doughnuts. But throughout the years, one thing stays the same: tradition. At Sky Top, we believe family and creating long-lasting memories is the most important part. We look forward to being a place for you to bring your families for years to come.
The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.
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
The Organic Growers School is looking for dedicated individuals interested in serving on our Board of Directors! We are currently seeking socially conscious, diverse, impact-driven individuals to join our Volunteer Board of Directors.
The board of directors plays a critical role in the Organic Growers School. Members of the board are involved in program and policy oversight, financial management, strategic direction, and fundraising.
OGS is looking for energetic, passionate people to:
If you believe in the value of organic growing and want to be part of OGS’s change agenda, we have a chair for you at our boardroom table!
Applications are due by October 10th.
Visit Grandad’s for the day and enjoy a variety of family fun activities on a 100-acre family farm and apple orchard located in Hendersonville NC near Asheville. Select pre-picked apples fresh off the trees daily from our bins or enjoy you-pick on select weekends. Starting in late September, in Grandad’s pumpkin patch you will find pumpkins and jack o’lanterns in every size and shape. At Grandad’s Barn and Country Store, you will find a great selection of fall harvest decorations, apple peelers, apple bakers, and other apple gifts. Come by our bakery where we have hot cider donuts all day along with apple pies, cookies, hot cider, apple cider slushies, and many other apple goodies to eat!
The Justus Family has been growing delicious NC Apples in Hendersonville for more than Four Generations, our Fifth generation is now an active part of Justus Orchard as well. At our NC Apple Orchard, you will find U Pick or We Pick Apples, Blackberries, and Pumpkins Whether you choose to U Pick or We Pick, you can sample, mix and match to make sure go home with your favorite apples for eating or cooking. Review the apple varieties we grow and sell and their usual ripening times here.
We invite you to experience picking your own NC Apples, enjoy a day in the beautiful Western North Carolina Mountains, there is something for everyone and all ages. Tour the orchard picking apples, stop by the pond to see our ducks, visit the farm animals, let the kids take a ride on the Cow Train through the orchard, visit Apple House for pre-picked Apples, Honey, Jams, Jellies and Preserves and other homemade goodies. Visit the Bakery which offers our famous homemade Fried Apple Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider, Cider Slushies, Caramels, Apple Bread and more! You can also find fresh Mountain Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes and other local fall vegetables.
We look forward to having you visit one of the oldest U Pick or We Pick Apple Orchards in Western NC. We guarantee fresh apples, delicious baked good, beautiful views and wonderful hospitality!
Currently picking: Gala, Golden Delicious, Early Fuji, Mutsu, and a few Honeycrisp
Sky Top Orchard has been a family-owned & operated farm since 1967 when father and son duo Everette and David Butler planted the first trees on Mt. McAlpine, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For almost 60 years, Apple Dave and his wife Lindsey grew Sky Top from a small roadside tent into what it is today.
Built with love, sweat, and a lot of hard work, Sky Top has grown to include our hayride and bee train, the apple cannon, and of course, our famous apple cider doughnuts. But throughout the years, one thing stays the same: tradition. At Sky Top, we believe family and creating long-lasting memories is the most important part. We look forward to being a place for you to bring your families for years to come.
Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial
American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)
Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.
House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.
Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free
Hours of Operation
The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.
Verner Center for Early Learning is a nonprofit agency providing high quality, affordable early care and education to children birth to five years of age throughout Buncombe County. The mission of Verner Center is to foster holistic learning environments where young children and families thrive. The organization embraces a philosophy that includes excellence in early childhood practices, diversity among children and families, and partnerships and collaboration with families and communities. This philosophy is demonstrated through provision of high quality education, family services, health and nutrition services, and professional development for teachers.
We are currently looking for compassionate volunteers to support our experiential garden.
Volunteer Opportunity Includes:
- Pulling weeds
- Cleaning out garden beds
- Prepping new garden beds
- Building small projects
- Mowing
- Weed eating
- Laying mulch
- Watering
Volunteer Requirements:
- Respond to the shift
- Comfortable working in various weather conditions
- Comfortable bending, stooping, twisting
- Ability to stand for 1-2 hours at a time
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
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support.
Early bird discount: $100 off if you apply by September 1st, 2022.
The Organic Growers School is looking for dedicated individuals interested in serving on our Board of Directors! We are currently seeking socially conscious, diverse, impact-driven individuals to join our Volunteer Board of Directors.
The board of directors plays a critical role in the Organic Growers School. Members of the board are involved in program and policy oversight, financial management, strategic direction, and fundraising.
OGS is looking for energetic, passionate people to:
If you believe in the value of organic growing and want to be part of OGS’s change agenda, we have a chair for you at our boardroom table!
Applications are due by October 10th.