It’s a sport, a hobby, a profession, a skill! Fishing crosses all gender, cultural, and economic lines. For some, it’s about catching the biggest fish, for others it’s the quantity. The adrenaline rush and pride when a line is pulled in is the same either way.

Buncombe County Recreation Services spring kids fishing tournament at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Rd. in Swannanoa) on Saturday, Apr. 17. The tournament is open to anyone 15 years-old or younger. Competitors are divided into age groups with prizes in each for Biggest Fish, Smallest Fish, Most Fish Caught, and Most Accurate Casting Skills.

Current North Carolina guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives will be enforced.

“Fishing builds confidence, improves coordination, teaches patience, and encourages an appreciation of nature,” said Mac Stanley, Outdoors Coordinator for Buncombe County Recreation Services. “This tournament is a great way to introduce our younger residents to healthier lifestyles and decrease screen time – at least for a little while.”

As a catch and release tournament, fish are released back into the lake after they have been weighed and measured. Registration is $10 per competitor and includes a bucket, bait, snacks and drinks, and an I Heart Parks sports bottle. Participants bring their own poles.

Preregistration is available and recommended. On-site registration will begin at 8 a.m. the day of the tournament. Fishing commences at 8:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 11:30 a.m. No fishing license is required for North Carolina residents under 16 years old. No boat fishing is allowed during the tournaments.

Competitors are also encouraged to bring non-perishable healthy grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables from MANNA FoodBank’s Most Needed Food List.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

RiverLink is partnering with the City of Asheville and local volunteers to protect water quality through an Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. Pollution from stormwater runoff is the biggest threat to clean water in our urban streams. Stormwater is rain that flows across the landscape—rather than soaking into the ground—where it picks up pollutants before flowing into a storm drain and emptying into the nearest stream.

With funding from the Pigeon River Fund, a grant administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, this pilot program will pair volunteers with a storm drain in the Central Asheville Watershed.

The goal is to get 100 storm drains adopted in 2021. Volunteers will be awarded with fun prizes for their commitment and enthusiasm, and  if successful, the Adopt A Storm Drain program will expand to include other areas in the City of Asheville.

How does it work?

Select a storm drain in a convenient location of the Central Asheville Watershed. It could be in front of your home, business, or where you exercise regularly. By adopting a storm drain, you commit to checking the drain in between rain events and keeping it clear of litter and debris. All it takes are gloves and a trash bag. Then with a smartphone or computer, you can report debris cleaned/cleared, and conditions such as illegal dumping or flooding. In a matter of minutes, you help protect water quality and prevent street flooding from clogged drains!

We are excited to be hoping into our 3rd annual Spring Madison Market!
We are “eggsited” to be able to offer a home town market with home décor, boutique clothing, handmade jewelry, wood working, custom tumblers, and so much more!

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Must Register Here:
https://www.rei.com/events/95646/asheville-urban-kayak-tour-on-the-french-broad-river/284512

Join us on a paddle down French Broad River through the heart of Asheville! From the water you will get a fresh perspective of our beautiful mountain city. Our tour will take us under the Blue Ridge Parkway, past the famed Biltmore estate, and into the River Arts District. Our professional guides will provide boats, gear, and the basic kayaking instruction you need to have an enjoyable experience on the water. We’ll travel approximately 8 miles on calm water, making this trip a great option for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. The best thing about this tour? We do all the planning and packing – you just have to show up. We can’t wait to paddle with you! For directions and more information, please visit the “register here” link.*

Safety updates in response to Covid-19: https://www.rei.com/events/resources/covid-19-classes-events

PAID OUTING
REI Members $79 — Non-Members $89

For questions, email REI Asheville Field Experiences:

*Register Here: https://www.rei.com/events/95646/asheville-urban-kayak-tour-on-the-french-broad-river/284512

• We will add a second hike Sunday, April 18 at 1pm should there be enough demand.

Where: We will meet at the Ridgecrest Trailhead (Mill Creek Road, Old Fort, NC 28762) near the Ridgecrest Conference Center. Our hike takes place on the Point Lookout Greenway, a paved trail following the route of former U.S Hwy 70.

Length: 2.5 Hours

Distance: 2 Miles

Details: We will hike just over one mile downhill to Point Lookout, and to the High Ridge and Lick Lock tunnels below. We will stop briefly at various points, and discuss along the way the history of the railroad and road construction and the incarcerated laborers who completed the project. We will walk back uphill to the trailhead afterward.

Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes or boots, weather appropriate clothing for changing conditions, plenty of water (24+ ounces), a cell phone, sunscreen, snacks as desired

This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!

Pay what you want at the end!

Friends, fun, and love comprise the ethos of Funk You, a nine-piece musical juggernaut from Augusta, GA. Motivated by the love of live performance and armed with a captivating sonic presence, the band places a healthy helping of soul atop a funky backbeat that continues to evolve after a decade on the road.

RiverLink is partnering with the City of Asheville and local volunteers to protect water quality through an Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. Pollution from stormwater runoff is the biggest threat to clean water in our urban streams. Stormwater is rain that flows across the landscape—rather than soaking into the ground—where it picks up pollutants before flowing into a storm drain and emptying into the nearest stream.

With funding from the Pigeon River Fund, a grant administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, this pilot program will pair volunteers with a storm drain in the Central Asheville Watershed.

The goal is to get 100 storm drains adopted in 2021. Volunteers will be awarded with fun prizes for their commitment and enthusiasm, and  if successful, the Adopt A Storm Drain program will expand to include other areas in the City of Asheville.

How does it work?

Select a storm drain in a convenient location of the Central Asheville Watershed. It could be in front of your home, business, or where you exercise regularly. By adopting a storm drain, you commit to checking the drain in between rain events and keeping it clear of litter and debris. All it takes are gloves and a trash bag. Then with a smartphone or computer, you can report debris cleaned/cleared, and conditions such as illegal dumping or flooding. In a matter of minutes, you help protect water quality and prevent street flooding from clogged drains!