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.

Saturday, April 17, 2021
Naturalist Niche: Spring Wildflowers Walk
Apr 17 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

What’s better than wildflowers to mark the beginning of spring?  Hickory Nut Gorge comes alive as wildflowers emerge.  Grab your camera and join a Park naturalist on this moderate hike. The journey will take you along the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and down the Four Seasons Trail, but you won’t have to hike back to the top lot.  Transportation will be provided.

Candler Cleanup Celebrate Earth Day
Apr 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Enka AB Tech campus
HillmanWorkGroup1

 

Join Asheville GreenWorks for a roadside cleanup of Candler roads. Meet up at the Enka AB Tech campus to receive your supplies (gloves, bags, safety vests, SHARPS containers and grabbers) to hold a fun walking cleanup of our area. **This cleanup will be next to a busy road without sidewalks, please consider this before bringing out younger volunteers (12 and under)

Haywood Road Cleanup Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
Apr 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Trinity United Methodist parking lot
IMG_2479

Celebrate the Great Asheville Buncombe Cleanup Day by picking up litter in West Asheville with Asheville GreenWorks and the West Asheville Business Association. Registration is required to help us know how many people will participate.

Volunteers will receive a coupon from The Hop for a free ice cream scoop and a token for a free beer from New Belgium. Thank you to our sponsors!

LitCafe Experiences: History Hike w the RAIL Project
Apr 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Ridgecrest Trailhead

This is one special hike you do not want to miss!

After reading and discussing John Ehle’s work of historical fiction The Road, join WNCHA for a special hike exploring the real history of the incarcerated laborers who toiled and often died constructing the Western NC Railroad. We are joined by a special guest presenter, member of the RAIL Project committee and mayor of Marion, Steve Little.

  • 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

Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Apr 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
 Buncombe County Sports Park

Volunteers at Sand Hill Community Garden

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

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

Sunday, April 18, 2021
Conserving Carolina and Blue Ridge Humane Society: Tails and Trails
Apr 18 all-day
online w/ Conserving Carolina

Gather your favorite hiking buddy, canine or human, and explore the amazing trails in our community thanks to the work of Conserving Carolina and support two organizations at one time!

During the week of April 11-18, hit the trails that have been made possible by Conserving Carolina with your favorite two- or four-legged friend and complete additional challenges for prizes from BRHS and Conserving Carolina.

There are three hike options: Bearwallow Mountain, any segment of the Oklawaha Greenway between Jackson Park and Berkeley Mills Park, and the perimeter trail of the Park at Flat Rock.

Complete one or all of the hikes and walks and discover for yourself the work of Conserving Carolina in our community with your furry friend! Proceeds support Conserving Carolina and the programs of Blue Ridge Humane Society that provide new homes for pets in need, support services for local pets and their owners, and more!

To RSVP, click on https://conservingcarolina.org/event/tails-and-trails-3/

Hiking for Hunger
Apr 18 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
No Budget Camping Class
Apr 18 all-day
Exact Location Given Upon Registration

This primitive survival skills class provides mental health benefits and builds confidence in a covid-safe environment. For The People Academy, a high-end skills training company, is offering an all day No Budget Camping class. Students will learn how to survive in the wild without expensive gear. Skills taught will be:

How to build a shelter

How to find and purify water

How to start a fire with one match

How to make your own cookware

Basic knife skills

Basic first-aid

April 18th and May 16th from 11am-6pm. Classes will be held in the Asheville area and are open to all ages, skill levels and backgrounds. To ensure participant safety, students will be given the exact class location after registering.

Registration starts at $85 at FTPAcademy.org, but readers can get a 10% discount at checkout by entering promo code ‘CAMPING2021’.

Classes will be led by For The People Academy’s senior instructor Ami Le. Ami is a Primitive Skills instructor at Florida Earthskills gathering as well as a certified NC Concealed Carry and Red Cross First-aid/CPR/AED instructor.

About For The People Academy:

For The People Academy offers classes in gun safety, first-aid, primitive skills, and more. Their goal is to empower regular people to be heroes in their own communities. Classes are designed to be accessible for people of all backgrounds and identities. More information, updates and new classes can be found on their website FTPAcademy.org and on Facebook, Twitter @Ftpacademy1 and Instagram @for_the_people_academy.

Pardee UNC Health Care Accepting Applications Junior Volunteer Summer Program
Apr 18 all-day
Online w/ Pardee UNC Health Care

Pardee UNC Health Care is accepting applications for the 2021
Junior Volunteer Summer Program through Wednesday, April 21. The 2021 summer session begins
at orientation on Friday June 18, or Friday, June 25, and continues through August 6. Students can
complete the applications and forms found online.
As junior volunteers, students will learn the value of community service and will get
exposure to the health care setting. Responsibilities include but are not limited to escorting patients
and visitors to their destinations, transporting patient and visitors in wheelchairs, volunteering in the
Orchards Café, and assisting various other departments. Junior volunteers are expected to work at
least four hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. They will not
volunteer on weekends.
To be considered for a junior volunteer position at Pardee, applicants must meet the
following requirements:
 Be at least 14 years old by April 1, 2021
 Complete and return all application documents to Karla Reese by April 21
 Attend the required orientation meeting on Friday, June 18 or Friday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m.
until 2:30 p.m. Volunteers must complete one of these orientations in its entirety, no
exceptions.

You may email your Application to Karla Reese at [email protected] or print and mail it to:
Karla Reese c/o Pardee UNC Health Care
Volunteer Services – Box 2
800 N. Justice Street
Hendersonville, NC 28791

Per hospital policy, junior volunteers will be required to wear a mask during the entirety of their
shift. There is a limited number of volunteer opportunities. For additional information, contact
Karla Reese at (828) 696-4240.
Pardee UNC Health Care is a not-for-profit community hospital founded in 1953 and is
managed by UNC Health. The hospital is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several
locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a
cancer center, four urgent care locations and six orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find
a physician, visit www.pardeehospital.org.

Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 18 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Spring Tree Giveaway Volunteers Needed
Apr 18 @ 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Sand Hill Nursery

Image

Volunteer at our Spring Tree Giveaway

Monday, April 19, 2021
Pardee UNC Health Care Accepting Applications Junior Volunteer Summer Program
Apr 19 all-day
Online w/ Pardee UNC Health Care

Pardee UNC Health Care is accepting applications for the 2021
Junior Volunteer Summer Program through Wednesday, April 21. The 2021 summer session begins
at orientation on Friday June 18, or Friday, June 25, and continues through August 6. Students can
complete the applications and forms found online.
As junior volunteers, students will learn the value of community service and will get
exposure to the health care setting. Responsibilities include but are not limited to escorting patients
and visitors to their destinations, transporting patient and visitors in wheelchairs, volunteering in the
Orchards Café, and assisting various other departments. Junior volunteers are expected to work at
least four hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. They will not
volunteer on weekends.
To be considered for a junior volunteer position at Pardee, applicants must meet the
following requirements:
 Be at least 14 years old by April 1, 2021
 Complete and return all application documents to Karla Reese by April 21
 Attend the required orientation meeting on Friday, June 18 or Friday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m.
until 2:30 p.m. Volunteers must complete one of these orientations in its entirety, no
exceptions.

You may email your Application to Karla Reese at [email protected] or print and mail it to:
Karla Reese c/o Pardee UNC Health Care
Volunteer Services – Box 2
800 N. Justice Street
Hendersonville, NC 28791

Per hospital policy, junior volunteers will be required to wear a mask during the entirety of their
shift. There is a limited number of volunteer opportunities. For additional information, contact
Karla Reese at (828) 696-4240.
Pardee UNC Health Care is a not-for-profit community hospital founded in 1953 and is
managed by UNC Health. The hospital is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several
locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a
cancer center, four urgent care locations and six orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find
a physician, visit www.pardeehospital.org.

Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 19 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Sam’s Knob Watercolor Backpacking Trip
Apr 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Heidi Nisbett, an accomplished backpacker and talented artist, will not only guide you on a 3-day backpacking trip near Sam’s Knob, she’ll teach you the basics of watercolor painting and painting outdoors along the way. We’ve kept the mileage pretty low – around 14 miles total – to leave a couple hours each day for painting. Highlights of this trip include the Sam’s Knob, Black Balsam Knob, Tennant Mountain, and Laurel Creek. You’ll leave the trip with at least 2-3 finished paintings (and the materials you’ll need to keep painting on your future hikes!), drawing inspiration from subjects including rolling mountain views, rivers and creeks, and early spring flora. This is a beginner-friendly trip, or a chance for more experienced backpackers to try something new! No prior painting experience is necessary.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Pardee UNC Health Care Accepting Applications Junior Volunteer Summer Program
Apr 20 all-day
Online w/ Pardee UNC Health Care

Pardee UNC Health Care is accepting applications for the 2021
Junior Volunteer Summer Program through Wednesday, April 21. The 2021 summer session begins
at orientation on Friday June 18, or Friday, June 25, and continues through August 6. Students can
complete the applications and forms found online.
As junior volunteers, students will learn the value of community service and will get
exposure to the health care setting. Responsibilities include but are not limited to escorting patients
and visitors to their destinations, transporting patient and visitors in wheelchairs, volunteering in the
Orchards Café, and assisting various other departments. Junior volunteers are expected to work at
least four hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. They will not
volunteer on weekends.
To be considered for a junior volunteer position at Pardee, applicants must meet the
following requirements:
 Be at least 14 years old by April 1, 2021
 Complete and return all application documents to Karla Reese by April 21
 Attend the required orientation meeting on Friday, June 18 or Friday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m.
until 2:30 p.m. Volunteers must complete one of these orientations in its entirety, no
exceptions.

You may email your Application to Karla Reese at [email protected] or print and mail it to:
Karla Reese c/o Pardee UNC Health Care
Volunteer Services – Box 2
800 N. Justice Street
Hendersonville, NC 28791

Per hospital policy, junior volunteers will be required to wear a mask during the entirety of their
shift. There is a limited number of volunteer opportunities. For additional information, contact
Karla Reese at (828) 696-4240.
Pardee UNC Health Care is a not-for-profit community hospital founded in 1953 and is
managed by UNC Health. The hospital is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several
locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a
cancer center, four urgent care locations and six orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find
a physician, visit www.pardeehospital.org.

Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 20 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Pardee UNC Health Care Accepting Applications Junior Volunteer Summer Program
Apr 21 all-day
Online w/ Pardee UNC Health Care

Pardee UNC Health Care is accepting applications for the 2021
Junior Volunteer Summer Program through Wednesday, April 21. The 2021 summer session begins
at orientation on Friday June 18, or Friday, June 25, and continues through August 6. Students can
complete the applications and forms found online.
As junior volunteers, students will learn the value of community service and will get
exposure to the health care setting. Responsibilities include but are not limited to escorting patients
and visitors to their destinations, transporting patient and visitors in wheelchairs, volunteering in the
Orchards Café, and assisting various other departments. Junior volunteers are expected to work at
least four hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. They will not
volunteer on weekends.
To be considered for a junior volunteer position at Pardee, applicants must meet the
following requirements:
 Be at least 14 years old by April 1, 2021
 Complete and return all application documents to Karla Reese by April 21
 Attend the required orientation meeting on Friday, June 18 or Friday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m.
until 2:30 p.m. Volunteers must complete one of these orientations in its entirety, no
exceptions.

You may email your Application to Karla Reese at [email protected] or print and mail it to:
Karla Reese c/o Pardee UNC Health Care
Volunteer Services – Box 2
800 N. Justice Street
Hendersonville, NC 28791

Per hospital policy, junior volunteers will be required to wear a mask during the entirety of their
shift. There is a limited number of volunteer opportunities. For additional information, contact
Karla Reese at (828) 696-4240.
Pardee UNC Health Care is a not-for-profit community hospital founded in 1953 and is
managed by UNC Health. The hospital is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several
locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a
cancer center, four urgent care locations and six orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find
a physician, visit www.pardeehospital.org.

Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 21 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Chimney Rock’s Spring Homeschool Day
Apr 21 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock’s Spring Homeschool Day is the perfect time to explore the Park and get to know other homeschool families. The morning engages students through hands-on programs designed to help foster their appreciation of the natural world around us. Stay for a fun-filled afternoon with your choice of options.  Morning Programs are from 9:30am – 12:30pm; some afternoon times will also be available and may vary based on demand. Program details can be found online. Advance registration required, reserve your spot below. Registration closes April 13.

Sand Hill Nursery Workday
Apr 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sand Hill Nursery
NurseryWorkday.JPG

 

 

Join GreenWorks staff and TreeKeepers at the Sand Hill native tree nursery. Tasks will change week to week and may include mulching, pruning, repotting trees, repairing the hoop house, tending to plants and more!

Bring any snacks, beverages, or personal care items that you need. GreenWorks will provide all other gear and tools. Dress for the weather and make sure to use sun protection!

Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Apr 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

Volunteers at Sand Hill Community Garden

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

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

Thursday, April 22, 2021
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 22 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Listening Awe Walk
Apr 22 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
NC Arboretum

Aurality, Wonder, Environment. Musician and environmental soundscape artist Tyler Kinnear takes participants on a Listening Awe Walk designed to deepen an aural connection to the local soundscape. Learn to give your ears priority and listen to the sounds around you.

Friday, April 23, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 23 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 23 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Saturday, April 24, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 24 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 24 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Volunteer MAHEC’s COVID vaccination events
Apr 24 all-day
MAHEC

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY THIS WEEKEND

Volunteers are needed for MAHEC’s upcoming COVID vaccination events on April 24th and May 1st. If you are interested in volunteering, please follow this link for more information or contact [email protected]

Advanced “Photos by Phone” Photography Class
Apr 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Join professional photographer Buddy Morrison for an interactive session on learning advanced settings and strategies for smartphone photography. Whether you’re an Android or iPhone user, you’re sure to take away some great skills from this three-hour class. This photographic odyssey will take you to various spots in the Park, so be prepared to do some moderate hiking.
This class does require advance registration as space is limited.

Celebrate Earth Day with a Cleanup at Lake Julian Park
Apr 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Individuals, community organizations, and other groups of volunteers are invited to help clean up Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Rd. in Arden) and along Heywood Road on Saturday, Apr. 24. Projects include roadside trash removal, landscaping, wetland remediation, lake surface litter skimming, and more. The park-wide cleanup celebrates Earth Day and the growing global movement to restore ecosystems and forests, conserve and rebuild soils, improve farming practices, protect wildlife populations, and rid waterways of plastics.

“Buncombe County parks saw record-breaking visitation in 2020,” according to Peyton O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “As the coronavirus pandemic shut everything down, the one avenue for maintaining peoples’ physical and mental wellbeing were parks, open spaces, greenways, and trails. Hopefully, this increased usage will lead to increased advocacy. Our citizens are the best defense in preserving our unique collection of outdoor spaces for current and future generations of Buncombians against pollution and natural disasters caused by climate change.”

Advance registration is required. This is a free event, but space is limited in accordance with current North Carolina guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19. All attendees are expected to follow public health guidance during the event.

Volunteers will be provided with cleanup supplies, but should wear clothes that can get dirty. Volunteers who bring their own watercraft will be allowed to skim trash from the lake surface.

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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