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, May 8, 2021
Blacksmithing & Brews
May 8 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing? Here’s your chance to experience the basics of shaping hot steel with a hammer and anvil in our unforgettable Blacksmithing and Brews workshop. You’ll fire up the forge with our seasoned educator Mo, who’s been teaching hands-on living history at Earthshine for over sixteen years. He’ll guide you every step of the way, helping you work a piece of rough steel into a one of a kind, hand crafted knife form you can take home. You’ll stoke the coal fire, hammer glowing metal straight from forge, and learn all kinds of history, lore, techniques, and tricks about the craft.

After the workshop, you can enjoy a local brew on the front deck of our main lodge overlooking Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge. You can take it easy, soaking up the mountain views while you sip, or keep working to refine your project, taking it from the rugged, fresh out of the fire look to a smoother, cleaner finish. We’ll even throw in a take-home kit with a few essential tools you can use to turn your project into a piece of art worth displaying.

No experience is needed and all equipment is provided. Ages 13+ are welcome, but you must be at least 21 to be served beer. If you’re under 21, we’ll provide lemonade, tea or sparkling water. Each person participating will take home their own wrought iron crude knife form that can be used as a letter opener or simple spreading utensil.

We’ll emphasize safety procedures throughout the entire program. Each participant will have their own set of safety equipment throughout the program, including gloves and safety glasses. Face coverings are required whenever participants cannot be 6 feet apart. Equipment is sanitized after each class.

Cost: $95 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: Ages 13 and over

Llama Hike Experience
May 8 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/ group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain.

Duration: The total experience lasts about an hour and a half

Ages: We welcome all ages on our llama hikes and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age in the notes section.

Led by: Mark English aka “The Llama Dude”

Sunday, May 9, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
May 9 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.
Traditional Archery
May 9 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Exact Location Given Upon Registration For Student Safety

Come on out for a day of fun. We’ll be hiking a bit and learning archery at the same time. Bring your own bow or use one of the ones we provide.

Learn:
-Bow fundamentals
-Different aiming techniques
-Bow care and safety

For The People Academy is an inclusive high level skills training company based in Asheville. Our goal is to create heroes in our own communities.

Tuesday, May 11, 2021
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Baxter Creek to Mt. Sterling
May 11 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Baxter Creek to Mt. Sterling 12.2 miles | Difficult Wildflowers, Trail Restoration

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Learn the Surprising Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity
May 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

Janet McKee, Speaker, Best-Selling Author, High Performance™ Success Coach, Wellness Expert and CEO of SanaView, is on a mission to inspire and teach you proven and effective ways to Embrace a Better Life; a life that is richer, happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. “Sana” is Latin for “wellness” and her organization provides a “view” into enjoyable ways to dramatically improve your life.

After obtaining her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and climbing the corporate ladder in several Fortune 500 companies, Ms. McKee became passionate about helping others achieve stress-free successful lives by pursuing a wellness degree from Columbia University. After working for many years to help people achieve greater levels of wellbeing, Ms. McKee expanded her expertise by researching how psychology impacts a person’s ability to achieve personal and professional goals. Based on this work, she has achieved the status of being selected as one of only 200 elite Certified High Performance Coaches™ in the world and has received the honor of being awarded membership into the National Association of Experts, Writers and Speakers.

Ms. McKee is the creator of the innovative and acclaimed Accelerated High Performance Program and emPower 3 Leadership + Lifestyle Retreat designed to help others fuel their passion, positivity and purpose. Through her Stressless Success Shift™, she inspires others to break negative patterns and achieve greater success. She is a vibrant and inspirational speaker who is known for captivating audiences through the use of real-life stories that engage, entertain, uplift and empower people with real solutions that they can begin to use immediately to realize their dreams.

Whether you consult with Ms. McKee directly, or hire her to speak to your organization, or peruse her multitude of online courses and inspirations, you are certain to become more knowledgeable, uplifted and motivated to improve your life.

As the founder of SanaView, Ms. McKee has released her new best-selling book titled, Stressless Success: The Surprising Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity, along with her own recipe book titled, Fabulous Recipes for Vibrant Health, and co-authored a best-selling book with Brian Tracy and other experts titled, Ready, Set, Go!. Ms. McKee is also the Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary, Bethany’s Story about the healing power of food. Because of her passion for healthy living, Ms. McKee spends her free time helping to develop SanaView Farms, her 52-acre historic landmark organic farm nestled in the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she teaches ways to regenerate our land and our health through natural living and eating. A true powerhouse of positive energy and motivation, Ms. McKee is poised to dramatically improve the lives of everyone she touches.

Teaching proven methods to achieve greater levels of energy, engagement, joy and confidence are the keys to her success in helping others.

Friday, May 14, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
May 14 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.
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
May 15 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.
Transformational Forest Bathing
May 15 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Forest Farmacy

Forest bathing is a ancient Japanese practice for de-stressing and relating to the more-than-human world. It has gained much popularity in Asia, and now in the US, as a growing bank of scientific research is demonstrating it’s healing benefits.

Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and anger while strengthening the immune system, improving cardiovascular and metabolic health and increasing overall wellbeing.

It’s a delicious way to be in the world!

Transformational Forest Bathing weaves in techniques from eco-therapy, depth psychology, wilderness rites of passage and mythic storytelling to form a powerfully transformative experience. We will work with whatever is holding you back right now and show you how to work with the land to gain insight on your next steps forward. As you shift through this current block you’ll learn how navigate this way in the future.

You will:
– Unwind the knots you formed by keeping it all together
– Learn how to let the forest hold you
– Connect deeply to the more-than-human world
– Shift into a state of consciousness that allows you to receive information and nourishment, one where you don’t need to figure it out
– Learn how to work with the natural world to move through whatever is blocking you right now
– Open the door to reclaiming your ancestral heritage

Is this for you?
Honestly, if you are simply looking for some stress reduction and a lovely walk in the forest this isn’t the program for you. If you are ready to dig deep and do some soul-tending then come on over!

It doesn’t matter if you already have a strong nature connection practice or you have never heard of it, the program is designed to work for any level of previous nature connection experience.

What is key is your desire and willingness to work with whatever part of you is holding you back from living the life you want right now.

Sunday, May 16, 2021
No Budget Camping Class
May 16 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.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Learn the Surprising Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity
May 19 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

Janet McKee, Speaker, Best-Selling Author, High Performance™ Success Coach, Wellness Expert and CEO of SanaView, is on a mission to inspire and teach you proven and effective ways to Embrace a Better Life; a life that is richer, happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. “Sana” is Latin for “wellness” and her organization provides a “view” into enjoyable ways to dramatically improve your life.

After obtaining her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and climbing the corporate ladder in several Fortune 500 companies, Ms. McKee became passionate about helping others achieve stress-free successful lives by pursuing a wellness degree from Columbia University. After working for many years to help people achieve greater levels of wellbeing, Ms. McKee expanded her expertise by researching how psychology impacts a person’s ability to achieve personal and professional goals. Based on this work, she has achieved the status of being selected as one of only 200 elite Certified High Performance Coaches™ in the world and has received the honor of being awarded membership into the National Association of Experts, Writers and Speakers.

Ms. McKee is the creator of the innovative and acclaimed Accelerated High Performance Program and emPower 3 Leadership + Lifestyle Retreat designed to help others fuel their passion, positivity and purpose. Through her Stressless Success Shift™, she inspires others to break negative patterns and achieve greater success. She is a vibrant and inspirational speaker who is known for captivating audiences through the use of real-life stories that engage, entertain, uplift and empower people with real solutions that they can begin to use immediately to realize their dreams.

Whether you consult with Ms. McKee directly, or hire her to speak to your organization, or peruse her multitude of online courses and inspirations, you are certain to become more knowledgeable, uplifted and motivated to improve your life.

As the founder of SanaView, Ms. McKee has released her new best-selling book titled, Stressless Success: The Surprising Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity, along with her own recipe book titled, Fabulous Recipes for Vibrant Health, and co-authored a best-selling book with Brian Tracy and other experts titled, Ready, Set, Go!. Ms. McKee is also the Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary, Bethany’s Story about the healing power of food. Because of her passion for healthy living, Ms. McKee spends her free time helping to develop SanaView Farms, her 52-acre historic landmark organic farm nestled in the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she teaches ways to regenerate our land and our health through natural living and eating. A true powerhouse of positive energy and motivation, Ms. McKee is poised to dramatically improve the lives of everyone she touches.

Teaching proven methods to achieve greater levels of energy, engagement, joy and confidence are the keys to her success in helping others.

Saturday, May 22, 2021
WNCHA Outdoor Experiences: Hickory Nut Gap Hike
May 22 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap

 

Join us Saturday, May 22 as WNCHA leads a hike in the historic Hickory Nut Gap. In this exclusive hike, on a trail section not yet open to the public, we will explore the history of this area as a boundary and barrier, as well as a route connecting various people and places. Native Americans, settlers, livestock drovers, Civil War soldiers, and plenty of tourists have all shaped the history of this gorge through the Blue Ridge. At the highest point, we will enjoy lunch amid the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Pastures. This hike is made possible by Conserving Carolina, who have graciously granted us special, one-time permission to use their not-yet-open Ferguson Peak and Strawberry Gap Trail to climb from the gorge floor to the top of the nearby peaks.

Where: Hickory Nut Gap – Ferguson Peak Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures (Parking details will be emailed to registrants)

Distance: 6 miles total (2.9 miles one-way)

Difficulty: Strenuous – 1,600ft elevation gain

What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, Water (32oz min), snacks/bagged lunch, any needed medicines, backpack, hiking poles (optional), mask (mandatory)

Details: We will meet at the designated parking area prior to 10:00am and prepare to hike at that time. The most strenuous section of hiking will be at the start

Pets: We love pets, but cannot allow them on this hike.

Covid Precautions:

Safety is the highest priority of this event. No hike is guaranteed to be safe, and no outing during Covid is either. To minimize risks, we will require participants to abide by these guidelines. Failure to adhere may result in cancellation or a participant being asked to leave.

  • Participants must sign a waiver in advance virtually via Google Forms: https://forms.gle/RiyDnP7EispVx1F96
  • We are limited to 25 participants total.
  • Nobody with visible symptoms will be allowed. Those who feel unwell or feel they may have been exposed are asked not to attend. Refunds are available.
  • Hikers are required to bring masks and wear them any time participants are unable to maintain six feet of separation from others, including non-participants.
  • Social distancing is required while we hike.

Rain Date:

Unless the weather is heavily rainy or presents another severe challenge, the hike will proceed. If we have to reschedule, participants will be notified by phone/email by 8pm the evening prior, and a new date will be announced in short order.

Hike Leader

This hike is led by Trevor Freeman, public programs director for the Western North Carolina Historical Association. He has an MA in American History from East Carolina University and is also a certified interpretive guide. He has served as an intern at Chimney Rock State Park and a trail coordinator in the Hickory Nut Gorge, and considers this stretch of peaks, valleys, forests, and rivers one of his favorite places.

Sunday, May 23, 2021
Backcountry Navigation With A Map and Compass
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
REI
  • FITNESS LEVEL : 1

    Relaxed

During this class, our instructors will help you understand the information provided on your map, the proper use of your compass, and how to put the two together. You’ll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination). After covering these fundamentals, you’ll get time to practice taking a bearing from the terrain and your map so that you can make sense of your position and plan a route. This engaging course is a great introduction to outdoor navigation and map reading!

Dupont State Recreational Forest – Fawn Lake Access Area

Saturday, May 29, 2021
Vehicle Recovery Class
May 29 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Exact Location Given Upon Registration For Student Safety

We go over one of the most important skills to have up here in the mountains. How to tow a car or truck without another vehicle.

Learn:
-How to set-up pulley drags
-Use a come-a-long
-Tie knots
-Use towing chains
-Build a car-rescue kit

This skill pays for itself.

For The People Academy is an inclusive high level skills company based in Asheville. Our goal is to create heroes in our own communities.

Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Creative Alchemy: A Six Week Immersion in the Creative Process
Jun 1 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Samasati Sanctuary

Are you ready to engage in a courageous, outrageous, bold and beautiful creative journey surrounded by support and guidance, nurturing and encouragement?

YES! Of course, you are!

Using the thirty chapters from my book, Creative Alchemy: Accessing the Extraordinary Power of the Muse to Transform Your Art & Your Life, as the curriculum, I invite you to join me for an inspiring and magical journey deep into the heart of the creative process where you’ll:

1. Gather the Courage to Create (accountability, risks, freedom)
2. Honor your Muse (cultivating, caring, making friends)
3. Light the Creative Fires (imagination, sacred space, creative rituals)
4. Listen to Life (dreams, intuition, body wisdom)
5. Find Your Unique Voice (self-love, authenticity, destiny)
6. Transform Your Life (community, service, faith)

You’ll also be working together with a group of fabulous creative kindreds who will support you every step of the way and beyond!

Class is open to creators in all creative mediums (artist, photographer, musician, filmmaker), so please share with your creative friends!

Friday, June 4, 2021
DIY Terrarium Workshop: 6in Globe with AIr Plants
Jun 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
828 Market on Main

Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!

Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.

Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)

Tuesday, June 8, 2021
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Smokemont Loop
Jun 8 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smokemont Loop 6 miles | Moderate Forest Walk

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

Thursday, June 10, 2021
Hike Catawba Falls
Jun 10 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Catawba Falls

This is an easy 1.5 mile gravel trail hike to the first water fall. For those with the adventurous side and can handle the challenge, we will trek to the upper falls from there, this portion IS NOT EASY. For those who cant make the second part you can stay at lower falls and admire nature. We will grab you on the way back down. The hike to the upper falls is about a mile and requires some climbing, but the pay off is amazing. It literally is my favorite of all the falls. The photo above is the Upper falls.

Plan to meet @ 10am at the Asheville Mall Parking lot (Sears). Once we have the group we can follow each other to the trail head (@ 20 minutes away). Be sure and bring water and something to snack on.

Saturday, June 12, 2021
Local Cloth Open House
Jun 12 all-day
Local Cloth Community Space

It has been a decade-long dream for our local fiber advocacy group to independently steward our own space and now it’s happening! Join us on Saturday, June 12th from 10 am – 5pm for a day of celebration. There will have make and takes, demos, music and snacks. We invite you to stop in and reintroduce yourself.

Our new community-centered space will feature products from throughout our Blue Ridge Mountains fibershed (100 mile radius around Asheville) and bring attention to the rich offerings of our region’s designers, farmers, artists and makers. The new Local Cloth space will feature a classroom, studios, dye lab, and exhibit and retail space showcasing locally sourced items, to serve fiber artists, students, enthusiasts and the general public.

In addition to the new space, we recently launched an online marketplace, Shop Local Cloth, to support our mission to bring climate-benefitting fiber to our regions closets, gardens, and studios. We plan to expand our marketplace, with a dynamic store front in our new space, where members and passers by alike can see what our regional fiber community has to offer.

FREE EVENT! We can’t wait to see you there!

Silent Hike + Forest Qigong
Jun 12 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Let’s enjoy a quiet, mindful stroll through the woods together. A silent hike takes us to scenic treasures on the arboretum property where we will do a restorative qigong practice. Qigong is a series of simple movements that supports the body’s natural healing processes, promotes healthy circulation, invites inner calm, and releases tension from the body. Hikes will be mindfully-paced and qigong practices easy and accessible.

*Registrants will be sent a “reminder” email the day prior to class with the meeting location and additional details. Please add [email protected] to your contacts to ensure our emails do not end up in your spam folder. We encourage all participants to make conscious, courteous decisions based on your own and others’ wishes and needs for safety. Mask wearing is supported but not required of participants for experiences in the field.

**Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes. To become an Arboretum Member and receive discounts on all classes, go to our Membership page.

 

Jenne Sluder is a qualified mental health professional and is certified through the International Association of Yoga Therapists as a trauma-sensitive therapeutic yoga instructor. She holds a Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology: Ecopsychology from Naropa University and specializes in mind-body approaches to improving mental and physical health. An Asheville native, Sluder works with individuals and with groups using somatic (body-based), contemplative (mindfulness-based), ecological (nature-based), and compassion-based practices.

Sunday, June 13, 2021
Backcountry Navigation With A Map and Compass
Jun 13 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
REI
  • FITNESS LEVEL : 1

    Relaxed

During this class, our instructors will help you understand the information provided on your map, the proper use of your compass, and how to put the two together. You’ll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination). After covering these fundamentals, you’ll get time to practice taking a bearing from the terrain and your map so that you can make sense of your position and plan a route. This engaging course is a great introduction to outdoor navigation and map reading!

Dupont State Recreational Forest – Fawn Lake Access Area

Friday, June 18, 2021
DIY Terrarium Workshop: 6in Globe with Air Plants
Jun 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
828 Market on Main

Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!

Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.

Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)

Mark Lowry
Jun 18 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Singer, songwriter, author, and humorist Mark Lowry is best known for penning the lyric to the Christmas classic “Mary Did You Know?” and singing baritone for the GRAMMY© Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band for many years. Lowry, who’s entertained audiences since he was 11 years old, has a unique gift of communicating profound Biblical truths through music and storytelling. His life’s work features a large catalog of diverse projects including many videos, books, and CDs. As known by audiences world-wide, any time spent with Mark Lowry is sure to tickle your funny bone and lift your spirits.

Saturday, June 26, 2021
Nature at Night Hike
Jun 26 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Come observe the Park under a shadow of darkness and watch as it comes alive. Join a Park naturalist as you hike along the Hickory Nut Falls trail, a moderate hike. You never know what nocturnal animals you may hear or see.  You will want to bring a headlamp or flashlight, dress appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water.

Space is limited to 15, and advance registration is required.

Sunday, June 27, 2021
Backcountry Navigation With A Map and Compass
Jun 27 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
REI
  • FITNESS LEVEL : 1

    Relaxed

During this class, our instructors will help you understand the information provided on your map, the proper use of your compass, and how to put the two together. You’ll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination). After covering these fundamentals, you’ll get time to practice taking a bearing from the terrain and your map so that you can make sense of your position and plan a route. This engaging course is a great introduction to outdoor navigation and map reading!

Dupont State Recreational Forest – Fawn Lake Access Area

Thursday, July 1, 2021
Cuba Agroecology Tour
Jul 1 all-day
Cuba

During this trip, you will participate in and observe how the Cuban agricultural community has embraced agroecology in all of its forms and learn why Cuba is considered one of the leading global experts in agroecological methods.
— Learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize organic farming and hunger remediation.
— Connect with farmers, consumers, activists, NGOs, policymakers, and experts working to transform the global food system.
— Acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in your own communities.
Agroecology = Agriculture + Ecology
Agroecology is the study of ecological systems as they apply to agriculture. It is a science, a movement, and a practice. At OGS, we like to think of the farm as a system and observe nature as the ideal model of sustainable production.
Agroecological practices strive to incorporate all elements of an agricultural ecosystem—water, nutrients, soil, plants, and animals—to maximize production and minimize impact. Agroecological methods include the following:
— Silvopasture = animals in the woods
— Agroforestry = forest farming
— Permaculture = systems designed to be sustainable and self-sufficient
Of course, each of these methods has been practiced on every continent since humans have existed, though they are only recently being named and defined by the modern sustainable agriculture community.

Thursday, July 8, 2021
Fairy Trail 2021
Jul 8 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Fairy Trail 2021

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.

Friday, July 9, 2021
Fairy Trail 2021
Jul 9 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Fairy Trail 2021

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.

Ribbon Cutting, Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail
Jul 9 @ 11:00 am
see below

The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC) is pleased to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the conclusion of the Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail Project.  The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 9 at the start of U.S. Forest Service Road 5002.

Directions to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

From the intersection of NC 280 and US 276/64 (which is just northwest of Brevard) go west into Pisgah National Forest approximately 1.25 miles.  Turn left toward the Davidson River Campground.  Immediately cross the bridge over the Davidson River.  Turn left on Sycamore Circle (do not turn right into the campground).  Continue on Schenck Drive, and follow the signs to the ribbon cutting.

Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail Project

Location.  The new trail is in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest at the end of Joel Branch Road (NFSR5002) just off the Art Loeb Trail near Stony Knob.  It links Joel Branch Road and Horse Cove Road (NFSR475C).

Rationale for Project.  Constructing this trail provides connectivity between the entrance area of the Pisgah Ranger District (Davidson River Campground, Pisgah Ranger Station, Estatoe Trail, etc.), the N.C. Wildlife Education Center, and the City of Brevard’s Bracken Mountain Trail System and Urban Greenway Trail System.  Combining these trails provides a 25-mile loop trail opportunity for hikers and bikers, with equestrian access on a significant portion of the route.

“This trail project offers a unique opportunity,” said Pisgah District Ranger, Dave Casey.  “By adding 1.2 miles of new trail we have been able to open up 25 miles of access for hikers and bikers, and a significant section of trail for equestrians.  We also believe this project will reduce unauthorized bike and horse traffic on the Art Loeb Trail, which is reserved for hiking only.”

Character of Trail. “Anywhere in Pisgah has its steep, rocky sections, and so does this trail,” says trail builder Ed Sutton of Trail Dynamics.  “But this is more of a wide, rolling trail than a steep, technical one like you find in some parts of Pisgah.  This trail provides a nice long route.  It gives you a backcountry feel even though you are near to town, and it can be ridden by gravel bikes as well as mountain bikes.  Our team loved biking to work each day on this beautiful new trail.”

Importance to Local Residents and Tourism.  “This trail is an example of the kinds of projects we embrace at Transylvania County Tourism,” said Aaron Baker, Chair of the organization’s Transylvania Always Committee.  “It’s a well-designed trail that promotes the sustainable use of our natural resources by tourists and locals alike.”

“This trail is the missing link,” said Mac Morrow, Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Member of Brevard.  “Filling in this gap between trails is entirely consistent with Brevard’s long term strategy to build the tourism infrastructure of the area.  We want to connect our citizens and tourists with the incredible natural resources that surround us and enhance Brevard’s position as a leading destination for outdoor recreation.”

Saturday, July 10, 2021
Fairy Trail 2021
Jul 10 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Fairy Trail 2021

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.