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.
Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!
Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!
Where: Snowball Mountain off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Craggy Gardens Picnic Area
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (7/10)
Join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for a hike to the protected Snowball Mountain. This hike will celebrate the 2023 Year of the Trail to help interested residents, visitors and trails enthusiasts in the area (and across the state) find and attend events, connect with others, and learn more about advocating for trails in NC.
This moderate 3-mile hike will take hikers along a high elevation ridgeline with remarkable views. We will start out on the Mountains-to-Sea trail and split off to climb Snowball Mountain. Next, we will continue North to Hawkbill Rock where we will look back onto the property and into the Woodfin Watershed— another SAHC-protected landmark. Hikers should be prepared for a short trip, but steep elevation changes along the way. Snowball Mountain was one of the marquee parcels that pushed SAHC past the 50,000-acre milestone mark at the end of 2011.
Come and enjoy this beautiful property and learn about SAHC’s projects in this spectacular area of the Black Mountain range. In 2012, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy purchased 90 acres on Snowball Mountain in Buncombe County, permanently preserving scenic views for recreational visitors, clean water sources for area residents, and habitat for native species. Nestled in the beautiful Craggy Mountains, this tract is highly visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway and national forest land, and it adjoins the publicly accessible Snowball Mountain Trail and Camp Sequoyah Trail.
SAHC’s Snowball Mountain tract joins a significant swath of state and federal protected land, contributing another piece to a vast network of over 125,000 acres of contiguous protected forestlands. The trail overlooks national forest land and the Woodfin Watershed, which SAHC protects with a conservation easement.
What To Bring: hiking shoes, lunch, water, jacket/rain gear, camera, and please dress in layers.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed.
If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Cost – $10 or Free to Members. Pre-registration is required.
Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!
Get ready to explore the natural beauty of Buncombe County’s great outdoors like never before! We are thrilled to announce Woodland Wonder Walks, a series of guided hiking tours, designed for both nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. These immersive tours will take you through some of the area’s most stunning trails, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about local ecosystems and plants, get some steps in, and create new friendships.
Hike Details:
1. Collier Cove Trail: Beginning at the Collier Cove parking area, the trail offers an adventure through the beautiful wooded scenery and provides the perfect getaway into nature. From seasonal wildflowers to a variety of fungi and beautiful tree canopies, this adventure is a treat to the senses.
Difficulty level: Due to steep portions, this hike is recommended for intermediate to advanced hikers.
Length: 1.5-2 miles
Elevation gain: 800 feet.
Date: Wednesday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Registration will end on Tuesday, September 12.
Join us at Asheville’s newest cat cafe and metaphysical supplies shop , for a day of fun with local artists and makers, vendors, black cats and kittens, magic, delicious vegan dishes from Pasta Prana, and other hijinks!
We’ll have a dozen MAGICAL local vendors ready to sling their wares plus multiple tarot and intuitive readers! Oddities, tarot, local art, cat toys and trinkets, and much more will be available!
Binx’s Home for Black Cats will be having a “Find Your Familiar” black cat adoption event on site in our push to clear the shelters!!!
Pre-approved adopters will get access to the cat lounge for FREE!
Adoption applications can be submitted here —> https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BHBC/Cat
Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the most magical of animals: the black cat!
Join the Asheville Museum of History (AMoH) Wednesday, September 20 at 9AM as we hike to a former mica mine near Burnsville, North Carolina. This event is free but registration is required. Carpooling is necessary as parking is limited.
Join us as we explore the geologic and human history of mining in the Spruce Pine region. We are led by Dr. William Miller, a geologist, and Trevor Freeman, public programs director for the Asheville Museum of History. Local resident John Bennett may join us to discuss some his family history and more about the local mines nearby.
The Mine
The Ray Mine is located in one of scores of igneous rock bodies in the Spruce Pine mining district which began as magmas that were injected into an existing bedrock formation known as the Ashe Metamorphic Suite 375-400 million years ago. The intrusion is made of coarsely crystalline granodiorite which is composed of feldspar, quartz, and muscovite mica, plus lesser amounts of other minerals, including tourmaline, beryl, and apatite.
The Ray was sporadically mined mainly for high quality muscovite from about 1867 until the 1940s. Compared to its sister intrusions currently being mined for high purity quartz and feldspar in Spruce Pine, the Ray is rather puny but one of few designated mineral collecting localities in the National Forest where visitors are allowed to take home the minerals they find on the ground surface and can easily carry.
Nine small shafts/cuts occur at the mine, but they are either partially fenced off and filled with rubble or overgrown with vegetation. The mine site now looks like most other nearby hills but with mineral and rock specimens strewn about.
Details:
Meet: We will carpool from the Roses parking lot in the center of Burnsville, departing at 9:00 AM at the SE corner of US 19E and Reservoir Road intersection. Parking is very limited at the trailhead.
Return to Roses: Approximately 12noon
Hike Length: Approximately 1 mile total, out and back.
Hike Difficulty: Moderate (using National Park Service metric) but rocky
*This is a backcountry hike in a remote area. Please do not attempt if you are unsure of your ability.*
*With a small trailhead parking area, we are limited to 5 vehicles. Please let us know if you prefer to be a driver or passenger when you sign the waiver form*
*Participants may wish to carpool to the initial meeting location at Roses in Burnsville, NC. You will be asked about your preference upon registration, and those interested will be put in contact with one another*
What to Bring:
- Backpack
- Plenty of water (1 liter)
- Bagged lunch or snacks
- Hiking boots or comfortable trail shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (preferably no cotton)
- Sunscreen
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Hat (recommended)
- Any needed medications.
- You may collect some mineral and rock specimens but only as much as you can carry in your pockets.
- If you bring and use a rock hammer, always wear safety glasses and do not break rocks when other, unprotected people are nearby.
Rain Date: In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified in advance, no later than 8PM the evening prior if the event is to be rescheduled.
Tickets: This is a free event but registration and emergency contact waiver is required.
*Waiver and Emergency Contact: Registrants must fill out the emergency contact form in advance: https://forms.gle/iQpZAg3Q1RdcCZ1a8
Hike Leaders:
Dr. William Miller is a licensed professional geologist and a professor emeritus at UNC Asheville where he was a professor of environmental studies. Miller focuses on metals, ores, and the geology of the Blue Ridge. He has served on several state and professional boards relating to mining and geology. He has also led several hikes to the Ray Mine.
This hike is co-led by Trevor Freeman, AMoH public programs director. He has an MA in American history and is interested in both Appalachian and environmental history. He is also wilderness first aid/CPR certified.
For questions, please contact Trevor Freeman at [email protected]
(Image: UNCA students on a hike to the Ray Mine with Dr. Miller; An unidentified mica mine in North Carolina, courtesy Forest History Society)
To honor and celebrate the rich history of environmental stewardship at Chimney
Rock State Park, join us for an after hours sunset hike to the top of the Chimney
with one of the original stewards of the park. Along the way, we will place the
Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail marker on this newly designated trail.
Note: This trail is considered difficult.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Join us in a toast at Chimney Rock Brewing Company to commemorate the newly designated Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and honor our volunteers. After the toast, stick around for a campfire with s’mores and ghost stories! No registration required.
NEEDED ITEMS:
wet food
dry food
treats
toys
litter
donations
Distance: 10.5 miles
Difficulty: Very strenuous (10+). 10+ mile hike with significant elevation change.
Cost: FREE for all participants (pre-registration is required)
Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy to celebrate our “For Love of Beer and Mountains” partnerships. This hike to Clawhammer Mountain, namesake of Highland Brewing Company’s seasonal Clawhammer Oktoberfest Lager, will be a long and strenuous 10+ mile trip along multi-use trails that traverse mountain bike, equestrian, and hiking trails as well as forest service roads. We will follow the trails up a steep climb along a creek, through wildflower patches and rich cove forest. From Clawhammer Cove to the summit, we will climb close to 1,900 feet to finish at 4,072 ft elevation. The cliff-top view at the summit offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass in Pisgah National Forest.
This hike is part of our corporate partnership with Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC. Highland donates a portion of sales of seasonal releases during the “release party” at the Tasting Room in Asheville to support SAHC’s land and water conservation efforts, and we lead guided hikes for folks to experience and enjoy the natural landscapes for which these seasonal brews are named.
Please Note: There are a couple single log bridges, muddy areas, rocky and steep inclines and a chance of yellow jackets; SAHC wants to provide a fun and safe trip so please be aware of these conditions.
What To Bring: Hiking boots, hiking poles (optional), packed lunch, 2 liters of water, jacket/rain gear. Please dress in layers.
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.
Leader: Katie Greer, AmeriCorps Community Engagement and Education member. For questions or more info, contact Katie at [email protected]
Join Pack Square Collection for a free rooftop paw-ty on October 14th from 11am-2pm on the top of the Pack Square Parking Garage at 26 Biltmore Avenue, through the stairs by White Duck Taco. Attendees can bring their four-legged friends for a paw-some good time with complimentary pet portraits, pet caricatures, live music, dog-friendly vendors and more!
FREE | All ages, advance registration requested
Dress up those pups and bring them to a treat scavenger hunt with giveaways for canines and their human companions. Dogs must be on a leash. For more info, call 828-507-9003.
Have you been wanting try a local hike, but don’t know where to begin? Join Buncombe County Parks & Recreation for scenic morning hikes close to home this fall. This Hike Series is a free four-pack of popular treks lead by Parks and Recreation Staff on weekday mornings. Explorers of all skill levels are invited to experience the fun of one hike, all four or somewhere in between. Space is limited to 15 hikers and advanced registration is necessary.
We will begin our hike at Charles D. Owen park parking lot where we will do a quick icebreaker and get prepped for the hike (we will have water and a few snacks available) PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE TO FILL UP.
This hike runs along the pristine Swannanoa river. In addition to the river, there will be sightings of gorgeous rock formations, a rhododendron forest, flowers and a breathtaking bamboo forest. With ample natural shade from the surrounding hardwoods, guests will stay cool while walking along the mostly flat dirt trail.
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate.
Length: 5.3 miles
Elevation gain: 118 feet
‘Your Dog Here’ Returns – Be Part of the Legacy! 🐾
Your furry friend’s chance at stardom is here! ‘Your Dog Here’ is back for its third year, and it’s your golden opportunity to have your beloved pup featured on a limited-edition DSSOLVR beer label – all while supporting the incredible work of Asheville Humane Society.
For just $25, your furry companion will strike a pose and earn their spot on our ‘Your Dog Here’ beer can label. But that’s not all – every participating pup enters our raffle for a chance to be front and center on the label!
📅 Event Dates & Locations: 📅
1️⃣ The Whale Edition:
🗓️ Thursday, October 19th
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🏢 The Whale
2️⃣ DSSOLVR Edition:
🗓️ Sunday, October 22nd
⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🏢 DSSOLVR Taproom
💙 Supporting Asheville Humane Society: 💙
Every dollar raised goes directly to Asheville Humane Society, a dedicated organization working tirelessly to promote the compassionate treatment of animals in our community through education, sheltering, and adoption. Last year, ‘Your Dog Here’ raised a remarkable $5,750 and showcased the love for 115 dogs on our label.
Don’t miss your chance to make your dog a star and support a great cause! Join us at ‘Your Dog Here’ and let’s make it a bark-tastic day to remember. See you there! 🐶👽🐶”
‘Your Dog Here’ Returns – Be Part of the Legacy! 🐾
Your furry friend’s chance at stardom is here! ‘Your Dog Here’ is back for its third year, and it’s your golden opportunity to have your beloved pup featured on a limited-edition DSSOLVR beer label – all while supporting the incredible work of Asheville Humane Society.
For just $25, your furry companion will strike a pose and earn their spot on our ‘Your Dog Here’ beer can label. But that’s not all – every participating pup enters our raffle for a chance to be front and center on the label!
📅 Event Dates & Locations: 📅
1️⃣ The Whale Edition:
🗓️ Thursday, October 19th
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🏢 The Whale
2️⃣ DSSOLVR Edition:
🗓️ Sunday, October 22nd
⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🏢 DSSOLVR Taproom
💙 Supporting Asheville Humane Society: 💙
Every dollar raised goes directly to Asheville Humane Society, a dedicated organization working tirelessly to promote the compassionate treatment of animals in our community through education, sheltering, and adoption. Last year, ‘Your Dog Here’ raised a remarkable $5,750 and showcased the love for 115 dogs on our label.
Don’t miss your chance to make your dog a star and support a great cause! Join us at ‘Your Dog Here’ and let’s make it a bark-tastic day to remember. See you there! 🐶👽🐶”
Join a spooky storyteller as they guide you into the Appalachian woods with chants of folklore.
A congregation of local makers and practitioners of all things magical, feline, and magically feline.
Benefiting Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue. Bring your furry friend for costume contests, raffles, local vendors, specialty cocktails, tunes from DJ RexxStep. $5.
Join a spooky storyteller as they guide you into the Appalachian woods with chants of folklore.
Have you been wanting try a local hike, but don’t know where to begin? Join Buncombe County Parks & Recreation for scenic morning hikes close to home this fall. This Hike Series is a free four-pack of popular treks lead by Parks and Recreation Staff on weekday mornings. Explorers of all skill levels are invited to experience the fun of one hike, all four or somewhere in between. Space is limited to 15 hikers and advanced registration is necessary.
We will begin our hike at Craggy Gardens Visitor Center parking lot where we will do a quick icebreaker and get prepped for the hike (we will have water and a few snacks available) PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE TO FILL UP.
Featuring scenic overlooks of the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains, clouds, wildflowers, and a meadow, this hiking loop promises a dreamy experience that will fill your imagination with wonder.
Difficulty level: Experienced beginner to intermediate.
Length: 2.20 miles
Elevation gain: 525 feet
Join a spooky storyteller as they guide you into the Appalachian woods with chants of folklore.
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
A unique event featuring a group mediumship reading and a silent auction is set
to raise funds for local non-profit, Asheville Cat Weirdos, a local non-profit organization that
provides assistance with emergency veterinary costs for cats in Western North Carolina.
Since the organization relies 100% on donations and volunteers, local psychic medium, Kelly
Palmatier, was inspired to donate a fundraising event, “An Evening with Spirit & Fundraiser for
Asheville Cat Weirdos.” It is scheduled for Monday evening, November 27, 2023, from 6 to 8
p.m. and will be held at the Hi-Wire Brewing Event Space in Biltmore Village at 2B Huntsman
Place, Asheville, NC 28803.
For skeptics and believers alike, Palmatier aims to channel loved ones who’ve crossed over and
bring inner peace to audience members, although event details make it clear that not every
audience member will receive a reading.
“I named my company Channeling White Light because it’s a metaphor for making a positive
difference in the world,” says Palmatier, “so I love donating fundraisers and helping the
community in any way I can.” She and her assistants are handling and paying for every detail of
the event, and 100% of the proceeds will go to Asheville Cat Weirdos.
Star Broadnax, Interim Director for the Asheville Cat Weirdos Emergency Fund
(AshevilleCatWeirdos.org), expresses gratitude for the event: “Our organization thrives on
donations and the selfless efforts of volunteers. We are incredibly thankful for this event and
the support it provides in our mission to help cats in need.”
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the silent auction, followed by the group mediumship reading
beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event also features a cash bar provided by Hi-Wire. Tickets are $25
per person or $40 for a couple and can be purchased online at ChannelingWhiteLight.com.
On Sundays, December 3, and December 17, 2023, visit Asheville Outlets from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for FREE pet photos with Santa by TapSnap Phototainment. Located in the Food Court. Visitors receive one FREE 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image (while supplies last). For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate (6/10)
Cost: Free for Members, $10 for non-members
Join us for a pleasant stroll through the Elk Hollow Preserve on the Everett J. Bowman Memorial Trail. The trail will lead us through beautiful forests of oaks, maples, and beech trees, as well as early successional meadows perfect for bird spotting. The Preserve boasts a bounty of rare wildlife, including Golden-winged Warblers, Southern Appalachian brook trout, and Gray’s lilies. Additionally, SAHC has installed a camping platform, intact trail system, and a moldering privy which will leave you excited to visit us again.
This hike is part of our “For Love of Beer and Mountains” partnership with Highland Brewing Company, celebrating the release of their Nuts and Volts coffee porter. The hike will be led by Katie Greer, SAHC’s Community Engagement and Education AmeriCorps member who will talk about the history of the tract.
The Elk Hollow Preserve is an hour and a half drive north of Asheville NC and an hour from Johnson City TN. Please plan accordingly!
FREE for SAHC members, $10 for non-members. If you are not a member but would like to become one, click here!
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or require further details at [email protected]
ONSITE | Wednesday, December 13, 1 – 3 p.m. | $30 Adult Non-Member (Arboretum member discount applies!) Pre-registration Required.
Cats and dogs are exposed to plants and plant materials in the garden, home environment and as part of their normal diet. Many plants, plant materials and horticultural products are safe for pet animals to consume or be exposed to but others are potentially hazardous. This class will focus on how plants and plant materials found in the garden or home may adversely affect pet animals. Phil Roudebush, a veterinarian, clinical nutritionist, small animal internist and extension master gardener volunteer, brings practical ideas about how to keep pets safe around plants and gardens.
Pre-register for this small-group experience through the form linked below and staff will be in touch to finalize registration and payment.
Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is proud to announce our 4th annual Winter Hiking Challenge to get folks out and about – no matter your background or ability this is a project designed to get folks outside to enjoy the great outdoors!
The 2024 Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, around the block, up a rugged mountain trail, or through the forest. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1st to March 1st, 2024). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 25th. Please note, this is a challenge you set with yourself, it is not a competition. Registration for this challenge is $25 per person and your registration fee directly supports conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. If you cannot afford the registration fee at this time, please use the coupon code: SAHC2024.
All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and destinations. Due to overuse of popular trails in the area we will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors. Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Lastly, those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge.
Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).
Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard.Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!
Challenge Contact Info
Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is proud to announce our 4th annual Winter Hiking Challenge to get folks out and about – no matter your background or ability this is a project designed to get folks outside to enjoy the great outdoors!
The 2024 Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, around the block, up a rugged mountain trail, or through the forest. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1st to March 1st, 2024). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 25th. Please note, this is a challenge you set with yourself, it is not a competition. Registration for this challenge is $25 per person and your registration fee directly supports conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. If you cannot afford the registration fee at this time, please use the coupon code: SAHC2024.
All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and destinations. Due to overuse of popular trails in the area we will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors. Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Lastly, those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge.
Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).
Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard.Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!
Challenge Contact Info
This six week course focuses on proper socialization, bite inhibition, house training, manners and much more!
Your goal as a puppy parent is to give your pup the best possible start in life. Puppies learn more between 5 and 12 weeks of age than they will in their entire lifetime! Laying a positive foundation during this time is critical for puppies to grow into behaviorally healthy dogs.
This six week course focuses on proper socialization, bite inhibition, house training, manners and much more! The class is limited to 12 puppies who are 8 to 18 weeks old when the course begins (if your dog is over 18 weeks of age, please sign up for the Canine Manners class).
* All puppies must have started their puppy vaccine series (distemper, parvo and bordetella) at least one week prior to the first class. Owners are expected to commit to continuing this vaccine series during the six week course.
The cost of this course includes six classes, held one hour per week for six weeks from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM on the following dates: December 16, January 6, 13, 20, 27, & February 3. Scheduled cancellations: December 23 and 30 or unless otherwise stated by trainer.
This class will take place at the Asheville Humane Training Center (800 Fairview Road, Suite C1). Please go to the BACK of the building to enter through the back training center door.
About the trainer:
Pia Silvani is an internationally-recognized dog trainer and lecturer with over 35 years’ experience. As VP of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, she developed numerous courses focused on positive, reward-based techniques. In 2013, Pia began working for the ASPCA, eventually becoming the Director, Behavioral Rehabilitation where she led programs to educate shelter professionals in effective behavior rehabilitation techniques, as well as specialized socialization, enrichment, and shelter protocols. This cutting-edge program is featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary, “Second Chance Dogs”.
After 6 years at the ASPCA, Pia has decided to re-establish her consulting business here in the Asheville area specializing in rehabilitating fearful and aggressive behaviors in dogs. She is Director of Behavior and Training at Asheville Humane, offers private behavioral consultations in client’s homes as well as teaching classes for Asheville Humane Society.
Pia has been chosen as one of Bark’s 100 picks of the best and brightest people that changed the world of dogs. Her goal has always been to combine her love of dogs with her respect and affection for people. She enriches the lives of both through humane relationship work and training.
For more information on Pia, visit her website: www.piasilvani.com and email her for more information.
Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is proud to announce our 4th annual Winter Hiking Challenge to get folks out and about – no matter your background or ability this is a project designed to get folks outside to enjoy the great outdoors!
The 2024 Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, around the block, up a rugged mountain trail, or through the forest. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1st to March 1st, 2024). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 25th. Please note, this is a challenge you set with yourself, it is not a competition. Registration for this challenge is $25 per person and your registration fee directly supports conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. If you cannot afford the registration fee at this time, please use the coupon code: SAHC2024.
All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and destinations. Due to overuse of popular trails in the area we will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors. Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Lastly, those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge.
Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).
Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard.Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!