UNC Asheville’s Fall 2017 Greenfest is taking take place through Sept. 19th, offering many sustainability-focused events on and off campus.
Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, UNC Asheville has an ongoing commitment to sustainable campus practices as well as environmental education, research and promoting public discussion of sustainability issues.
One Fall Greenfest highlight — the annual Farm-to-Table Dinner on the Quad — is now sold out, but there are many chances to get involved in environmentally themed activities like films and discussions, a workshop on green investing, the Bulldog Bike Bonanza, a Blue Ridge Parkway tour for people with limited mobility, and two volunteer work days for people wanting to help clean and beautify the environment.
Fall 2017 Greenfest activities are free and open to everyone unless otherwise indicated. More information and preregistration for activities can be found at sustainability.unca.edu.
Wednesday, Sept. 13
On-Campus Work Day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., many locations
Community volunteers are invited to join students, faculty and staff in work activities including cleaning, painting, redecorating the Bee Hotel, and more. Preregistration is required at sustainability.unca.edu/fall-greenfest-2017.
Documentary Film: Time to Choose, 7-9:30 p.m., Rhoades Robinson Hall, Room 125
This film by Oscar-winning documentary director Charles Ferguson looks at climate change as the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced, and also humanity’s greatest opportunity. The screening is co-sponsored by UNC Asheville’s Student Environmental Center and the Blue Ridge Electric Vehicle Club, which will host and provide vegan snacks. For more information about the film, visit timetochoose.com.
Thursday, Sept. 14
Sustainable Investing Workshop, noon-1 p.m., Highsmith Union, Room 104
UNC Asheville is among a small group of colleges that have created an Environmental Social Governance (ESG) endowment fund that is managed by students. Workshop participants will learn about ethical and successful investing principles for personal as well as organizational finance, from advisers to the ESG Fund. Sponsored by UNC Asheville’s Student Environmental Center.
Farm-to-Table Dinner on the Quad, 6-9 p.m.
This fourth annual Farm-to-Table Dinner will feature live music and dancing, prizes and fun, and of course local food. Sponsors include Neo Burrito, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Mountain Food Products, Buchi, Sow True Seed, Horse + Hero, UNC Asheville Dining Services and many university programs and student organizations. This event is now sold out.
Friday, Sept. 15
“PercCollider,” an Open House at The Collider, 10 a.m.-noon, Wells Fargo Building, 1 Haywood St., Asheville
This open house will feature refreshments and conversation at The Collider, an Asheville-based nonprofit innovation center focused on catalyzing market-driven climate solutions. The “PercCollider,” co-sponsored by UNC Asheville’s Career Center, provides an opportunity to “collide” over coffee with the more than 30 organizations using The Collider as co-working space, including UNC Asheville’s National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center, which is an anchor member.
Film: Erin Brockovich, 7-9 p.m. Highsmith Union, The Grotto
This Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning movie starring Julia Roberts is based on the true story of a legal assistant who led a legal battle on behalf of those harmed by water contamination and gained a $333 million settlement from Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The student organization Underdog Productions will screen the film and provide complimentary popcorn and soda while supplies last.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Off-Campus Work Day, 9 a.m.-noon
Community volunteers are invited to join members of the UNC Asheville student organization, Active Students for a Healthy Environment, for a morning of trail maintenance and clean-up along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This event is co-sponsored by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. Round-trip transportation from campus will be provided. Pre-registration is required at sustainability.unca.edu/fall-greenfest-2017.
Sunday, Sept. 17
Accessible Parkway Cruise and Hike, 9-11:30 a.m.
This trip for people with limited mobility will involve a tour of many overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with optional short hikes. This event is co-sponsored by UNC Asheville Outdoor Programs and the Student Environmental Center. Round-trip transportation from campus will be provided. The cost is $5 per participant and pre-registration is required at sustainability.unca.edu/fall-greenfest-2017.
Tuesday, Sept. 19
Bulldog Bike Bonanza, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the UNC Asheville Quad
This fourth annual Bulldog Bike Bonanza centers on bicycle advocacy, maintenance and safety, and will feature carnival-style game booths from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. A raffle drawing will take place at 12:45 p.m. This event is co-sponsored by the UNC Asheville Bike Shop, the Student Environmental Center, Second Gear, Outrider USA, The Collider, Ski Country Sports, the Asheville Police Department, and UNC Asheville Police.
For more information about UNC Asheville’s Fall 2017 Greenfest, visit sustainability.unca.edu.