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Environmental Leadership Center
Warren Wilson College
Campus Box 6323
P.O. Box 9000
Asheville, NC 28815-9000
828.771.3006
Please refer comments or questions about this website to Phillip Ray Gibson @ pgibson@warren-wilson.edu.
GREEN CALENDAR
Western North Carolina's Source for Environmental Events!
MAY
River Cleanup
RiverLink, American Whitewater and Nantahala Outdoor Center on the French Broad River
Fri, May 1, 2009
10:00 am
Nantahala Outdoor Center's French Broad outpost, NC ( Click here for map )
This cleanup is part of the French Broad River Festival.
The world's third oldest river, the French Broad River flows through scenic Pisgah National Forest in the mountains of North Carolina. This free-flowing river has moderate Class II and III rapids.
The river cleanup should last several hours and a small reception will be hosted at NOC for the participants at 4:00 as the event wraps up.
NOC will be providing a free shuttle service and lunch for those participating in the cleanup. The cleanup is open to the public, boaters should be comfortable in Class III-IV whitewater. Paddlers with their own equipment and rafters are encouraged to participate. A shuttle is available to transport boats to and from cleanup location.
Minimum age for participation in the cleanup is 8 years old, waivers will need to be signed by all participants and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information on this section of river check out the French Broad Section 9 page on the American Whitewater website.
Anyone interested in participating in the cleanup should email info@americanwhitewater.org prior to April 24, 2009 so that lunch and shuttle arrangements can be prepared.
www.riverlink.org/May1stFrenchBroadRiverMusicFestivalcleanup.asp
Asheville Green Drinks
Fri, May 01, 2009
6:00 pm
The BoBo Gallery, Asheville, NC
This is a networking party that is part of the self-organizing global grassroots movement to connect communities with environmental ideas, media and action. Every Friday night at 6:00 at BoBo Gallery.
http://www.ashevillegreendrinks.com/
Green Walkabout
Mon, May 4, 2009
Warren Wilson College
1:00 - 3:00 pm
A walking tour of Warren Wilson College's sustainability initiatives, which begins at the Orr Cottage patio (directions are at www.warren-wilson.edu/info/campus_map.php). To sign up for a tour, contact Stan Cross, ELC Director at scross@warren-wilson.edu or 828-771-3782. For more information, visit www.warren-wilson.edu/~elc and click on Green Walkabout. Sign-up deadlines are one week prior to tour.
Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF): Connecting Cultures & Creating Community Through Music & Arts
Thurs, May 7 - Sun, May 10, 2009
Camp Rockmont, Black Mountain, NC
Tickets are limited, so reserve them before they sell out!
LEAF is a non-pro t organization established to build community and enrich lives through the Arts – locally and globally – with festivals, events, mentoring, and educational programs.
The LEAF site is the grounds of the historic Black Mountain College. While embracing the surrounding beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, walk through art history and revive your creativity where people such as Buckminster Fuller, Robert Rauschenburg, John Cage, Merce Cunningham, and even Albert Einstein pursued creative visions.
LEAF off ers so many explorations for the weekend: Handcrafts, Folk Arts, Healing Arts, Culinary Arts, Poetry, and many other creative adventures. You can enjoy wonderful camping near the lake, with swimming, canoeing, kayaking, a zip-line, and great trails.
Stage performances will include: Natalie Macmaster, Martin Sexton, The Lee Boys, Nagata Shachu with Kiyoshi Nagata, The Travelin' McCourys, Emiline Michel - Haiti, The Overtakers - Jamaica, Robin & Linda Williams & Fine Group, The New Oreans Bingo Show, Boulder Acoustic Society, David Wilcox, and many more!
All tickets must be purchased in advance - you can buy them online at www.theleaf.org/tickets or call 828-686-8742. To find out more, email Customer Service at info@theLEAF.org
www.theLEAF.org
Asheville Green Drinks
Fri, May 08, 2009
6:00 pm
The BoBo Gallery, Asheville, NC
This is a networking party that is part of the self-organizing global grassroots movement to connect communities with environmental ideas, media and action. Every Friday night at 6:00 at BoBo Gallery.
http://www.ashevillegreendrinks.com/
Asheville Green Drinks
Fri, May 15, 2009
6:00 pm
The BoBo Gallery, Asheville, NC
This is a networking party that is part of the self-organizing global grassroots movement to connect communities with environmental ideas, media and action. Every Friday night at 6:00 at BoBo Gallery.
http://www.ashevillegreendrinks.com/
Asheville Green Drinks
Fri, May 22, 2009
6:00 pm
The BoBo Gallery, Asheville, NC
This is a networking party that is part of the self-organizing global grassroots movement to connect communities with environmental ideas, media and action. Every Friday night at 6:00 at BoBo Gallery.
http://www.ashevillegreendrinks.com/
Asheville Green Drinks
Fri, May 29, 2009
6:00 pm
The BoBo Gallery, Asheville, NC
This is a networking party that is part of the self-organizing global grassroots movement to connect communities with environmental ideas, media and action. Every Friday night at 6:00 at BoBo Gallery.
http://www.ashevillegreendrinks.com/
Private Wildlife Photography Tour
Sat, May 30, 2009
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
WNC Nature Center, Asheville, NC
Here is your opportunity to get a close up view of our wildlife. Open to amateurs and professionals alike. One framed photograph must be exhibited at the Nature Center for our butterfly exhibit opening on June 27th. Must be 18 years or older. $15.00 for members. $20 for Asheville city residents. $25 for non-residents. Advanced reservations required. Limited to 20. Call Keith Mastin at 292-5600 x305, or email kmastin@ashevillenc.gov for details.
http://www.wildwnc.org/events
JUNE
Asheville Green Drinks
Fri, Jun 05, 2009
6:00 pm
The BoBo Gallery, Asheville, NC
This is a networking party that is part of the self-organizing global grassroots movement to connect communities with environmental ideas, media and action. Every Friday night at 6:00 at BoBo Gallery.
http://www.ashevillegreendrinks.com/
Wild Mushrooms of Western North Carolina
WNC Nature Center & the Asheville Mushroom Club
Sun, Jun 7, 2009
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
WNC Nature Center, Asheville, NC
Would you like to identify those big brown mushrooms popping out of your mulch, or the pretty yellow ones along woodland paths in the summer? Come to the WNC Nature and discover the most common edible mushrooms you're likely to find in the fields and forests of WNC. Find out when and where the major edibles can be found and learn just enough to whet your appetite for definitively identifying them.
Sheila Dunn, a long time valued member of the Asheville Mushroom Club has been hunting, growing, cooking and eating mushrooms for about 20 years, and is offering a beginners class which will focus on choice edibles such as chanterelles, morels, and chicken of the woods. Besides these easily identified edibles she will point out the few poisonous mushrooms that lurk in our hills.
Participation is limited to 35 participants and you will need to call Keith Mastin quickly at (828) 298-5600, ext 305, or email kmastin@ashevillenc.gov to reserve your spot. The $5.00/person fee includes admission to the center following the program. Reservations are required.
http://www.wildwnc.org/events
Asheville Green Drinks
Fri, Jun 12, 2009
6:00 pm
The BoBo Gallery, Asheville, NC
This is a networking party that is part of the self-organizing global grassroots movement to connect communities with environmental ideas, media and action. Every Friday night at 6:00 at BoBo Gallery.
http://www.ashevillegreendrinks.com/
3rd Annual Mountain Green Conference
Jun 24 & Jun 25, 2009
Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC
The 3rd Annual Mountain Green Conference will meet to promote sustainable community. This year, with leadership from ELC Council member Bob Deutsch, new Steering Committee partners have expanded the scope of the conference to include best practices for the tourism sector and the construction industry. This year's keynote speaker will be Leilani Münter. Sessions will include: Greening Your Tourism Business, Return on Investment of Going Green, Saving Money by Going Green, Sustainable Purchasing, Tax Incentives for Going Green, Retrofitting with Green Technologies, Discernment on Green Certifications, Making Your Event Green, Commercial Green Case Studies, Residential Green Case Studies, and Affordability of Going Green.
To register to attend, set up a vendor booth, or sponsor this conference visit www.warren-wilson.edu. For more information, call or email Philip Gibson at 828-771-3781 or pgibson@warren-wilson.edu.
www.warren-wilson.edu/~elc/New_ELC_Website_/conference/
Nectar Collector Day
Mon, Jun 27, 2009
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Nature Center, Asheville, NC
The Beauty of Butterflies is an enclosed, walk-through exhibit home to several native species of butterflies and the plants they need to survive. Children can get their face painted, make buggy arts and crafts and participate in butterfly games. Adults can learn about attracting butterflies to their gardens and learn abut common butterflies in western North Carolina. This exhibit will be open through September 1st. Regular admission rates apply. For more information, contact Keith Mastin at (828) 298-5600, ext 305, or email kmastin@ashevillenc.gov.
http://www.wildwnc.org/events
JULY
WNC Nature Center Meeting
Wed, Jul 8, 2009
7:00 pm
Open to the public
Join Tradd Cotter and Olga Katic of www.mushroommountain.com , as they demonstrate the use of mushrooms in a gardening/landscaping context. This is an up and coming field of including mushrooms into our home environment, especially in the U.S. Tradd and Olga are both AMC members, and are in the process of propagating and cultivating their craft on their “mini-farm” in South Carolina. Check out their website for opportunities for you to broaden your knowledge base in this exciting field. Reminder: The refreshments are served on a volunteer basis and food or beverage donations are welcome.
http://www.wildwnc.org/
Mountain BizWorks – Green Business Alliance “Keeping it Green”
Tuesday, July 14: 6-8 p.m.
Georgia Malki, president of Seven Star Events, will discuss how her company has achieved success by staying true to its leading principle of sustainability and its deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Seven Star is a global leader in greening the event and entertainment industry and is highly acclaimed for its unique work atmosphere and excellent client relationships.
The Green Business Alliance is sponsoring monthly events for business owners who are either already doing “green business” or who have an interest in becoming more environmentally-friendly in their operations.
Free for Mountain BizWorks’ Members/$5 for public. Finger food provided.
153 S. Lexington Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
RSVP by July 10, jamie@mountainbizworks.org or 253.2834 ext.11
AUGUST
Backyard Sustainability Workshop
Sat, Aug. 1 - Sun, Aug. 2, 2009
The Ashevillage Institute (AVI), Asheville, North Carolina
Fee: $200
This is an intro workshop to the tricks of the trade of urban homesteading. Learn what it takes to get yourself set up with: chickens, shitake mushroom production, honey bees, growing red worms, bats and bat poop, trout ponds, greywater, rain catchment and more. Our instructor, Shawn Jadrnicek, is a genius when it comes to integrated home and yard design. He'll guide you, step-by-step, on how he set up the new systems at AVI over the past several months so that you can see it all in action. This workshop will empower you to do it in your own backyard!
Contact & Registration: AVI@kleiwerks.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 828.225.8820
www.asapconnections.org
Wild Food & Fermentation Workshop
Tue, Aug 4 - Wed, Aug 5 - &Thurs, Aug 6, 2009
The Ashevillage Institute (AVI), Asheville, North Carolina
Fee: $300 includes lunch
Instructors: Sandor Katz (author of 'Wild Fermentation' & 'The Revolution Will Not be Microwaved') & Frank Cook
Come participate in a cultural revolution! Wild fermentation is a way of incorporating the wild into your body, becoming one with the natural world. Wild foods possess a great, unmediated life force which can help us adapt to shifting conditions and lower our susceptibility to disease. Microorganisms are everywhere, and the techniques for fermenting with them are simple and flexible. In this workshop, we will spend time walking outdoors, getting to know local plants, harvesting edibles and medicinals, and together we will make sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, herbal elixir meads, miso and much more. You will leave with your own bubbling ferments. Come and join...[striped]
Contact & Registration: AVI@kleiwerks.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 828.225.8820
www.asapconnections.org
WNC Nature Center Meeting
Wed, Aug 12, 2009
7:00 pm
Open to the public
Mr. Jay Justice, veteran Field Mycologist residing in Arkansas, will focus on the genus Amanita. Mr. Justice has studied mushrooms for 30 years utilizing his chemistry and natural sciences degrees. He is a co-founder of the Arkansas Mycology Society, and has served as a field mycologist at numerous mycological conferences. His special interests are the genera Amanita, Cordyceps and Boletus. This program should be helpful for beginners, experts and everyone in-between. Reminder: The refreshments are served on a volunteer basis and food or beverage donations are welcome.
http://www.wildwnc.org/
Southern Energy & Environment Expo 2009 (SEE Expo)
Fri, Aug 21 – Sun, Aug 23, 2009
Fri: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Western NC Agricultural Center, Fletcher, NC
$10 adults, ages 13-21 $5, 12 and under free.
The Southern Energy & Environment Expo is an annual event showcasing renewable energy technologies and sustainable economics in a context of responsible environmental stewardship. By working together in a cooperative spirit, we ARE making a difference for the future of our children and our planet.
http://www.seeexpo.com/
6 Week Natural Building Training
Sun, Aug 30 - Fri, Oct 9, 2009
Fee: $2,800 includes tuition, materials and delicious organic lunches
Instructors: Steveo Brodmerkel, Meka Bunch & Janell Kapoor (Kleiwerks), Mollie Curry & Steve Kemble (MudStrawLove), Emily Hansgen (Blue Iris) and others
Gain hands-on natural building skills in adobe, cob, bamboo, earthen plasters & paints, living roofs, passive solar design and more. This six-week training offers a comprehensive start-to-finish immersion in the art of natural building. We will build two small cottages, an earthen oven and bamboo fence. You will be guided in hands-on construction by some of the country's leading teachers, builders and designers, who together have an accumulation of over 80 years experience. Techniques and topics include: adobe, cob, wattle & daub, slipstraw, bamboo, carpentry, window & door installation, natural plasters & paints, green roofs, water catchment, passive solar hybrid design, code issues ...[striped]
Contact & Registration: AVI@kleiwerks.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 828.225.8820
www.asapconnections.org