Green Building 101: Water Conservation and Harvesting
April 1
1:00 pm - 5:00pm
NC Arboretum, Asheville
This course will go over the basic principles of indoor and outdoor water management practices that conserve and protect water resources. The course will highlight the importance of onsite water management because of increasing water demands, rising costs, mandatory restrictions and water quality concerns in communities.
Course participants will learn the tools for implementing conservation practices and stormwater runoff prevention practices key to onsite water management. This course will introduce terms, core principles and available products/technologies related to onsite water management (to include: reduced turf areas, downspout drainage, rainwater cisterns, dry wells and trench drains).
www.wncgbc.org
Join us for a presentation on the importance of planting native plant species.
www.wncgbc.org
April 2 - May 4
Pack Place Community Gallery
In celebration of both Earth Day and the exhibition Time is of the Essence: Contemporary Landscape Art, the Asheville Art Museum’s education staff has collaborated with RiverLink and photographer Jeff Rich to offer a special project in Pack Place Community Gallery Wednesday, April 2 – Sunday, May 4, 2008.
Asheville Green Drinks
April 4
6:30 pm
BoBo Gallery, Asheville
Hike on Wells Family Farm in Sandy Mush
April 4
10:00 am
Sandy Mush, NC
For additional information contact: Cheryl Fowler
828.253.0095, ext. 200
Perspectives On Sustainable Development
Building for an Aging Population: Ideas for a Shifting Demographic
April 7, 2008
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Gladfelter, Canon Lounge
On the campus of Warren Wilson College
Cost: $5.50, payable to the Cafeteria upon arrival (if planning on eating lunch)
Coming listen to a talk given by:
Phillip Gibson, Warren Wilson College
Alison Climo, Warren Wilson College
Michele Skeele, Council on Aging for Henderson County
Juila Gibson, Pisgah Valley Retirement
Please RSVP: 828.771.3781
Asheville Green Drinks
April 11
6:30 pm
BoBo Gallery, Asheville
What Does Climate Change Mean for the Future? : Challenges to Our Water Systems and Infrastructures
April 15
7:00 - 9:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville
Panel discussion of leading experts focused on environmental issues surrounding climate change. Followed by a meet-the-presenters reception at the Museum. For more info: 271-4250
Green Building 101: Three Day Designing a Green Home
April 16
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum
This three-day course will familiarize attendees with the nuts and bolts of designing a green home. Over the three days, participants will go through the entire process of construction including siting a home to minimize environmental impact, making decisions about structural materials, HVAC equipment, landscaping, finish materials and much more while learning to take into account the financial implications of green building upgrades.
The goal of the class is for participants to walk away with the knowledge of how to make educated decisions on benefits and trade-offs of different green building techniques and technologies. Participatory activities while working in groups will be a significant aspect to the class.
www.wncgbc.org
Disengage from consumer culture! Study the design science that integrates humans harmoniously into the natural world.
April 18
9:00 am
Earthaven Ecovillage, Black Mountain NC
This course will introduce you to the essential principles and practices of Permaculture, an ecological design system for creating abundant regenerative human habitats. Permaculture principles combine ancient wisdoms with scientific knowledge as a tool kit to help you disengage from consumer culture and begin creating a sustainable future for yourself and the planet.
This Permaculture Certification Course is an extensive learning experience presented by a team of instructors, using lecture, discussion, hands-on projects, demonstrations, videos, site visits, and student presentations as teaching tools. Students receive a Permaculture Design certificate upon completion. Fee: $1400, including camping, food & materials. Discounts Available.
http://www.patriciaallison.net/schedule.html
Asheville Green Drinks
April 18
6:30 pm
BoBo Gallery, Asheville
Learn from permaculture the most Earth-friendly ways to provide an abundance of food, water, and shelter. Six Saturday mornings, 10 AM - 1 PM, April 19 - May 24. Hands-on classes include natural building, composting, wild edible plants, growing veggies and fruit trees, catching rainwater, and more. Offered by the Jubilee Community Earth Team. Teachers include local permaculturists, an ecopsychologist, and experienced youth educators. Sliding fee scale: $10-$20 per adult, $10 per youth, per class. Take one or more classes. For more information: blueheron5@hotmail.com, or call Gail: 225-7665.
Drought-Proofing Our Communities - Practical Strategies for Turning Water Scarcity Into Water Abundance
April 20
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Jubilee, Asheville NC
Award-winning author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Brad Lancaster, with be giving a public presentation on a vital issue to all of us. Brad's inspiring talk includes integrated plans for our homes, neighborhoods, and region. On April 22nd, Brad will be meeting with local policy-makers, advising them on best solutions for a sustainable local/regional plan. During his time in Asheville, he will also be offering a 2-Day Hand-On Residential Rainwater and Greywater Workshop.
For details visit: http://www.kleiwerks.org/events_projects.php#wkshp2
April 23 - October 14
Experience the mystery and beauty of nature in this photography exhibit showcasing flowers and insects. Local artist Cynthia Walker exposes the hidden simplicity that exists within the complexity of nature's patterns and light. NCarboretum.org.
2-Day Residential Rainwater & Greywater Harvesting Workshop
Learn How to Harvest Residential Water
April 24 - 25
Ashevillage Institute, Asheville
Instructors: Brad Lancaster (author of 'Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond') Turn water scarcity into water abundance! As development grows, formerly vegetated and porous earthen watersheds are paved over and made impervious. This urban phenomenon creates scarcity by dehydrating landscapes, increasing downstream flooding, increasing the heat island effect, and creating sterile living environments. However, many of these negative effects can be reversed. This workshop will empower you to turn water scarcity into water abundance at home, in your neighborhood, and beyond. Learn guiding principles and practical tools to welcome rainwater and greywater into your life and landscape. Through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on, we will overview rainwater and greywater harvesting collection systems, concepts, and practices, as well as design and install a residential rainwater and greywater system. You WILL leave this workshop with the ability and resources to install your own system. Brad will have his books available to sign. Contact: ; 828.225.8820
Cost: $150, includes materials - see website for details
kleiwerks.org/events
7 Week Permaculture Certification Course
Practical solutions for creating a sustainable world!
Last Saturday and Sunday of every month, April - October
Starts April 25th
In this time of Peak Oil, climate crisis, and the need for individual and community empowerment, Permaculture offers real solutions we can put into practice NOW. This course is for community leaders, teachers, builders, architects, developers, city planners, activists, students, and anyone looking to live more sustainably...
Hosted by: The Ashevillage Institute (AVI)
Location: Next to downtown Asheville, NC
Fee: $1,400
For more info: Contact Kimchi Rylander at AVI@kleiwerks.org, or call 828.225.8820
6th Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities
Conference, Awards and Trade Show
April 30 - May 2
Baltimore, MD
During this year's conference...
Network with more than 1000 green roof professionals, explore the Expo with more than 75 exhibitiors showcasing the latest in green roof products and services, learn from world wide experts on issues related to Research, Policy and Design, earn Continuing Education Credits, experience Baltimore on one of our many Green Roof Tours, and visit the Bookstore for Autograph Sessions by the authors of Green Roof Books!
For more information and to register visit: www.greenroofs.org
MAY
23rd Annual Festival of Flowers
Thru May 18
Biltmore Estate
Each spring Biltmore's Festival of Flowers celebrates the beauty of George W. Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre property and its original design by Frederick Law Olmsted, father of American landscape architecture. During this time, the estate's legendary gardens showcase a seasonal display of vibrant colors from thousands of tulips in the Walled garden to native and exotic blooms in the 20-acre azalea garden. Biltmore's gardens, Olmsted's final and most grand project, are in their 118th year, continuing to mature and growing more beautiful every year. Festivities across the estate include live music, interaction with Biltmore gardeners, storytelling from Biltmore historians, cooking demonstrations, children's activities and craft seminars. Www.biltmore.com.
May 1
9:30 - 1:00 pm
Pisgah View Apartments Community Center, Asheville
This community forum will address important questions related to green jobs as they relate to young people in Western North Carolina, including:
What workforce needs will the emerging green economy in Western North Carolina create, and how can we position local young people to meet them?
How do we ensure that local young people - particularly those from low-income communities - can access green job opportunities as they emerge?
How can young people help educate the community about climate change in a way that drives the local green economy, thereby creating more jobs?
What can young people do locally to confront the causes and consequences of climate change in a meaningful way?
For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Dan Leroy at dan@airtrust.org, or 828.318.9916
Asheville Green Drinks
May 2
6:30 pm
BoBo Gallery, Asheville
Learn from permaculture the most Earth-friendly ways to provide an abundance of food, water, and shelter. Six Saturday mornings, 10 AM - 1 PM, April 19 - May 24. Hands-on classes include natural building, composting, wild edible plants, growing veggies and fruit trees, catching rainwater, and more. Offered by the Jubilee Community Earth Team. Teachers include local permaculturists, an ecopsychologist, and experienced youth educators. Sliding fee scale: $10-$20 per adult, $10 per youth, per class. Take one or more classes. For more information: blueheron5@hotmail.com, or call Gail: 225-7665.
Peter Loewer is a garden writer, artist, passionate plant-person, native plant authority, and author of many gardening books including
www.reemscreek.com
Annual birdhouse auction.
www.bountifulcitiesproject.org
Shutterbug's Nature Photography Clinic
May 3 - 4
The Park is the perfect back drop for capturing award-winning photographs. Take advantage of this information-packed 2-day clinic with noted WNC photographer Les Saucier. Les has more than 25 years of experience in photography. For more information about him, visit his website at www.appalachianjourney.com.
Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information.
Make Your Own Water Catchment
May 5
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Master gardeners will be teaching home owners to make rain barrels. Call 697-4891 to RSVP
Cost: $5
Contact: Diane Turner at 828.697.4891
Sustainable Development Lunch and Learn
May 5
A Lunch and Learn Speaker Series titled, "Mountain Green: Perspectives on Sustainable Development," inspired by the first Mountain Green Conference in 2007, will be held on several Mondays at Warren Wilson College. Each series program, to be held from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Canon Lounge of Gladfelter Dining Hall, seeks to engage the greater community in a conversation about best practices for developing our mountain region. Cost of the buffet lunch preceding each presentation is $5.50 cash; the program itself is free of charge. David Tuch, Equinox Environmental, "Sustainable Development: Perspectives from a Land Planning Company."
Paddlin' the Pigeon Trip
May 5 - 10
The French Broad River Riverkeeper will paddle the Pigeon! Visit www.riverlink.org for more info!
May 6
This informative program is offered in cooperation with Buncombe County Cooperative Extension and regional Master Gardeners. 10 a.m. Education Center, NC Arboretum.
Green Building 201: Stormwater Management
May 6
1:00 - 3:00 pm, optional tour: 3:00-4:00
NC Arboretum
The course will focus on going over the Best Practices for stormwater management for single lot homes both in the city and on more rural larger lots, development scale stormwater management both during and post construction and the same for commercial development.
Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Pre-registration required.
CEU credits: 2 AIA HSW, 4 ECO Agent credits if both 201 classes are taken in the same day.
For more info, contact: Candice Black of WNCGBC ph. 828.254.1995, email: candice@wncgbc.org
Green Building 201: Sustainable Land Use
May 6
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
NC Arboretum
Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Pre-registration required.
CEU credits: 2 AIA HSW, 4 ECO Agent credits if both 201 classes are taken in the same day.
For more info, contact: Candice Black of WNCGBC
ph. 828.254.1995, email: candice@wncgbc.org
Free. REGISTER AND MORE INFO:
Contact Candice Black of WNCGBC:
ph. 828.254.1995 or
email: candice@wncgbc.org
No need to rsvp.
May 9
6:30 pm
BoBo Gallery, Asheville
Spring Scout Days for Boy Scouts
May 10 - 11
Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information. Spend a whole day learning in our outside classroom. Scouts will get up-close and personal with some of the critters, plants and trees that call the Park home. Then, explore the Park at night and sleep under the stars.
Carolinas Dahlia Society Tuber Sale and NC Chrysanthemum Society Plant Sale
May 10
A wide variety of dahlia tubers, dahlia plant starts and chrysanthemums featuring cultivated varieties will be available. Learning from society members, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms. Varieties include traditional favorites plus the latest cultivars to start the growing season. NCarboretum.org.
Wildflower Identification
May 10
1:00-4:00, Bullington Center, HEndersonville. Learn to identify our native wildflowers using the key in Newcombe’s Wildflower Guide. Led by members of the Western Carolina Botanical Club. $12
“Simon Says” Guided Bird Walk - Warbler Walk
May 11
Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information. The 2008 “Simon Says” Series of Guided Bird Walks continues with Warbler Walk. Dozens of species of warblers live and breed in the Park. Join birding expert, Simon Thompson, to see or hear all these species including Worm-eating, Swainson’s, Black-and-white, Hooded and Yellow-throated.
Homeschool Program “Nature Crafts”
May 12
Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information. Mother Nature gives us many gifts throughout the year. We will use some of her gracious offerings to create crafts for your students to take home. This fun and inventive program will give your children basic instruction and help their inner artist to come out! (* nominal materials fee)
Dahlia Tuber Sale and Chrysanthemum Plant Sale
May 13
NC Arboretum, www.ncarboretum.org. Two plant societies combine to offer show-quality dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum rooted cuttings just in time for spring planting, while supplies last. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday in the Baker Exhibit Center
Collections Walk: Wild Spring Perennials
May 14
NC Arboretum, www.ncarboretum.org. This monthly walk focuses on various seasonal features of the Arboretum's cultivated and wild plant collections. Wear sturdy footwear for walking on trails. 1 p.m. Baker Exhibit Center
May 16
6:30 pm
BoBo Gallery, Asheville
Spring Scout Days for Girl Scouts
May 17 - 18
Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information. Spend a whole day learning in our outside classroom. Scouts will get up-close and personal with some of the critters, plants and trees that call the Park home. Then, explore the Park at night and sleep under the stars.
Blue Ridge Hydrangea Society Annual Plant Sale
May 17
NC Arboretum, www.ncarboretum.org. Hydrangea Fever. This annual extravaganza features hundreds of gorgeous hydrangeas of many varieties and species for purchase, suitable for every garden. Sale will include unusual and highly prized specimens. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Education Center
“Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike - Mountaintop Trek -
May 17
Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information. Hike “Off the Beaten Path” through the woodlands of Chimney Rock Mountain to a remote rock outcrop. Starting on the Skyline Trail, this will be a moderately strenuous hike of 3 hours. Please wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain, and carry some water.
Green Sprouts ~ Summer Camp
May 19 - 23
NC Arboretum, www.ncarboretum.org. Kids will start their very first gardens and learn about the special care a garden requires as well as which plants thrive in the North Carolina mountains. Participants will play games that demonstrate our relationship to plants, go on short hikes, hear fun stories, and more. Ages 2-4 (two children can attend with each parent or guardian) Registration required (call 828-665-2492); $45 members, $55 general public 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each day Education Center
Twilight Tuesday
May 20
NC Arboretum, www.ncarboretum.org. Join us for the first Twilight Tuesday in 2008 and experience an evening of Klezmer and Swing music by Lew Gelfond and Hank Bones in the lobby of the Baker Exhibit Center. Enjoy the splendors of the spring landscape during a self-guided twilight stroll through the Arboretum's gardens and talk with a docent in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden. Light refreshments will be available. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Baker Exhibit Center
Asheville Green Drinks
May 23
6:30 pm
BoBo Gallery, Asheville
In-Depth Walk: What's New in the Garden
May 28
NC Arboretum, www.ncarboretum.org. An Arboretum staff horticulturist leads a walk focusing on new features in the gardens. 10:30 a.m. Baker Exhibit Center
Green Building 101: HealthyBuilt Home Orientation Training
May 28
1:00 - 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum
Cost: $49 per person. Pre-registration required.
CEU credits: 2 AIA HSW, 4 ECO Agent credits.
For more info, contact: Candice Black of WNCGBC ph. 828.254.1995, email: candice@wncgbc.org
2 Day Bee-Keeping Workshop
Everything You Want to Know About Bee-Keeping
May 29-30
9:00 am -5:00 pm
Instructors: Chris Mathis (of the WNC Bee School & The Spicewood Farm)
http://kleiwerks.org/avi/index.php Go inside the hive with Chris Mathis, our local bee-keeping expert, and learn about the magic and mystery of the honey-bee, with whom our lives are so intertwined. Did you know that approximately one out of every three bites we take, we can thank a honey bee for? Stewardship of the honey bees is one of the most important things we can do to secure our food supply, especially in a time when they are being threatened by pests, disease, climate change, and other forces. The good news is that WNC is blessed with the flora, agriculture, and bee-keepers who are doing their part to keep the honey bees alive, but more bee-keepers are needed! In this workshop, you will learn the essentials of starting and maintaining your own hives, including the time, money, materials, siting, and timing of bee-keeping; hive health; honey harvesting; wooden ware construction; and basic honey bee biology. Lecture, hands-on demonstration, and educational materials will be provided to maximize your success as a steward of the bees. 828.225.8820
Cost: $150 - See website for registration and details
kleiwerks.org
Asheville Green Drinks
May 30
6:30 pm
BoBo Gallery, Asheville
JUNE
Asheville City Market: Local Food Local Farmers
June 7 (and every Saturday through December 21)
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Public Works Building Parking Lot - S Charloote St. & Eagle St
Community Feedback Session on Draft Vision and Goals of Downtown Master Plan
Thursday, June 12
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Asheville Civic Center, Banquet Hall
The planning team will bring draft vision and goals for community feedback. The vision and goals will be the basis for the Master Plan.
Invasive Plants: Learn How to Identify and Control
June 12
This class will teach you how to identify exotic invasive plants and the most current control recommendations. For those people with a pesticide license this class was approved for pesticide credits in categories GHLNODX. Please call to pre-register.
Contact Amanda Stone at (828) 255-5522
Green Building 101: Green Home Renovation
June 14
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum
While greening new construction is an important goal, the majority of buildings that will be here in 10 years already have been built. This course will review the challenges and opportunities inherent to green renovation, focusing on residential buildings. There will be an introduction to green building basic principles and discussion of how these principles may or may not apply to renovation. As with new construction, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, materials selection and others topics will be discussed. In addition this class will also cover costs, existing toxins, challenges in older existing homes, common issues in renovations and when is it not worth it. This course is a great resource for homeowners renovating their own homes as well as contractors looking to work on green renovations. We will talk about first hand experience on renovation projects.
www.wncgbc.org
Green Building 101: Introduction to Natural Building
June 17
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
AB Tech
Natural Building: What Is It? How Do You Do It? Why Would You Do It?
“Natural building” is a catchall phrase for a variety of building techniques that share a focus on using local or site-harvested materials and simple tools to create energy efficient, low-impact structures. In this four hour course, we’ll go over the basics by comparing and contrasting a variety of methods including adobe, cob, clay-slip straw, straw bale, cordwood and others. We’ll also introduce natural finishes such as earth plaster and site-made paints. Finally, we’ll discuss ways of integrating natural building into commercial “green” or conventional building systems, and options for natural building remodeling and “interior decorating”. Our focus will be a practical, realistic look at the pros and cons of implementing natural building solutions in this modern world.
Clarke Snell has written two books on alternatives to conventional construction techniques. He administers Think Green Building, a small design, consulting, research, and rabble-rousing network.
www.wncgbc.org