Plus, $4 million in funding for the Enka Recreation Destination Project.
 
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North Carolina’s conservation champions

Meet the two North Carolinians honored as Garden & Gun Champions of Conservation
Outbuildings of Hickory Nut Gap Farm with a rainbow over them
Hickory Nut Gap Farm’s sustainable mission made it a natural venue choice. | Photo by Billy Callis
“So much of what is great about the South,” says Garden & Gun Editor in Chief David DiBenedetto, “springs from the land.” It’s a simple belief in the beauty and vitality of our part of the world, a reverence for the soil on which we stand — but it’s also the philosophical force behind honoring the magazine’s Champions of Conservation.

Announced just days ago, the 12 Champions of Conservation are a group of Southerners working in our waterways and forests, farmlands and cities to protect, sustain, and conserve. They were chosen by an interdisciplinary panel (including Asheville’s own Dr. JJ Apodaca) for their grassroots efforts on conservation’s front lines. “This is their calling,” says DiBenedetto, “and they don’t always get recognized.”

Next Wednesday, Sept. 25, the Champions will be honored at Cocktails & Conservation at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. But before the drinks + discussion begin to flow, we’re going to introduce you to the two North Carolinians who joined this year’s Champions class.

Kelly Holdbrooks of Southern Highlands Reserve stands in a greenhouse

The work is important for the ecosystem and the local economy, says Holdbrooks.

|

Photo by Karin Strickland

Safeguarding the forests of Southern Appalachia

Director Kelly Holdbrooks and her team at Southern Highlands Reserve in Brevard operate under three pillars: education, research, and propagation. The reserve began in 2002 as a private native plant garden (and technically still is), but it quickly turned into a nonprofit focused on the sustainability of plant species in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Universities and international partners perform research on the reserve, and it is the primary nursery conducting red spruce propagation for the US Forest Service. Just this past year, 300 of the reserve’s trees were planted on Mount Mitchell.

“I hope this award brings more awareness to the conservation work,” says Holdbrooks. “We want people to really understand the importance of these ecosystems and the role they play in our lives.”

For six months of the year, you can make a reservation for tours — and you can donate to the capital campaign anytime.
Scientific inclusivity + soiree celebration
 
Events
Thursday, Sept. 19
  • Senior Exercise Party | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center | Free | Break a sweat with a new set of buddies — the class is for ages 50+.
  • Craft & Connect | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 7-8 p.m. | Harvest House Community Center | $5 | See your creative skills blossom as you learn to arrange a bouquet of flowers.
Friday, Sept. 20
  • Gin & Jazz Social | Friday, Sept. 20 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Omni Grove Park Inn | $144 | Gulp a giggle water while you’re putting on the Ritz — 1920s attire is encouraged.
  • Punch Bucket Literary Festival | Friday, Sept. 20-Saturday, Sept. 21 | Times vary | Various locations | $89+ | Browse the book fair, enjoy the readings, and meet renowned authors during this inaugural festival.
  • “The Sound of Music” | Friday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Oct. 13 | Times vary | Asheville Community Theatre | $18+ | Follow an ebullient postulate and her seven charges, who need music + joy in the midst of brewing war.
Saturday, Sept. 21
  • Pigs in a Blanket Festival | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 1-8 p.m. | Misfit Mountain, Waynesville | Show your support for the mission of Misfit Mountain with pig pen tours, pig yoga, live art, food trucks, and camping.
  • Cosmic Equinox Music & Arts Festival | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 2-8 p.m. | One World Brewing - West Asheville | Dance, create, connect, and set intentions for autumn with an afternoon of interactive art, fire dancers, DJs, and vendors.
  • Drag King Karaoke | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 7:30-10 p.m. | plēb urban winery | $5 suggested donation | Sing your heart out during an evening of karaoke hosted by Milo Mawile and fierce performances from Decoupage, Daryl Lick, and more.
Sunday, Sept. 22
  • Fall Festival Art Market | Sunday, Sept. 22 | 1-6 p.m. | Terra Nova Beer Co. - South Slope | Free | Celebrate the start of the season with goods from local artists and artisans, live music, pizza, and beer.
  • Panning For Gemstones | Sunday, Sept. 22-Sunday, Oct. 20 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Story Parlor | $325 | Learn to self-edit, gain a perspective on your writing, and complete your work during this expert-led workshop.
Your weekend came early
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Travel

✈️ 3 wildly cheap flights out of Asheville Regional Airport in 2024
A plane flys over palm trees in a clear sky.
Pro tip: Set custom destination alerts as a Going Premium member. | Photo by Pexels
Great airfare deals do exist — and thanks to flight price tracking services like Going, you can save hundreds on your next trip. Sign up for Going’s Premium plan, and you’ll be emailed when international flights leaving our city are seriously discounted.

Here are real flight deals out of the Asheville airport the Going team found this year:
  • $282 to Panama
  • $294 to Costa Rica
  • $294 to Madrid
Sign up + get local flight deals
News Notes
Biz
  • The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Coalition are seeking community feedback on the new 5x5 strategy. The plan guides the next five years of goals, initiatives, and priorities that work toward a diversified local economy and elevated standard of living. Respond to the survey.
Outdoors
  • At the Tuesday, Sept. 17 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved Tourism Development Authority funding for the Enka Recreation Destination Project. The $4 million grant will help with projects like an inclusive playground, central restroom renovation, and additional fields.
Active
  • Hit the ground running. Registration is now open for Underground Fitness’ South Slope Fusion fitness race, a local first-of-its-kind competition. On Saturday, Oct. 19, teams of two will put their endurance and strength on the starting line with eight movement stations, all preceded by a team run. Register by Sunday, Oct. 13.
Civic
  • The Board of Commissioners is using $3.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to increase the number of local shelter beds. Haywood Street Respite will gain 16 beds, and Salvation Army will expand by 61 beds. Safe Shelter will receive ~$1 million to create a 25-space shelter bed program.
Shop
  • This Sunday, Sept. 22, Emote is hosting a Halloween costume edition of its free monthly clothing swap. Bring your drop dead gorgeous costumes, wigs, hats, and accessories — and find some attire of your own. Pro tip: You can join even if you don’t have something to swap.
Community
  • Check this out. Buncombe County Public Libraries now offer online booking for its free library meeting spaces. Eleven of the county’s 13 libraries have public meeting spaces, and you can make a reservation up to 60 days in advance.
Number
  • 20. That’s how many years the Dr. John Wilson Community Garden in Black Mountain has been putting down roots. To honor the anniversary, Friends of the Community Gardens is hosting a celebration this Sunday, Sept. 22 at White Horse Black Mountain. Expect dinner, a silent auction, and an original play.
Civic
  • Get in gear for the Asheville on Bikes Get There AVL Candidate Forum. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Asheville City Council candidates will share their thoughts on transportation and meet with constituents. You needn’t just be along for the ride — because AoB is looking for community questions as they finalize the panel.
Announced
  • At the Tuesday meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners appointed Eric Cregger as Interim Property Assessor, after a vote to remove Property Assessor Keith Miller from the position. Cregger has been Assistant Director of Property Assessment since last September.
Older Adults
  • Do you have a 55+ loved one who needs home support — but still wants to maintain their independence in the comfort of their homes? CarePartners PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) provides community-based care + services for people who might otherwise need nursing home-level care. Learn more.*
Cause
  • It’s hammer time: Asheville’s Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers to help build its 20th Women Build house for a local single mother. Learn new skills, meet new people, and leave with that unbeatable warm fuzzy feeling that only comes from helping others. No experience necessary. Sign up with friends.*
Trending
 
Regional

Kuwohi name restored to Clingmans Dome
A view of kuwohi from the national park path
The effort to return the peak to its original name began in 2022. | Photo via the National Park Service
Yesterday, the US Board of Geographic Names approved a proposal from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to restore the name of the tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Kuwohi, the Cherokee name for the mountain.

The change is the result of a years-long effort from EBCI members Lavita Hill and Mary Crowe and a proposal from EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks submitted in January.

The mountain has always been known as Kuwohi (ᎫᏬᎯ in Cherokee syllabary) to the Cherokee People; the name translates to “mulberry place.” After a survey in 1859, geographer Arnold Guyot renamed the mountain after Confederate general Thomas Clingman — but now, the Kuwohi name is returned.

New signage and online materials reflecting the change are in progress. Learn more about the name restoration.
The Buy

The Buy 9.19.24 (Affiliate)
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More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Molly
From the editor
My dog Reginald hates when I pay attention to other dogs, so I’m going to tell y’all a secret that you’re not allowed to tell him. (I cannot imagine the circumstances under which you’d be having a private conversation with my dog — but I digress.) Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is hosting a Puppy Petting Pizza Party this Saturday, Sept. 21 at White Labs Brewing Co. For just $5, I — I mean, you — will get five minutes of puppy snuggles and $5 off a pizza. Plus, there will be adoptable pups in case you need a new friend.
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