We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Asheville. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
🐦 Stay hawk-eyed for these native birds
This jewel-colored critter is eastern North America’s sole breeding hummingbird. | Photo by @ncbirdwatch
Hear that outside? As the nonstop chirping and chiming begins, it’s the season to get into birdwatching. Lucky for us, NC is home to hundreds of year-round and migrating bird species, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this peaceful (and free) hobby.
In honor of our feathered friends, we’re sharing 20of the birds you may be seeing or hearing in your backyard now — plus a few tips for perfecting your birdwatching approach.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
This zippy, compact bird is often described as jewel-like because of its vibrant shades of green and red. You can help beckon this bird into your yard with a flower garden.
Fun fact: this bird is eastern North America’s sole breeding hummingbird. In early fall, they migrate to Central America.
Tree Swallows love to chat. | Photo by @ncbirdwatch
Tree Swallows
These handsome, chipper blue birds are often the first spring migrants to arrive in the Blue Ridge Mountains each year, known for having acrobatic flight patterns (especially when chasing bugs). You can often find them nesting in tree cavities, with a high-pitched song that’s split into three sounds: a chirp, whine, and gurgle.
Speaking of birds, there’s a simple way to help them fly safer as millions cross NC during spring migration. Light pollution can disorient them, so residents are encouraged to turn off nonessential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. through May to help make nighttime skies more secure.
Edu
Warren Wilson College has joined a statewide effort to address NC’s social worker shortage. Through the Public Service Leadership Program, the college will help recruit and train students for high-need roles, particularly in rural WNC, where access to behavioral health and family support services remains limited.
Shop
Spring farmers markets are taking root. Grab your reusable bags and head to one of the area’s 13 markets as they begin selling seasonal eats.
Civic
Buncombe County is looking for a partner to help create more stable housing for people leaving the justice system. Through the Just Home Project, up to $5 million could support new or renovated homes. An info session is on Thursday, April 2, with applications due Wednesday, April 15.
Learn
Picture a historic home, and clean lines, simple geometry, and open floor plans probably don’t come to mind. During a Thursday, March 26 talk at UNC Asheville, the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County will host archivist George Smart to spotlight NC’s Modernist homes and the challenge of preserving structures that feel ahead of their time.
Real Estate
While not historic, this five-bedroom custom-built modernist mansion in Olivette is a real looker. For a funky geometric look at a fraction of the cost, you could call this three-bedroom home off Sweeten Creek Road home.
Outdoors
Researchers at the University of Oxford in England have discovered a new planet — approx. 60% larger than Earth, 35 light-years from our solar system, and boasting a “magma ocean” with “large amounts of sulfur.” A bit closer to home, check out these local spots for stargazing.
Health
A new hospital is coming to Western North Carolina: AdventHealth Weaverville is now under construction. The hospital aims to provide whole-person care closer to home to families across the region. You’re invited to help shape the new hospital at listening sessions this summer.*
Real Estate
Looking to get more eyes on your listing? Feature a property with a strategically-placed blurb right here in this section that guides readers straight to your listing. Try it out.
The Buy
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. These five products offer easy + effective ways to level up your sleep hygiene for more restful nights.
🧴 Lather sore muscles with this magnesium lavender lotion to help ease tension + wind down before bed.
💤 Don’t let the sun or other bright lights interrupt your sleep thanks to these top-rated blackout curtains.
👁️ For even more light-blocking, try this breathable cotton eyemask that’s designed with cooling fabric.
🍬 Try these science-backed meltaway sleep mints that are crafted with melatonin and calming herbs.
🌜 Get this best-selling white noise machine to block out unwanted noises thanks to 20+ sound settings.
If you’re looking ahead to Easter and Mother’s Day meals, Red Fiddle Vittles’ holiday menus may catch your eye — the pesto deviled eggs certainly caught my attention.
}})
