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🛢️ Save this for a rainy day
The city’s popular subsidized rain barrel sale is back this spring. | Photo via MWS
We may be out of the woods when it comes to snow flurries, but the spring showers are just getting started. And there’s a way to turn those showers into a sustainable resource for your home and garden, reducing runoff and giving your plants a free drink.
What is a rain barrel?
These containers, usually 30 to 100 gallons, are designed to collect and store rainwater for later use. The harvested water can then be used to water plants, wash your car, and tackle other household tasks.
Not only are they useful to you, but they also improve the health of the French Broad watershed.
The French Broad River stretches 219 miles, fed by 4,000 miles of rivers and streams across eight counties. And in more urban areas like Buncombe County, rain running off rooftops and pavement flows untreated into waterways, causing flooding, erosion, and pollution — a problem expected to grow as development increases.
By capturing roof runoff in rain barrels, homeowners can help slow the flow of stormwater and keep some of it out of local streams.
Campus designs include a healing garden and community walking trail, connecting patients with the restorative benefits of nature + movement. | Rendering provided by AdventHealth
Expanded access to whole-person care is coming to Western North Carolina: Construction has begun on AdventHealth Weaverville.
The state approved AdventHealth’s application to build the new hospital, broadening service for Buncombe, Graham, Madison, and Yancey counties.
Planned services include:
Enhanced trauma services
A Level II NICU special care nursery
Advanced heart care with a cardiac catheterization lab + interventional cardiology
Comprehensive cancer care | Medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion, and patient support services
Stay tuned for an opening timeline + listening session dates.
Speaking of stormwater, the City of Asheville is kicking off a stormwater system checkup, starting in the Nasty Branch watershed from Beaucatcher Mountain to the French Broad River. Crews begin fieldwork on Monday, March 23, mapping drains and infrastructure to spot flooding and erosion issues. Expect minimal disruptions through June.
Concert
Willie Nelson is on the road again and headed to Asheville Yards on Saturday, April 25. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m.
Featured
“I came for post-dinner drinks. I left evangelical,” writer Jenn Rice said of Potential New Boyfriend in a new Forbes feature. If you feel similarly, the membership program is right up your alley, offering access to secret menu items and reservation priority.
Environment
Supplement your spring planting with biochar this season, courtesy of Bountiful Cities and the City of Asheville. Bring a bucket and take home some of the stable, carbon-rich charcoal from the Pearson Community Garden on Friday, March 27 at 1 pm.
Kids
Calling all young river rats. RiverLink is accepting submissions for its 18th annual Voices of the River Contest. K–8 students across the French Broad River watershed can share art or poems inspired by this year’s theme, “Rhythms of the River.” The deadline is Friday, April 3.
Cause
Asheville GreenWorks and the Historic Biltmore Village Association are teaming up to host the Biltmore Village Sweep this Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m., clearing waste out of the streets and waterways. Sign up to lend a hand.
Why settle for a credit card that only offers 2% cash back when you could be earning 6%? This card is a reward-seeker’s dream, offering up to 6% cash back in categories you actually use + a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers through 2027. Learn more + apply.*
Editor’s Pick
🌶️ Talk about a hot shot
The Asheville brand is spicing up the competition. | Photo via Spice Witch
Among more than 6,000 applicants, local chili oil and chili crisp brand Spice Witch was one of nine semifinalists selected in The UPS Store Challenge. Produced in partnership with Inc. Magazine, the competition highlights standout small businesses from across the country.
Now it’s your turn to bring the heat. Voting is open through Sunday, April 5 — show your support daily to give Spice Witch the chance to score a feature in Inc. Magazine, a share of $35,000 in prize money, and mentorship opportunities.
The Buy
One of the best deals this spring: 60% off a lifetime subscription with Babbel. Whether you’re planning a trip, eager to connect with your community, or simply want to stretch your mind, Babbel can help you speak your desired language out loud in as little as three weeks through just 10 minutes of practice a day.
The Hop has plenty of tail-wagging fun planned for spring with Barkberry, a new Happy Tails doggie ice cream flavor, debuting March 23 for National Puppy Day. Pup parents can also sign up to get adorable pet portraits this Sunday, March 22 at the Merrimon location and join playful doggie ice cream socials starting Saturday, April 11 in Black Mountain.
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