Earth Day 2025 Emphasizes Conservation and Community Engagement in W. North Carolina
Bee City USA encourages protecting pollinators during Earth Week, advocating for native flowers and natural habitats, while Asheville launches a Butterfly Trail to raise awareness about the importance of these vital creatures.
Asheville Loses Two Major Art Supply Stores in Wake of Helene
The recent closures of Cheap Joe's Art Stuff and Joann Fabrics in Asheville, significant suppliers for the local artist community, have left the city without any art stores, exacerbating the challenges faced by artists following Hurricane Helene.
Asheville’s Truck City AVL Showcases Essential Vehicles for Community Recovery
Asheville Parks & Recreation hosted the annual Truck City AVL event at Tanger Outlets on April 12, showcasing over 40 city vehicles essential for operations and recovery, including police, fire, and public works vehicles. The event featured educational activities, a quiet hour for sensory sensitivities, and highlighted the vehicles' roles in Hurricane Helene recovery, fostering community engagement and pride.
“Empty Bowls” Benefits Flat Rock Backpack Program
This year approximately 130 children receive the backpacks, filled with nutritious food, to take home for the weekend.
Rotary Club of Asheville Celebrates Community Leaders at Annual Gala
The Rotary Club of Asheville, comprised of 167 volunteers and with a rich history spanning over 110 years, is dedicated to uniting local actions under a common "service above self" mindset to create lasting change in the world, in our communities, and in ourselves
Henderson County Libraries to Host Disaster Recovery Fairs for Post Helene Assistance
Henderson County offers hurricane recovery fairs at county library locations.
Important Changes to Community Care Stations
Buncombe County officials updated residents on community care stations and recovery events following Hurricane Helene. Adjustments were made to services as recovery efforts progressed, with important deadlines approaching for debris removal and FEMA assistance applications. Community engagement was encouraged in shaping future recovery strategies through public input opportunities.
WNC Nature Center Opens After Severe Flooding Amidst Loss
The WNC Nature Center reopened on March 17, 2025, after significant storm damage led to its closure. The center will offer early access for members and has made substantial improvements during its downtime. Community outreach efforts continued throughout the closure, emphasizing wildlife education and conservation.
Local Journalists Address the State of Media at Leadership Asheville Forum Luncheon
The Leadership Asheville Forum's February Critical Issues Luncheon featured journalists Mark Barrett and John Bole discussing the decline of local journalism and the importance of supporting credible news sources. They highlighted the significant reduction in newsroom staff, the financial challenges facing traditional media, and the need for community engagement and media literacy to combat misinformation and promote informed citizenry.
The Role of Drone Technology in Assessing Hurricane Damage
Shamrock+ deployed drone technology in North Carolina to aid recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene's devastation. Partnering with federal agencies, they utilized aerial imaging for efficient damage assessment while addressing environmental concerns related to debris management. Their experience from past disasters informed their strategies, enhancing safety and data accuracy during recovery operations.