2022 Pollination Celebration!
A yearlong calendar of events to celebrate Asheville's 10th anniversary as a Bee City USA affiliate
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This year marks our 10th anniversary as a Bee City USA affiliate, which we are celebrating with a yearlong Pollination Celebration! We'll be offering a lineup of socially distanced, educational, and pollinator-centered events to celebrate our pollen-bearing friends and all that they do for us. Why celebrate? In 2011 a group of Buncombe beekeepers were alarmed by the decline of pollinators, and a group of volunteers created a steering committee to research what could be done - landing on a city certification program with achievable goals. On June 26, 2012, Asheville City Council was the first in the nation to adopt the Bee City USA resolution, making Asheville the birthplace of a national program that has even been copied in neighboring Canada. Now, the Bee City program has 149 certified affiliates and the sister Bee Campus USA program for universities has 131 certified affiliates for a total of 280 affiliates. |
Here in Western North Carolina alone, we have six Bee Cities (Asheville, Hendersonville, Highlands, Boone, Laurel Park, and Hayesville) and five Bee Campuses (UNC Asheville, the NC Arboretum, Warren Wilson College, Blue Ridge Community College, and Appalachian State University).
So, we thank you for your interest in pollinator advocacy, and we invite you to join us to learn about pollinators, discover ways we can mitigate their decline, and celebrate all they do for us!
Interested in hosting your own event to support pollinators in Asheville?
Email [email protected] or [email protected] with your idea!
So, we thank you for your interest in pollinator advocacy, and we invite you to join us to learn about pollinators, discover ways we can mitigate their decline, and celebrate all they do for us!
Interested in hosting your own event to support pollinators in Asheville?
Email [email protected] or [email protected] with your idea!
A Brief History of Bee City USA - From Our Founder, Phyllis Stiles:
| brief_history_of_bcusa_for_great_buzz_gathering_2022.pdf |
EVENTS:
Mark Your Calendars ... Coming this July:
View Past events from 2022
The Great Buzz Gathering 2022
January 25, 2022, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Description: We know our pollinator protector community wants to stay on top of the buzz. That’s why we weren’t surprised the hive came out in force for our third annual Great Buzz Gathering. Almost 70 people joined us on ZOOM to hear from a variety of energetic bee guardians, pollinator-meadow planters, and bee-innovative institutions.
We had 13 presenters representing: GreenWorks, Bee City Asheville, Reems Creek Nursery, Wildbud Natives, M R Gardens, Carolina Native Nursery, UNC - Asheville, Bountiful Cities, The Biltmore Company, Living Web Farms, Bee City USA – Hendersonville, North Carolina Arboretum, and Lisa Wagner.
Watch the recording here!
January 25, 2022, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Description: We know our pollinator protector community wants to stay on top of the buzz. That’s why we weren’t surprised the hive came out in force for our third annual Great Buzz Gathering. Almost 70 people joined us on ZOOM to hear from a variety of energetic bee guardians, pollinator-meadow planters, and bee-innovative institutions.
We had 13 presenters representing: GreenWorks, Bee City Asheville, Reems Creek Nursery, Wildbud Natives, M R Gardens, Carolina Native Nursery, UNC - Asheville, Bountiful Cities, The Biltmore Company, Living Web Farms, Bee City USA – Hendersonville, North Carolina Arboretum, and Lisa Wagner.
Watch the recording here!
Noble Cider Adult Spelling Bee
Friday, February 4, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Description: Honeybees are in “t-r-o-u-b-l-e,” and Noble Cider wanted to help. The downtown taproom and restaurant hosted the inaugural Adult Spelling Bee to benefit
Asheville GreenWorks Bee City USA. Seven teams of three competed for prizes
from Asheville Bee Charmer and gift cards from Noble Cider. Awards were given
for best team outfits. The competition was run by Mitch Fortune of Mitch’s Totally
Rad Trivia. Proceeds from the spelling bee cider sales, donations for entry, and
team add-ons will go toward helping Bee City Asheville's local efforts to restore
and protect bee populations.
Thank you to those who attended!
Friday, February 4, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Description: Honeybees are in “t-r-o-u-b-l-e,” and Noble Cider wanted to help. The downtown taproom and restaurant hosted the inaugural Adult Spelling Bee to benefit
Asheville GreenWorks Bee City USA. Seven teams of three competed for prizes
from Asheville Bee Charmer and gift cards from Noble Cider. Awards were given
for best team outfits. The competition was run by Mitch Fortune of Mitch’s Totally
Rad Trivia. Proceeds from the spelling bee cider sales, donations for entry, and
team add-ons will go toward helping Bee City Asheville's local efforts to restore
and protect bee populations.
Thank you to those who attended!
What Pollinator-Friendly Trees to Plant This Spring: Hendersonville Tree Board Presentation by Phyllis Stiles
Thursday, March 10, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Description: Learn more about the types of trees to plant as landscaping or as an addition to a private natural preserve at a program by Phyllis Stiles, founder of the Bee City USA program. Using Powerpoint visuals, Stiles will explain how every part of native trees supports pollinators throughout the year: blossoms provide abundant pollen and nectar, leaves host butterfly and moth larvae, bark provides safe spaces for overwintering, snags provide nesting sites, and leaf mulch provides overwintering habitat.
Farmers and those whose business depends on successful pollinators as well as homeowners interested in sustainable landscaping may find the program especially informative.
Phyllis Stiles is founder and director emeritus of Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA, nationwide programs which became initiatives of the Xerces Society in 2018. To date, more than 280 cities and campuses in 44 states have joined the network.
Location: Henderson County Library auditorium, 301 N. Washington Street, Hendersonville
Cost: Free
Registration: None
Event Link: https://bullingtongardens.org/bee-city-usa-hendersonville/bee-city-usa-hendersonville-pollinator-events/
Thursday, March 10, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Description: Learn more about the types of trees to plant as landscaping or as an addition to a private natural preserve at a program by Phyllis Stiles, founder of the Bee City USA program. Using Powerpoint visuals, Stiles will explain how every part of native trees supports pollinators throughout the year: blossoms provide abundant pollen and nectar, leaves host butterfly and moth larvae, bark provides safe spaces for overwintering, snags provide nesting sites, and leaf mulch provides overwintering habitat.
Farmers and those whose business depends on successful pollinators as well as homeowners interested in sustainable landscaping may find the program especially informative.
Phyllis Stiles is founder and director emeritus of Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA, nationwide programs which became initiatives of the Xerces Society in 2018. To date, more than 280 cities and campuses in 44 states have joined the network.
Location: Henderson County Library auditorium, 301 N. Washington Street, Hendersonville
Cost: Free
Registration: None
Event Link: https://bullingtongardens.org/bee-city-usa-hendersonville/bee-city-usa-hendersonville-pollinator-events/
UNC Asheville Environmental Seminar Speaker: Dr. Robin Sears
Thursday, March 31, 12:00pm - 1:00 pm
Description: Dr. Robin Sears, Independent Environmental Consultant and CIFOR Associate — “Forest Livelihood versus Forest Conservation: One Anthropocene Conundrum”. This is a GreenFest event; UNCA hosts Greenfest each spring as part of their Sustainability Program. UNCA became a Bee Campus USA affiliate in 2016, also a part of their Sustainability Program. Their Bee Campus USA pollinator conservation program entails habitat enhancement, curriculum, service-learning, and pollinator-friendly integrated pest management. Forest conservation is vital to pollinator conservation as trees and forests support a multitude of pollinators as sources of pollen and nectar as well as nesting and overwintering sites.
Location: virtual
Event Link: https://sustainability.unca.edu/programs-and-events/greenfest/
Thursday, March 31, 12:00pm - 1:00 pm
Description: Dr. Robin Sears, Independent Environmental Consultant and CIFOR Associate — “Forest Livelihood versus Forest Conservation: One Anthropocene Conundrum”. This is a GreenFest event; UNCA hosts Greenfest each spring as part of their Sustainability Program. UNCA became a Bee Campus USA affiliate in 2016, also a part of their Sustainability Program. Their Bee Campus USA pollinator conservation program entails habitat enhancement, curriculum, service-learning, and pollinator-friendly integrated pest management. Forest conservation is vital to pollinator conservation as trees and forests support a multitude of pollinators as sources of pollen and nectar as well as nesting and overwintering sites.
Location: virtual
Event Link: https://sustainability.unca.edu/programs-and-events/greenfest/
UNC Asheville Guided Bird and Plant Walk: Botanical Gardens
Saturday, April 2, 9:00am - 10:00 am
Description: Explore the Botanical Gardens of Asheville with a trained botanist and ornithologist. Bring binoculars if you have them, but some will be available for folks to borrow. Fingers crossed that we will spot some activity at the Red Shouldered Hawk nest. UNCA became a Bee Campus USA affiliate in 2016, as part of their Sustainability Program. Their Bee Campus USA pollinator conservation program entails habitat enhancement, curriculum, service-learning, and pollinator-friendly integrated pest management. Pollinators facilitate the reproduction of 90% of the flowering plant species that birds rely on for food and nesting, and 96% of terrestrial birds feed insects to their young, especially soft-bodied moth and butterfly caterpillars.
Register to attend by using this google form.
Location: Meet at Haynes Cabin at The Botanical Gardens at Asheville.
Saturday, April 2, 9:00am - 10:00 am
Description: Explore the Botanical Gardens of Asheville with a trained botanist and ornithologist. Bring binoculars if you have them, but some will be available for folks to borrow. Fingers crossed that we will spot some activity at the Red Shouldered Hawk nest. UNCA became a Bee Campus USA affiliate in 2016, as part of their Sustainability Program. Their Bee Campus USA pollinator conservation program entails habitat enhancement, curriculum, service-learning, and pollinator-friendly integrated pest management. Pollinators facilitate the reproduction of 90% of the flowering plant species that birds rely on for food and nesting, and 96% of terrestrial birds feed insects to their young, especially soft-bodied moth and butterfly caterpillars.
Register to attend by using this google form.
Location: Meet at Haynes Cabin at The Botanical Gardens at Asheville.
Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Garden: Zoom workshop with Lisa Wagner
Wednesday, April 6, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Description: Native bees, honeybees, flower flies, butterflies, and hummingbirds are among North America’s best-known pollinators. Enjoyable to watch, they’re even more important in their role as pollinators; most flowering plants (90%) depend on pollinators for successful reproduction, including a third of our food plants. Join naturalist, plant ecologist, and garden educator Lisa Wagner to learn how to create a landscape that supports pollinators with plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. She’ll talk about habitat characteristics that are important for pollinators, provide suggestions for plants to add to your garden, and discuss ways to support pollinators in your own garden and community.
Lisa Wagner was the Director of Education at the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University for over 20 years before she and her husband retired to Asheville, North Carolina. A plant ecologist by background (Ph.D. in Botany, UC Berkeley), she’s interested in native plants, sustainable gardening, vegetable gardening, and public outreach as well as being a keen gardener. She often teaches classes at the NC Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, in addition to doing presentations for groups (now as a volunteer). Her blogs, Natural Gardening (www.naturalgardening.blogspot.com) and Places of the Spirit (www.placesofthespirit.blogspot.com) reflect her observations about the natural world, gardening, and sense of place.
Watch the Zoom Recording here.
Wednesday, April 6, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Description: Native bees, honeybees, flower flies, butterflies, and hummingbirds are among North America’s best-known pollinators. Enjoyable to watch, they’re even more important in their role as pollinators; most flowering plants (90%) depend on pollinators for successful reproduction, including a third of our food plants. Join naturalist, plant ecologist, and garden educator Lisa Wagner to learn how to create a landscape that supports pollinators with plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. She’ll talk about habitat characteristics that are important for pollinators, provide suggestions for plants to add to your garden, and discuss ways to support pollinators in your own garden and community.
Lisa Wagner was the Director of Education at the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University for over 20 years before she and her husband retired to Asheville, North Carolina. A plant ecologist by background (Ph.D. in Botany, UC Berkeley), she’s interested in native plants, sustainable gardening, vegetable gardening, and public outreach as well as being a keen gardener. She often teaches classes at the NC Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, in addition to doing presentations for groups (now as a volunteer). Her blogs, Natural Gardening (www.naturalgardening.blogspot.com) and Places of the Spirit (www.placesofthespirit.blogspot.com) reflect her observations about the natural world, gardening, and sense of place.
Watch the Zoom Recording here.
Earth Day at Painters Greenhouse
Friday, April 22, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Description: To encourage our customers to plant pollinator and wildlife-friendly shrubs
and trees, we will be offering select species at 15% off and posting a video highlighting
our favorite pollinator/wildlife-friendly shrubs and trees (we offer over 300 native species
including 60+ shrubs and trees essential to local wildlife). We look forward to sharing how many native shrubs and trees are essential host plants to pollinators! Customers will receive Painters canvas totes with a minimum purchase (let’s reduce plastic bag use!), and Bounty & Soul T-shirts (stating “Produce to the People!”) will be sold to raise funds for this wonderful nonprofit.
Location: On site – 734 Roy Moore Rd., Old Fort NC 28762.
A virtual educational video about our favorite pollinator/wildlife friendly shrubs and trees will also be posted.
Friday, April 22, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Description: To encourage our customers to plant pollinator and wildlife-friendly shrubs
and trees, we will be offering select species at 15% off and posting a video highlighting
our favorite pollinator/wildlife-friendly shrubs and trees (we offer over 300 native species
including 60+ shrubs and trees essential to local wildlife). We look forward to sharing how many native shrubs and trees are essential host plants to pollinators! Customers will receive Painters canvas totes with a minimum purchase (let’s reduce plastic bag use!), and Bounty & Soul T-shirts (stating “Produce to the People!”) will be sold to raise funds for this wonderful nonprofit.
Location: On site – 734 Roy Moore Rd., Old Fort NC 28762.
A virtual educational video about our favorite pollinator/wildlife friendly shrubs and trees will also be posted.
Asheville GreenWorks Spring Tree Giveaway
Sunday, April 24, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Description: Registration opened April 11th.
Location: Sand Hill Nursery, 24 Apac Cir, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
Sunday, April 24, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Description: Registration opened April 11th.
Location: Sand Hill Nursery, 24 Apac Cir, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
Botanical Gardens Spring 2022 Plant Sale
Friday, April 29, 11:30am - 6:00pm
Saturday, April 30, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Description: The Botanical Gardens at Asheville (BGA) is a 10-acre independent, non-profit botanical garden dedicated to the study and promotion of the native plants and habitats of the Southern Appalachians. BGA and numerous local plant vendors will offer a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers for spring planting that support our native pollinators. As always, this event will take place rain or shine.
Bee City USA-Asheville will host an informational table to let plant buyers know which pollinators their plants support.
Free admission and parking on site or nearby.
Location: The Botanical Gardens at Asheville
Event Link: https://ashevillebotanicalgardens.org/events-classes/plant-sales/
Friday, April 29, 11:30am - 6:00pm
Saturday, April 30, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Description: The Botanical Gardens at Asheville (BGA) is a 10-acre independent, non-profit botanical garden dedicated to the study and promotion of the native plants and habitats of the Southern Appalachians. BGA and numerous local plant vendors will offer a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers for spring planting that support our native pollinators. As always, this event will take place rain or shine.
Bee City USA-Asheville will host an informational table to let plant buyers know which pollinators their plants support.
Free admission and parking on site or nearby.
Location: The Botanical Gardens at Asheville
Event Link: https://ashevillebotanicalgardens.org/events-classes/plant-sales/
BEE a Pollinator Advocate: A Workshop on Creating a GreenWorks Certified Pollinator Habitat with Betsy Savely
Saturday, May 28, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Description: Our pollinator friends are in trouble and need our help. Each of us can have a role to play in creating a more pollinator friendly environment by planting a pollinator garden at home or in our community. This workshop will briefly cover information about Native Pollinators, Bee City USA’s mission, and offer tangible steps for creating a beautiful pollinator garden of any size. Participants will learn the elements to be included in every pollinator habitat and the process of getting certified from Asheville GreenWork’s Bee City USA Chapter. Participants will receive one free native plant. Workshop will take place outside weather permitting. Limit 25.
This workshop is sponsored by the UUAsheville's Environmental Action Committee (EAC)
Betsy Savely is Co-chair of GreenWorks - Asheville Bee City’s Leadership Committee and was the first Asheville resident to certify a pollinator habitat at her home. She graduated from the North Carolina Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist Program in 2020, co-creating a large pollinator habitat in the River Arts District for her BRN Project. She has been an avid landscaper and gardener for over 30 years and has created several wildlife & pollinator habitats in the Asheville area.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville - 1 Edwin Pl, Asheville, NC 28801
UU requires vaccinations to enter the facility
Register here.
Saturday, May 28, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Description: Our pollinator friends are in trouble and need our help. Each of us can have a role to play in creating a more pollinator friendly environment by planting a pollinator garden at home or in our community. This workshop will briefly cover information about Native Pollinators, Bee City USA’s mission, and offer tangible steps for creating a beautiful pollinator garden of any size. Participants will learn the elements to be included in every pollinator habitat and the process of getting certified from Asheville GreenWork’s Bee City USA Chapter. Participants will receive one free native plant. Workshop will take place outside weather permitting. Limit 25.
This workshop is sponsored by the UUAsheville's Environmental Action Committee (EAC)
Betsy Savely is Co-chair of GreenWorks - Asheville Bee City’s Leadership Committee and was the first Asheville resident to certify a pollinator habitat at her home. She graduated from the North Carolina Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist Program in 2020, co-creating a large pollinator habitat in the River Arts District for her BRN Project. She has been an avid landscaper and gardener for over 30 years and has created several wildlife & pollinator habitats in the Asheville area.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville - 1 Edwin Pl, Asheville, NC 28801
UU requires vaccinations to enter the facility
Register here.
Plant Shows at M R Gardens: Native Perennials & More!
Select Thursdays - Sundays, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
March 17 to 20, April 7 to 10, April 14 to 17, May 12 to 15, and June 2 to 5
Description: M R Gardens’ sustainable nursery hosts open houses, showcasing their native wildflowers, groundcovers, herbs, vegetable seedlings and more.
View what’s available at nativeplantsasheville.com
M R Gardens focuses on pollinator plants and other species that benefit the ecosystem, and aims to propagate plants in the most sustainable way possible. The nursery’s passive solar greenhouse requires no extra heat other than solar gain in winter. The roof is also slanted at just the right angle to keep it from overheating so that large exhaust fans are not needed. M R Gardens uses renewable resources in its potting soil and encourages customers to wash and return their plastic pots, which are sanitized and reused. Plants are grown on a small scale so that individual attention is given to plants, ensuring high quality.
Location: M R Gardens: 441 Onteora Blvd., Asheville NC
Registration: N/A
Select Thursdays - Sundays, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
March 17 to 20, April 7 to 10, April 14 to 17, May 12 to 15, and June 2 to 5
Description: M R Gardens’ sustainable nursery hosts open houses, showcasing their native wildflowers, groundcovers, herbs, vegetable seedlings and more.
View what’s available at nativeplantsasheville.com
M R Gardens focuses on pollinator plants and other species that benefit the ecosystem, and aims to propagate plants in the most sustainable way possible. The nursery’s passive solar greenhouse requires no extra heat other than solar gain in winter. The roof is also slanted at just the right angle to keep it from overheating so that large exhaust fans are not needed. M R Gardens uses renewable resources in its potting soil and encourages customers to wash and return their plastic pots, which are sanitized and reused. Plants are grown on a small scale so that individual attention is given to plants, ensuring high quality.
Location: M R Gardens: 441 Onteora Blvd., Asheville NC
Registration: N/A
AVL Honey Fest
Sunday, June 5, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Description: This year’s event will be held at the Salvage Station and we’re excited to hold our festival themed event in such a fun space. The event promises family-friendly entertainment and an opportunity to mingle with experts from pollinator friendly and environmental organizations. The Black Jar International Honey Tasting Contest is a ticketed event with live music, public honey tastings, and a silent auction to raise money for the continuation of their research, Project Genesis.
Food and drink can be purchased at the event.
Location: Salvage Station
Cost: $12
Ticket Link
Would you like to volunteer? https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094faaaa2aa57-volunteers1
Sunday, June 5, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Description: This year’s event will be held at the Salvage Station and we’re excited to hold our festival themed event in such a fun space. The event promises family-friendly entertainment and an opportunity to mingle with experts from pollinator friendly and environmental organizations. The Black Jar International Honey Tasting Contest is a ticketed event with live music, public honey tastings, and a silent auction to raise money for the continuation of their research, Project Genesis.
Food and drink can be purchased at the event.
Location: Salvage Station
Cost: $12
Ticket Link
Would you like to volunteer? https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094faaaa2aa57-volunteers1
Guided Pollinator Safari on Wilma Dykeman Greenway
Saturday, June 11, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Description: Pollinators like bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, beetles, hummingbirds, and moths are crucial to sustaining biological diversity on Planet Earth. Join Bee City USA founder, Phylllis Stiles, to meet some of the world's 20,000 species of bees and learn how to distinguish bees from flies and wasps; and moths from butterflies. Just bring your curiosity to watch a butterfly proboscis sipping nectar, and bees collecting pollen in their corbiculae or scopae. We will explore some of the ecological relationships between plants and pollinators that have evolved over millions of years.
All ages welcome.
Read about a previous pollinator safari here: https://www.ashevillegreenworks.org/protect-our-pollinators/its-august-time-for-a-safari#comments
Location: Greenway parking lot at 162 Craven Street (intersection of Emma Road, Hazel Mill Road, and Craven Street) for Safari to begin across Craven Street at greenway entrance, between New Belgium Brewing and the French Broad River
Cost: Free
Register Here!
Saturday, June 11, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Description: Pollinators like bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, beetles, hummingbirds, and moths are crucial to sustaining biological diversity on Planet Earth. Join Bee City USA founder, Phylllis Stiles, to meet some of the world's 20,000 species of bees and learn how to distinguish bees from flies and wasps; and moths from butterflies. Just bring your curiosity to watch a butterfly proboscis sipping nectar, and bees collecting pollen in their corbiculae or scopae. We will explore some of the ecological relationships between plants and pollinators that have evolved over millions of years.
All ages welcome.
Read about a previous pollinator safari here: https://www.ashevillegreenworks.org/protect-our-pollinators/its-august-time-for-a-safari#comments
Location: Greenway parking lot at 162 Craven Street (intersection of Emma Road, Hazel Mill Road, and Craven Street) for Safari to begin across Craven Street at greenway entrance, between New Belgium Brewing and the French Broad River
Cost: Free
Register Here!
Plant a Pollinator Garden:
With Tanya LaCorte and Ruth Gonzalez at Reems Creek Nursery
Saturday, June 18, 10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Description: Bee sweet to our pollinators! Whether you are planting porch pots or entire
yards…just get planting. Create a smorgasbord of beautiful blooming plants and
butterfly host plants that provide much-needed habitat for pollinators, butterflies,
and hummingbirds. With an emphasis on native plants, these lively gardens are full
of color, support wildlife, and bring you delight throughout the season.
We’ll discuss the basic needs of any pollinator garden, how to enhance the effectiveness of your pollinator habitat, and touch on certifying your Pollinator Habitat through Asheville-Bee City USA.
One garden at a time, every little bit of habitat makes our world a better place.
Location: Reems Creek Nursery
Cost: Free
Link: https://reemscreek.com/plant-a-pollinator-garden/
With Tanya LaCorte and Ruth Gonzalez at Reems Creek Nursery
Saturday, June 18, 10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Description: Bee sweet to our pollinators! Whether you are planting porch pots or entire
yards…just get planting. Create a smorgasbord of beautiful blooming plants and
butterfly host plants that provide much-needed habitat for pollinators, butterflies,
and hummingbirds. With an emphasis on native plants, these lively gardens are full
of color, support wildlife, and bring you delight throughout the season.
We’ll discuss the basic needs of any pollinator garden, how to enhance the effectiveness of your pollinator habitat, and touch on certifying your Pollinator Habitat through Asheville-Bee City USA.
One garden at a time, every little bit of habitat makes our world a better place.
Location: Reems Creek Nursery
Cost: Free
Link: https://reemscreek.com/plant-a-pollinator-garden/
Ecology of a Pollinator Meadow
Saturday, June 18, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Description: Join Emily Sampson, of PatchWork Meadows and Black Mountain’s
pollinator garden coordinator, to tour ½ acre of pollinator meadow planted in spring of
2020 on the back 9 holes of the Black Mountain Disk Golf Course at Veterans Park.
Discuss the process of meadow creation, native plant species composition, and the
pollinators that are calling it home. All ages are welcome.
Location: Black Mountain Veterans Park Monarch Waystation @ 99 White Pine Drive,
adjacent to Dr. Wilson Community Garden
Cost: Free
Link: https://patchworkmeadows.com/pollinator-education
Saturday, June 18, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Description: Join Emily Sampson, of PatchWork Meadows and Black Mountain’s
pollinator garden coordinator, to tour ½ acre of pollinator meadow planted in spring of
2020 on the back 9 holes of the Black Mountain Disk Golf Course at Veterans Park.
Discuss the process of meadow creation, native plant species composition, and the
pollinators that are calling it home. All ages are welcome.
Location: Black Mountain Veterans Park Monarch Waystation @ 99 White Pine Drive,
adjacent to Dr. Wilson Community Garden
Cost: Free
Link: https://patchworkmeadows.com/pollinator-education
Bees & Beers Presentation at the Wedge:
Native Bees & the Habitats They Require
Monday, June 20, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Description: In this workshop, European honey bees take a backseat to the almost 4,000
species of bees native to North America. Learn about the lives of these pollination
machines through an exploration of common species and the essential habitat each
requires for nesting and survival.
Brannen Basham is a nature writer, horticulturist, and small business owner of Spriggly’s Beescaping, which offers a variety of nature education and habitat restoration services. He writes weekly nature articles for the Sylva Herald, and has been featured in regional and national publications such as Smoky Mountain Living and 2 Million Blossoms. Brannen's published works include a non-fiction collection of nature articles A Guide to the Wonderful World Around Us and his children's book, Finding Home: A Story of a Mason Bee, written with his wife and business partner, Jill Jacobs. Brannen has presented nearly 40 times across the region in the past 4 years and recently published an online course series, Gardening for the Planet, which teaches students methods to become stewards of the environment in their own backyards. In addition to nature education, Brannen offers habitat restoration and pollinator landscape design services. Learn more at sprigglys.com
Location: The Cloud Room at the Wedge (5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801)
Register Here!
Cost: Free.
Native Bees & the Habitats They Require
Monday, June 20, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Description: In this workshop, European honey bees take a backseat to the almost 4,000
species of bees native to North America. Learn about the lives of these pollination
machines through an exploration of common species and the essential habitat each
requires for nesting and survival.
Brannen Basham is a nature writer, horticulturist, and small business owner of Spriggly’s Beescaping, which offers a variety of nature education and habitat restoration services. He writes weekly nature articles for the Sylva Herald, and has been featured in regional and national publications such as Smoky Mountain Living and 2 Million Blossoms. Brannen's published works include a non-fiction collection of nature articles A Guide to the Wonderful World Around Us and his children's book, Finding Home: A Story of a Mason Bee, written with his wife and business partner, Jill Jacobs. Brannen has presented nearly 40 times across the region in the past 4 years and recently published an online course series, Gardening for the Planet, which teaches students methods to become stewards of the environment in their own backyards. In addition to nature education, Brannen offers habitat restoration and pollinator landscape design services. Learn more at sprigglys.com
Location: The Cloud Room at the Wedge (5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801)
Register Here!
Cost: Free.
A Day with Brie Arthur and Carolina Native Nursery's Founder Bill Jones: Nursery tour and Presentation - "Foodscaping with Natives"
Thursday, June 23, 10am & 2pm events
10:00 AM at Carolina Native Nursery: Join Brie and Carolina Native’s founder Bill Jones for a stroll through the nursery and talk about native plants.
2:00 PM in the Butler Room at the Botanical Gardens of Asheville: Carolina Native Nursery and Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe are proud to present author and incredible gardener Brie Arthur.
Presentation Description: Thoughtful design and management of landscapes is more important than ever as concerns of climate, water quality and invasive plants increase. Brie will discuss how to create a foodscape using native plants mixed with favorite seasonal food crops. The best organic products are featured and easy, earth friendly maintenance strategies are highlighted. Learn about native edible plants and the pollinators they attract that aid in ecological restoration. Get inspired to see the potential every landscape offers by transforming them into purposeful spaces that embrace solutions to modern day landscape practices
Brie Arthur: Known for her leadership with the national Foodscape movement and her lively, information packed presentations, Brie Arthur is a celebrated speaker and bestselling author. With two decades of experience as a professional horticulturist, propagator, and communicator Brie shares her expertise with audiences around the country and is a correspondent on the Emmy award winning PBS Television show “Growing a Greener World”. Follow Brie’s gardening journey through her YouTube channel, Brie the Plant Lady. One garden at a time, every little bit of habitat makes our world a better place.
Location:
10:00 AM - Carolina Native Nursery
2:00 PM - The Butler Room at the Botanical Gardens of Asheville
Limited to 50 people so please sign up today. See sign up form below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R-ta_IFM-gCv_nH0cPrpa9uoQXMNxUL7LxlmOTMCVII/edit
Thursday, June 23, 10am & 2pm events
10:00 AM at Carolina Native Nursery: Join Brie and Carolina Native’s founder Bill Jones for a stroll through the nursery and talk about native plants.
2:00 PM in the Butler Room at the Botanical Gardens of Asheville: Carolina Native Nursery and Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe are proud to present author and incredible gardener Brie Arthur.
Presentation Description: Thoughtful design and management of landscapes is more important than ever as concerns of climate, water quality and invasive plants increase. Brie will discuss how to create a foodscape using native plants mixed with favorite seasonal food crops. The best organic products are featured and easy, earth friendly maintenance strategies are highlighted. Learn about native edible plants and the pollinators they attract that aid in ecological restoration. Get inspired to see the potential every landscape offers by transforming them into purposeful spaces that embrace solutions to modern day landscape practices
Brie Arthur: Known for her leadership with the national Foodscape movement and her lively, information packed presentations, Brie Arthur is a celebrated speaker and bestselling author. With two decades of experience as a professional horticulturist, propagator, and communicator Brie shares her expertise with audiences around the country and is a correspondent on the Emmy award winning PBS Television show “Growing a Greener World”. Follow Brie’s gardening journey through her YouTube channel, Brie the Plant Lady. One garden at a time, every little bit of habitat makes our world a better place.
Location:
10:00 AM - Carolina Native Nursery
2:00 PM - The Butler Room at the Botanical Gardens of Asheville
Limited to 50 people so please sign up today. See sign up form below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R-ta_IFM-gCv_nH0cPrpa9uoQXMNxUL7LxlmOTMCVII/edit
Honey Goddess Beer & Beautiful Wildlife Habitats:
Enjoy limited release honey beer at Hillman Brewery and a talk by Painters Greenhouse owner, Dana Owen
Sunday, June 26, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Description: Enjoy the limited release Honig Gottin beer (aka Honey Goddess) crafted with local honey and grains (and grab some tasty lunch)! Dana and Angela will give a talk about how to incorporate important native and pollinator-friendly plants into your gardens while maintaining a beautiful landscape of color and texture all season, and you’ll also learn how to qualify and register your gardens as Certified Wildlife Habitats!
All ages. Beer and food are not provided but available for purchase.
Dana Owen & Angela Esmond
Dana, Painters Co-owner, will be joined by Angela Esmond, Painters assistant office and retail floor manager. Dana will be speaking based on her experience growing, selling and gardening with a vast range of natives (over 300 varieties grown in 2022) and pollinator-friendly plants over her 12 years of owning the business, and Angela will be contributing her experience as a Painters employee as well as an avid gardener whose landscapes supported several bee hives and are certified wildlife habitats.
Location: On site – Hillman Beer, 78 Catawba Ave, Old Fort NC 28762
No registration required
Additional details here.
Enjoy limited release honey beer at Hillman Brewery and a talk by Painters Greenhouse owner, Dana Owen
Sunday, June 26, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Description: Enjoy the limited release Honig Gottin beer (aka Honey Goddess) crafted with local honey and grains (and grab some tasty lunch)! Dana and Angela will give a talk about how to incorporate important native and pollinator-friendly plants into your gardens while maintaining a beautiful landscape of color and texture all season, and you’ll also learn how to qualify and register your gardens as Certified Wildlife Habitats!
All ages. Beer and food are not provided but available for purchase.
Dana Owen & Angela Esmond
Dana, Painters Co-owner, will be joined by Angela Esmond, Painters assistant office and retail floor manager. Dana will be speaking based on her experience growing, selling and gardening with a vast range of natives (over 300 varieties grown in 2022) and pollinator-friendly plants over her 12 years of owning the business, and Angela will be contributing her experience as a Painters employee as well as an avid gardener whose landscapes supported several bee hives and are certified wildlife habitats.
Location: On site – Hillman Beer, 78 Catawba Ave, Old Fort NC 28762
No registration required
Additional details here.
Annual Bee City Native Pollinator Photography Contest:
Open June 20 - June 26
GreenWorks & Bee City Asheville's Third Pollination Celebration Photo Contest!
Submit your pollinator pictures for a chance to win amazing prizes.
Contest rules for eligibility and submission:
Submitted photos must have been taken in Western North Carolina (WNC) between June 20th to June 26th, 2022.
Photos must contain at least one pollinator (such as a bee, moth, butterfly, beetle, hummingbird) on a flower. Preference will be given to photos of pollinators on native flowers.
Photographers are welcome to submit up to 3 photos, but each photo must be submitted on a separate entry form.
There are 2 age categories:
Prizes donated by The Hop, BlackBird Frame & Art, Reems Creek Nursery, Carolina Native Nursery, Shanti Elixirs, North Asheville Birds Unlimited, The Good of the Hive, Florrie Funk, Betsy Savely, and Mark Traub.
Thanks all!
Questions? Email [email protected]
Entry is now closed. Congratulations to the winners!
Open June 20 - June 26
GreenWorks & Bee City Asheville's Third Pollination Celebration Photo Contest!
Submit your pollinator pictures for a chance to win amazing prizes.
Contest rules for eligibility and submission:
Submitted photos must have been taken in Western North Carolina (WNC) between June 20th to June 26th, 2022.
Photos must contain at least one pollinator (such as a bee, moth, butterfly, beetle, hummingbird) on a flower. Preference will be given to photos of pollinators on native flowers.
Photographers are welcome to submit up to 3 photos, but each photo must be submitted on a separate entry form.
There are 2 age categories:
- 17 & under
- 18 & older
Prizes donated by The Hop, BlackBird Frame & Art, Reems Creek Nursery, Carolina Native Nursery, Shanti Elixirs, North Asheville Birds Unlimited, The Good of the Hive, Florrie Funk, Betsy Savely, and Mark Traub.
Thanks all!
Questions? Email [email protected]
Entry is now closed. Congratulations to the winners!
Pollinator Garden Tour: Reems Creek Nursery
Saturday, July 9, 10:00am
Description: Join us for a tour around our Certified Pollinator Habitat at Reems Creek Nursery. With an emphasis on native pollinator plants, we’ll introduce you to our different plant choices for blooms throughout the season, the number of plants needed to make an ideal size clump of flowers attractive to pollinators, host plants, habitat considerations, maintenance strategies, and more. Plants from all around the property contribute to supporting pollinators.
One garden at a time, every little bit of habitat makes our world a better place.
Location: Reems Creek Nursery
Event Link: Registration is open here.
Saturday, July 9, 10:00am
Description: Join us for a tour around our Certified Pollinator Habitat at Reems Creek Nursery. With an emphasis on native pollinator plants, we’ll introduce you to our different plant choices for blooms throughout the season, the number of plants needed to make an ideal size clump of flowers attractive to pollinators, host plants, habitat considerations, maintenance strategies, and more. Plants from all around the property contribute to supporting pollinators.
One garden at a time, every little bit of habitat makes our world a better place.
Location: Reems Creek Nursery
Event Link: Registration is open here.
Urban Garden Tour & Tasting With Bountiful Cities
Saturday, July 30, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Description: The Urban Garden Tour & Tasting is a FREE event open to everyone!
Seven local food producing gardens will open their gates for visitors, educational activities and tours. There is no cost to visit the gardens. Local chefs will be preparing small bites for sampling and local (nonalcoholic) drinks will be available. To sample at every garden tickets are $25 in advance. You will receive a punch card at the first garden site you go to.
Audience Served: All ages - kid friendly
Cost: Tour is free. Tasting $5-$25
Location: On site – Various addresses - 7 different gardens throughout the city -
Bee City will be set up at Lucy S. Herring Elementary School Garden 98 Sulpher Springs Rd.
Here is a link to the map with all the other gardens
Registration Link: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTQ5MDIx
Saturday, July 30, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Description: The Urban Garden Tour & Tasting is a FREE event open to everyone!
Seven local food producing gardens will open their gates for visitors, educational activities and tours. There is no cost to visit the gardens. Local chefs will be preparing small bites for sampling and local (nonalcoholic) drinks will be available. To sample at every garden tickets are $25 in advance. You will receive a punch card at the first garden site you go to.
Audience Served: All ages - kid friendly
Cost: Tour is free. Tasting $5-$25
Location: On site – Various addresses - 7 different gardens throughout the city -
Bee City will be set up at Lucy S. Herring Elementary School Garden 98 Sulpher Springs Rd.
Here is a link to the map with all the other gardens
Registration Link: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTQ5MDIx
Pollinator Day at North Asheville Tailgate Market
Saturday, August 20, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Description: It's Pollinator Day at the North Asheville Tailgate Market in honor of the 10th anniversary of the founding of Bee City USA in Asheville. Bring the kids to the Asheville GreenWorks tent to go on a scavenger hunt for foods that benefited from the help of a friendly pollinator. Their pollinator antennae will help them find lots of products and win them prizes.
Location: UNC Asheville Campus Parking Lot P28
Saturday, August 20, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Description: It's Pollinator Day at the North Asheville Tailgate Market in honor of the 10th anniversary of the founding of Bee City USA in Asheville. Bring the kids to the Asheville GreenWorks tent to go on a scavenger hunt for foods that benefited from the help of a friendly pollinator. Their pollinator antennae will help them find lots of products and win them prizes.
Location: UNC Asheville Campus Parking Lot P28
West Asheville Garden Stroll (WAGS)
Saturday, September 10
Kickoff: 10:30 am
Stroll: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Description: The West Asheville Garden Stroll is an annual volunteer-organized community event that opens selected neighborhood gardens to the public, featuring a selection of beautiful, creative, and funky gardens. Participants can pick up a map guide, hear some announcements, and peruse the community tables at the Kickoff Location.
GreenWorks Bee City USA – Asheville will have a table with information on pollinators and pollinator habitats.
Location: TBD
Event Link: To come. www.westashevillegardens.com
Saturday, September 10
Kickoff: 10:30 am
Stroll: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Description: The West Asheville Garden Stroll is an annual volunteer-organized community event that opens selected neighborhood gardens to the public, featuring a selection of beautiful, creative, and funky gardens. Participants can pick up a map guide, hear some announcements, and peruse the community tables at the Kickoff Location.
GreenWorks Bee City USA – Asheville will have a table with information on pollinators and pollinator habitats.
Location: TBD
Event Link: To come. www.westashevillegardens.com
