Calendar of Events

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

ASAP’s Local Food Guide, the annual free publication for finding local food and farms, is updated for the 2024–25 season. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian GrownTM certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, artisan producers, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

In addition to listing content, the 2024–25 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Delia Jovel Dubón of Tierra Fértil Coop (pictured on the cover) talks about creating a sense of belonging for the Hispanic immigrant community in Henderson County. Lyric and Noah East of Wild East Farm in McDowell County detail the journey through their first full year of farming and how they’ve arrived at “a rough draft that’s working.” Kaci Nidiffer of The Liar’s Table in Avery County shares how scaling up and opening several retail spaces have created stronger connections with customers and community. Rounding out the issue are recipes from farmers at Two Trees Farm (Sustainabillies), Lee’s One Fortune Farm, Two Stones Farm + Mill, Carringer Farms, and Terra Lingua Growers.

“The Local Food Guide is such a beautiful way to share the stories of this place,” said Sarah Hart, ASAP’s Communications and Engagement Director. “To emphasize that sense of place, listings in this year’s Guide are organized into nine subregions with a short intro on what makes local farms in each area unique.”

Look for the Guide at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. Copies of the Guide are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area or if you are interested in distributing Guides at your business.

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, location, activities, and more.

Funding for the Local Food Guide was made possible in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program, Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, and Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Support was also provided by Dogwood Health Trust, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, and Asheville Regional Airport.

Whenever you want!   Supplies available at 2 Sulphur Springs Road If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776. Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request). Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information. Need to know Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806. All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup. Links & Attachments Cleanup Record DIY Cleanup Instructions-C5tsCUvm.pdf Do’s and Don’ts – Roadside Cleanups-j81w1uHK.pdf Syringe Safety-DBjtozsc.pdf

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.

Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.

Admission

• Individual – $3 per session
• Individual Season Pass – $100
• Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)

Locations

• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
• Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road

Events

• Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.

• Pools will open Saturday, May 25!

  Dates of Operation:
  Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
  Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
  August 12th through September 2nd

  Pools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!

  Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
  Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
  Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
  Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pm

  Cost is $3 per person per day

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.

Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.

Admission

• Individual – $3 per session
• Individual Season Pass – $100
• Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)

Locations

• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
• Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road

Events

• Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.

• Pools will open Saturday, May 25!

  Dates of Operation:
  Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
  Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
  August 12th through September 2nd

  Pools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!

  Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
  Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
  Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
  Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pm

  Cost is $3 per person per day

Camp Bluebird 2024 is coming This September! Together, We Soar! Make a Difference in the Lives of Adult Cancer Survivors:   Did you know almost 2 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2023 alone? Each year, millions of people are directly impacted by cancer with an estimated almost 40% of Americans being diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.   For those who’ve heard the dreaded three words “You have cancer,” their lives have changed forever, and their new journey is often filled with tears, worry, isolation, and heartache. At Camp Bluebird, we want to help survivors realize their story is not over when they get their diagnosis, they have merely started writing a new chapter…one filled with resilience, hope, and a new sense of determination. And most importantly, we want them to know they are not alone in this journey. A camp dedicated to survivors and their journeys of healing and hope…What is Camp Bluebird?   Camp Bluebird is a 3-day, 2-night camp where survivors join together for companionship, arts, wellness and therapeutic activities, and even a DJ dance party! Our camp is designed to empower survivors on their journeys of healing and rediscovery while making lifelong friendships.   This year’s camp will take place September 10-12, 2024 at the Bonclarken Conference Center in historic Flat Rock, NC.     We hope you will consider helping  as we reach more campers and make a greater impact in the survivor community! CAMP BLUEBIRD’S MISSION   At Camp Bluebird, our mission is to provide space for cancer survivors from all walks of life to come together for support, encouragement, and understanding.  A place where hearts find rest, strength ignites and spirits SOAR as we share in a journey of healing and hope. VISIT CAMP BLUEBIRD WEBSITE Donate Securely Online With generous donations from our community and friends like you, we can ensure every deserving survivor can experience the magic of Camp Bluebird. Every donation, no matter the size, makes an impact.   Donations not only help those with financial hardships, but also help pay for camp activities, programs, and supplies. Will you help make an impact this year? Donate Online Now Your gift today makes a difference in the lives of Cancer Survivors!

Kudzu Brands is excited to announce the finalists for our 2024 $10K Brand Giveaway. They include Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, Katherine Alexander Fine Jewelry, Silver Moon Custom Art & Photography, Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, Western Carolina Medical Society, and WNC GEMS. Asheville’s top branding agency for growing businesses encourages community members to vote once daily for their favorite minority-owned business or non-profit organization from now until 11:59 pm on Friday, June 14.

Finalists must use their social media platforms to garner votes from the public. The WNC minority-owned business or non-profit organization with the most votes by June 14th will win a full branding package, including brand story development, logo design, and marketing collateral creation. 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The link to vote can be found on the agency’s website and all social platforms.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and non-profit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and impactful.

ASAP’s Local Food Guide, the annual free publication for finding local food and farms, is updated for the 2024–25 season. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian GrownTM certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, artisan producers, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

In addition to listing content, the 2024–25 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Delia Jovel Dubón of Tierra Fértil Coop (pictured on the cover) talks about creating a sense of belonging for the Hispanic immigrant community in Henderson County. Lyric and Noah East of Wild East Farm in McDowell County detail the journey through their first full year of farming and how they’ve arrived at “a rough draft that’s working.” Kaci Nidiffer of The Liar’s Table in Avery County shares how scaling up and opening several retail spaces have created stronger connections with customers and community. Rounding out the issue are recipes from farmers at Two Trees Farm (Sustainabillies), Lee’s One Fortune Farm, Two Stones Farm + Mill, Carringer Farms, and Terra Lingua Growers.

“The Local Food Guide is such a beautiful way to share the stories of this place,” said Sarah Hart, ASAP’s Communications and Engagement Director. “To emphasize that sense of place, listings in this year’s Guide are organized into nine subregions with a short intro on what makes local farms in each area unique.”

Look for the Guide at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. Copies of the Guide are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area or if you are interested in distributing Guides at your business.

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, location, activities, and more.

Funding for the Local Food Guide was made possible in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program, Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, and Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Support was also provided by Dogwood Health Trust, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, and Asheville Regional Airport.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.

Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.

Admission

• Individual – $3 per session
• Individual Season Pass – $100
• Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)

Locations

• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
• Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road

Events

• Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.

• Pools will open Saturday, May 25!

  Dates of Operation:
  Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
  Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
  August 12th through September 2nd

  Pools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!

  Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
  Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
  Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
  Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pm

  Cost is $3 per person per day

Saturday, June 15.  June Jamboree in the Highlands of Roan. Enjoy your choice from SEVEN guided hikes and outings in the stunning Highlands of Roan, then join us for an afternoon social at SAHC’s Elk Hollow Preserve. All outings are FREE, but space may be limited and pre-registration is required. We invite you to enjoy a day of free, guided outings in the iconic Roan landscape. Enjoy blooming rhododendron and gorgeous views as we celebrate the conservation of these globally important ecosystems. We offer a variety of outings for different ages, interests, and ability levels — from challenging treks to relaxing yoga or a simple stroll to a waterfall. Below are brief descriptions of each hike. Follow the links provided to view the full description and register for the hike. These guided outings are all free, but pre-registration is required, and space may be limited. What to Bring: Water bottle, sturdy footwear, gear/clothing relevant for your specific outing, and a bag to carry personal items. Weather in the Roan can change quickly, so you may want to bring sunscreen, a rain jacket, and multiple layers. Most hikes will have an opportunity to stop for lunch along the way — please plan to bring your own lunch. Click here if you would like to make an optional donation. Thanks! Roll n’ Stroll Time: 10:30 am Leaders: Where: SAHC’s Bird House, Jerry’s Creek Road, Newland, NC Distance: 0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy (1/10) Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED Description: Please join this year’s Roll n’ Stroll, at a different location! Due to the Roan Mountain Rhododendron Garden being closed due to construction, this year we are inviting folks to come enjoy the fresh air at our Bird House. Located high in the Roan Highlands this spectacular location offers something for the whole family, participants can hike deep into the woods or watch birds flying from their rocking chair on the porch. Pack a lunch or bring a frisbee to this awesome spot and enjoy the Roan from above. Participants on this hike will meet at Elk Hollow Preserve and carpool to the Bird House. The driveway to the Bird House requires vehicles to have 4-wheel or all-wheel drive. After the Roll n’ Stroll participants are encouraged to join us for our Drop-in Social at our Elk Hollow Preserve, at noon, located just 10 minutes down the road. Click HERE for Full Description and Registration Elk Hollow Falls with Pathways to Parks Time: 10:00 am Leaders: Larry Pender & Tanya Marie of Pathways to Parks Where: Elk Hollow Preserve, 3535 Roaring Creek Road, Newland, NC Distance: 1.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate (5/10) Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED Please join our friends at Pathways to Parks for this classic hike to visit Elk Hollow Falls. Hikers will enjoy our Evertt Bowman Memorial Trail which will take you through golden-winged warbler habitat, deep forests, and scenic vistas, and leave you sitting next to the crystal clear waters of Elk Hollow Branch, permanently protected for your enjoyment. After the hike, I hope you will join us back at the start of the trail for our June Jamboree Drop-in Social! This hike will be led by our partners at Pathways to Parks whose vision is to motivate Americans of color to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of nature in our national, state, and local parks and to help make it easy and accessible for them to do so! Click HERE for Full Description and Registration Birding at The Bird House Time: 8:00 am Leaders: TBD Where: SAHC’s Bird House, Jerry’s Creek Road, Newland, NC Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Moderate (3/10) Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED If you like bird watching you won’t want to miss the opportunity to spot neo-tropical songbirds from the comfort of a rocking chair surrounded by beautiful mountains. Our famous Bird House is located at 4,500ft in elevation, surrounded by early successional habitat and thousands of acres of protected land. Please join us along with professional ornithologists as we search for migratory warblers, year-round avian residents, and raptors soaring overhead. This event starts early so we are offering participants the opportunity to camp out at this location the night before and add stargazing to boot. We hope all birders will stick around and join us at Elk Hollow Preserve, just 10 minutes down the road, at noon, for our Drop-in Social to celebrate our conservation success in the Highlands of Roan! Click HERE for Full Description and Registration Pine Knob Hike Time: 9:30 am Leaders: Park & Katie Greer Where: South Yellow Mountain Preserve, Spruce Pine, NC Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Moderate (6/10) Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED Come and join us to be among the first people to step foot on the newly protected South Yellow Mountain Preserve. You might have heard about this property in the news lately. We’ve recently acquired this 7,500-acre preserve and we’re thrilled to share it with you. Our preserve manager, Park Greer, has gotten know every corner of this property and he has chosen this hike especially for the June Jamboree event. This hike offers magnificent waterfalls, breathtaking views, and vast expanses of protected land. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore conservations at its finest! We hope participants will join us after the hike at our neighboring Elk Hollow Preserve, just 20 minutes down the road, at noon, for our Drop-in Social to celebrate our conservation success in the Highlands of Roan! Click HERE for Full Description and Registration Challenge Hike: Roaring Creek to Big Yellow Loop Time: 9:00 am Leader: Travis Bordley Where: Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead, Roaring Creek Road, Newland, NC Distance: 5 miles Distance: Difficult (9/10), long steep inclines and unmarked trails Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED The 2024 June Jamboree Challenge Hike promises an adventurous blend of experiences for all participants. Brace yourself for mountain ascents, Appalachian Trail traverses, panoramic views from hidden balds, and exploration of lesser-known SAHC preserves, all intertwined with a bit of bushwhacking. Setting off from the Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead at the terminus of Roaring Creek Road, this rugged trek will follow the ridgeline along the AT to Little Hump, continue to Big Yellow Mountain, and culminate with a descent through SAHC-protected wilderness. Expect a demanding journey, requiring endurance for long distances and comfort with off-trail navigation across steep terrain. Afterward, we invite all hikers to gather at Elk Hollow Preserve, conveniently located nearby, for our Drop-in Social, starting at noon or whenever we wrap up. Let’s come together to toast to our conservation triumphs in the majestic Highlands of Roan! Click HERE for Full Description and Registration Big Yellow Mountain Hike Time: 9:30 am Leaders: Jay Leutze Where: 45 Birchfield Creek, Newland, NC 28657 Distance: 2 miles Distance: Moderate (6/10), some steep inclines Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED Embark on a journey with Jay Leutze, an esteemed author, Senior Advisor to SAHC’s Board of Trustees, and a proud resident of Big Yellow. Together, we’ll explore a hidden gem nestled within the Roan Highlands. Jay will lead a brief yet invigorating hike, offering panoramic views of the Roan while regaling us with tales of the land. Following our adventure, we invite all participants to join us at Elk Hollow Preserve, a quick 20-minute drive away, for our Drop-in Social at noon. Let’s come together to revel in the conservation victories of the Highlands of Roan! Click HERE for Full Description and Registration Elk Hollow Yoga Time: 10:30 am Leaders: Lillah Schwartz Where: Elk Hollow Preserve, 3535 Roaring Creek Road, Newland, NC Distance: 0.5 miles Distance: Moderate (4/10) Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED We are delighted to share the exciting news that Lillah Schwartz, a highly regarded yoga instructor, author, and mentor hailing from Asheville, NC, will be joining us for this year’s June Jamboree. Lillah will lead a nature-based yoga class at our Elk Hollow Preserve, where she will tailor the session to the group and the serene surroundings of the Roan Highlands. We are honored to have her expertise enhance our event. Following the yoga session, all are welcome to unwind by Elk Hollow Falls or join us at our Drop-in Social, commencing at noon. Click HERE for Full Description and Registration Drop-in Social!! We will hold a drop-in social at our Elk Hollow Preserve in the afternoon after morning hikes conclude. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating friends, family, and shared hike experiences while learning about SAHC’s recent land protection news. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP so we have enough for everyone! We look forward to seeing you and hope you all join us in celebrating 50 years of conservation success in the Highlands of Roan! Click HERE for Full Description and Registration

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.

Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.

Admission

• Individual – $3 per session
• Individual Season Pass – $100
• Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)

Locations

• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
• Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road

Events

• Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.

• Pools will open Saturday, May 25!

  Dates of Operation:
  Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
  Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
  August 12th through September 2nd

  Pools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!

  Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
  Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
  Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
  Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pm

  Cost is $3 per person per day

• On several days throughout the year, tours of the Sandburg Home are free! Advance reservations are not available for tour free days. Tickets will be available first come, first serve on the day of, from the Visitor Center/Park Store in the Sandburg Home.
• Saturday, March 23, 2024 (First Saturday of local school spring break)
• Saturday, June 15, 2024 (Sandburgs’ wedding anniversary)
• Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20, 2024 Weekend closest to Carl Sandburg Home NHS October 17, 1968, Anniversary)

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.