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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for ASAP Connections
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260613T100000
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UID:37674-1781344800-1781350200@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:The Power of Native Plants
DESCRIPTION:Ornamental Plants look great. No argument there. And yet without native plants in the mix\, your garden is missing the plants that local bees\, moths & butterflies\, salamanders\, and songbirds depend on to continue to grow their families for years to come. Plus\, you don’t have to choose one or the other. Knowing how to combine them is the fun part! \nAdam Bigelow of Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions has spent over two decades walking\, studying\, and falling in love with the flora of Southern Appalachia. He knows what grows at 3\,000 feet\, what blooms underneath the hardwoods\, and what belongs on your ridge\, your slope\, and your shaded back corner. \nIn this class\, you’ll cover:\n• Why Southern Appalachia is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country and what that means for your property\n• Why native plants are so important and their many benefits for you and the local ecosystem that is your garden\n• Which native species suit the specific soils\, elevations\, and rainfall patterns of WNC and North Georgia\n• How to ensure you’re planting with your design preferences in mind combined with providing essential food and habitat for our native pollinators\n• Common mistakes that quietly undercut the ecological work you’re trying to do \nThe first half is a talk and slideshow. The second half moves outside for a guided walking tour of the native plant section here at Winding Stair Gardens\, where Adam breaks down what each species contributes to the life on your property\, including keystone species (the plants that give your pollinator friends the best bang for your buck). \nWorth clearing your Saturday morning for. \nAbout Adam Bigelow: A horticulturist\, botanist\, and self-described “plant nerd” (aka the Joyful Botanist) based in Cullowhee\, NC\, Adam is the owner of Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions and a planning committee member for the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference\, the largest of its kind in the country. He brings serious field knowledge with a storytelling style that keeps the whole room leaning in. \nAll class attendees receive 10% off their entire plant purchase\, same day.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/the-power-of-native-plants/
LOCATION:Winding Stair Farm\, 57 Saunders Rd.\, Franklin\, NC\, 28734\, United States
CATEGORIES:Information Session
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260613T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260613T120000
DTSTAMP:20260609T172002
CREATED:20260421T133136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T133136Z
UID:37498-1781344800-1781352000@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Fermentation for Beginners
DESCRIPTION:Join Colleen Queeney of Queeney Foods LLC for a 2 hour Beginner Class on Fermentation. You’ll learn all about how to ferment foods\, enjoy tasting different fermented foods and go home with your own jar of personally flavored sauerkraut! \nTIME: 10:00am to Noon\, Saturday\, May 16th\, 2026 \nLOCATION:\n570 Brevard Rd\, Unit 9\, Asheville NC 28806 – WNC Foodworks Training Room (Behind the WNC Farmer’s Market)
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/fermentation-for-beginners/
LOCATION:WNC FoodWorks\, 570 Brevard Rd.\, Unit 9\, Asheville\, NC\, 28806\, United States
CATEGORIES:Workshop
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260616T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260616T180000
DTSTAMP:20260609T172002
CREATED:20260522T154638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T154638Z
UID:37648-1781618400-1781632800@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Nearly Summer Mezze
DESCRIPTION:Join Hominy Farm and Friends & Neighbors for a Nearly Summer Mezze pop-up on Sunday\, June 14\, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Treska’s on Highland Lake. Mezze is a dining style popular all over the Mediterranean and Middle East that includes many small dishes: spreads\, spreads\, marinated vegetables\, salads\, and condiments. \nThis year we’re a bit earlier in the season\, so we have a fun blend of spring and summer produce from local farms\, flatbreads & bread from Hominy Farm\, and a few supplements. The main menu is completely vegan\, but we will be offering additional menu items for those who would like some chicken wings or feta. Because of the nature of this event\, we may not be able to accommodate specific dietary restrictions but please reach out first and we will do our very best. \nTreska’s on Highland Lake is a stunning venue replete with a covered pavilion\, flower and vegetable farm\, natural amphitheater seating with a view of a beautiful lake. We encourage you to carpool with a crowd\, bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs & hang for a while! \nFind ticket information here.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/nearly-summer-mezze/
LOCATION:Treska’s on Highland Lake\, 215 Rhett Drive\, Flat Rock\, NC\, 28711\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T140000
DTSTAMP:20260609T172002
CREATED:20260415T142506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T142506Z
UID:37479-1781787600-1781791200@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Mid-Year Farm Business Review & Reporting
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we walk through the process of evaluating farm business performance at the midpoint of the year. Participants will review financial records\, production data\, and key performance indicators to assess progress toward annual goals. This course focuses on organizing and interpreting mid-year data to identify strengths\, address challenges\, and support informed decision-making for the remainder of the season. \nThis class is taught by Jennifer Badger\, Area Specialized Agent\, Agribusiness\, NC Cooperative Extension Empowering Mountain Food Systems\, North Carolina State University \nFee: No Cost
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/mid-year-farm-business-review-reporting/
LOCATION:Online/Virtual
CATEGORIES:Workshop
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T123000
DTSTAMP:20260609T172002
CREATED:20260609T165126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T165126Z
UID:37688-1781953200-1781958600@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Beginner & Intermediate Mushroom ID
DESCRIPTION:Take a deep dive into the complex world of identifying mushrooms! Learn over 25 safe to use species and differentiate dangerous lookalikes. \nThis Mushroom Identification class takes you deep into the complex world of identifying mushrooms\, covering crucial features for safe foraging and characteristics of over 25 unique\, rare\, useful\, and delectable mushroom species! We’ll take a close look at safe edibles and photographs of dangerous lookalikes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Participants take home an illustrated local mushroom ID “cheat sheet” and recieve a copy of the electronic presentation. \nWhat to Expect:\n• Learn anatomy\, terminology\n• Focus on hyper local varietals\n• Emphasis on safe versus dangerous lookalikes \nOur educators are are founders of Resting Point Farms and are certified in Wild Mushroom Foraging\, Identification\, and Food Safety through NC USDA. The workshop focuses on various species within the genera through the Blue Ridge Mountains\, such as “Pecan Truffle” (Tuber iyonii)\, “Hen of the Woods” (Grifola frondosa)\, and “Lion’s Mane” (Hericium erinaceus). \nDon’t miss this enchanting and fascinating class!
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/beginner-intermediate-mushroom-id/
LOCATION:Asheville Tool Library\, 16 Smith Mill Road\, Asheville\, 28806\, United States
CATEGORIES:Workshop
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261103T203000
DTSTAMP:20260609T172002
CREATED:20260401T175402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T175255Z
UID:37353-1791918000-1793737800@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Homegrown Dreams: Beginning Steps Toward Land-based Living
DESCRIPTION:Homegrown Dreams: Beginning Steps Toward Land-based Living \nAre you dreaming of living more closely with the land\, planning a homestead\, or beginning a land-based business? This live online course focuses on how to forge the essential connection between sustainable land stewardship and a values-driven livelihood built on that land. We help you create a plan that aligns your goals with the land’s resources and develop concrete next steps toward making that plan a reality. We will delve into: \n\nOptions for land ownership and alternative forms of land access\nLand assessment and beginning planning using a holistic approach–what to look for and how to plan from the resources you actually have\nPrioritizing your needs and goals\, so you don’t burn out and have joy in your life every day\nCreating a step-by-step\, focused plan for growth and progress\nLessons from others who have started successful farms or homesteads\nWhether your interest is in full-time or part-time\, individual or group\, rural or urban homesteading\, this is for you!\n\nHosted four Tuesday evenings in October-November\, 7pm-8:30pm. Participants will receive session recordings and class handouts.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/homegrown-dreams/
LOCATION:Online/Virtual
CATEGORIES:Workshop
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261023T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261025T120000
DTSTAMP:20260609T172002
CREATED:20260409T131741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T131741Z
UID:37435-1792756800-1792929600@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:2026 Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference
DESCRIPTION:Who: Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition\nWhat: 2026 Forest Farming Conference\nGather to Grow: Rooted in and Branching Out\nWhere: The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center\nBlacksburg\, VA\, USA\nWhen: October 23-25\, 2026 \nThe 2nd Gather to Grow multi day Forest Farming conference will be held in Blacksburg\, Virginia from October 23-25\, 2026 and feature learning and networking with the community at the heartwood of forest farming of botanicals\, mushrooms\, syrups\, and decorative products in Appalachia and beyond. \nThe October conference will be held at the Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center in Blacksburg\, Virginia\, USA\, and will feature keynote speakers\, learning\, networking\, and growing with the community surrounding forest farming of botanicals\, mushrooms\, syrups\, and decorative products in Appalachia. Keynote speakers\, an industry panel\, regional meet-ups\, producer stories\, and an expanded expo are all things to look forward to. \nBuilding on the success of the 2024 Conference in Roanoke\, Virginia\, where we honored the past\, and shaped the future of forest farming\, our 2026 theme is “Rooting In and Branching Out.” Connecting producers and buyers is a focus of this conference\, as is continuing to build a base of informed and motivated new and beginning producers. As are preparing for harvest and workforce development \nMark your calendars and see you there!
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/2026-gather-to-grow-forest-farming-conference/
LOCATION:The Inn at Virginia Tech\, 901 Prices Fork Rd\, Blacksburg\, VA\, 24061\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Event
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