BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//ASAP Connections - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:ASAP Connections
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://asapconnections.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for ASAP Connections
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T163000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260224T195316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T195316Z
UID:37159-1772613000-1772641800@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Burke County Land Summit
DESCRIPTION:Join leaders in Land Conservation\, including: \nStephen Bishop – NC FarmLink\nBob Holbrook\, Western Carolina-Free Mediation Services for Family Farm Succession\nTom Fanslow\, Conserving Carolina-Mitigation Projects\nNCDA-Farmland Preservation and Conservation Easements \nLunch Provided! Call 828-764-9480 to register.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/burke-county-land-summit/
LOCATION:Burke County Agricultural Center\, 130 Ammons Drive\, Morganton\, NC\, 28655\, United States
CATEGORIES:Information Session
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260306T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260308T180000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20251209T153719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T153719Z
UID:36638-1772787600-1772992800@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:2026 Spring Conference
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the Southeast’s largest gathering of farmers\, gardeners\, land-stewards\, and food-system changemakers! Our Spring Conference supports\, inspires\, and educates people to farm\, garden\, and live organically by providing affordable\, practical\, hands-on education. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out\, you’ll leave with connections\, knowledge\, and inspiration to build a more vibrant\, equitable\, and abundant food and farming system. \nWhat’s in store:\n• Your choice of 60+ classes spanning across 12 track topics including gardening\, soils\, farming business and production\, earth stewardship\, sustainable living\, and more\n• Hands-on workshops from experts across the region and practical demonstrations you can apply right away\n• Networking and community-building with growers\, educators\, and advocates from across the country
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/2026-spring-conference/
LOCATION:Mars Hill University\, 100 Athletic Street\, Mars Hill\, NC\, 28754
CATEGORIES:Special Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T120000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260220T195909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T195909Z
UID:37152-1772877600-1772884800@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Organic Gardening
DESCRIPTION:Grow real food. Skip the chemicals. Start this spring. \nYou don’t need a lot of land\, a lot of money\, or a green thumb handed down from generations past. What you need is a solid starting point\, and that’s exactly what this class delivers. Adam Bigelow breaks down organic gardening into clear\, practical steps for anyone ready to get their hands in the soil. Tomatoes\, greens\, squash\, herbs… this is where your garden story begins. \nWestern North Carolina soil is genuinely special. Rich\, biodiverse\, and full of life when treated right\, it gives local gardeners a serious head start. This class shows you how to read that soil\, feed it well\, and set up a garden that produces real food without synthetic fertilizers or chemical sprays. \nWhat You’ll Learn: \nWhere to Begin: How to pick your garden spot\, prep your beds\, and set yourself up for a productive first season\nOrganic Soil Care: What your soil actually needs and how compost\, mulch\, and natural amendments do the heavy lifting\nPlanting the Right Way: Spacing\, timing\, and crop selection for WNC’s unique growing season\nPest and Weed Management: Low-fuss\, chemical-free methods that work with your garden instead of against it\nFood You Can Trust: Why organic methods produce cleaner\, more flavorful harvests and how that difference shows up on your plate\nThis beginner-friendly class is perfect for first-time gardeners\, backyard dreamers\, and anyone who has tried and struggled before. No prior experience needed. Just show up ready to learn and leave with a real plan for your spring garden.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/introduction-to-organic-gardening/
LOCATION:Winding Stair Farm\, 57 Saunders Rd.\, Franklin\, NC\, 28734\, United States
CATEGORIES:Information Session
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T193000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260126T194653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T194653Z
UID:36866-1773165600-1773171000@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Intro to Becoming A Ginseng Dealer
DESCRIPTION:“Intro to Becoming Ginseng Dealer” is the first of a virtual two-part series for those interested in obtaining a ginseng dealer license. Part one is a standalone course but is also a prerequisite to “The Foundations of Becoming a Ginseng Dealer”. \nHere is the course outline:\n-History of American Ginseng\n-Harvesting\, washing & drying techniques\n-Differences in agricultural production methods\n-Current marketing trends\n-Laws & regulations to selling\n-Financial startup needs \nPlease reach out with any questions or concerns! \nMeet your teacher: Robert Edius. Robert is an avid American ginseng grower and educator who owns and operates Eagle Feather Organic Farm. To cultivate the next generation of responsible forest farmers\, he also hosts classes\, workshops\, been on radio shows\, and is the founder and president of the North Carolina Ginseng Association. He specializes in “wild simulation ” cultivation-growing plants organically in their natural forest habitat and enjoys sharing that knowledge with others.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/intro-to-becoming-a-ginseng-dealer/
LOCATION:Online/Virtual
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T180000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260205T203035Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T154117Z
UID:37027-1773329400-1773338400@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:ASAP’s 2026 CSA Fair
DESCRIPTION:Join ASAP’s 2026 CSA Fair and Celebrate CSA Month \nCSA Fairs are a chance to meet local farmers face-to-face and learn more about CSA programs. You can ask questions about what products are included in the CSA box throughout the year\, the farm’s growing practices\, payment options\, and pickup locations. Attendees can sign up for a CSA during the fair or follow up with farmers later. ASAP’s CSA Fair\, hosted annually in March\, is family-friendly\, with activities for kids and community connections. \nThis event is free and open to the public. A list of participating farms will be released in mid-February. \nVisit asapconnections.org/CSA to find CSA farms in WNC and surrounding states\, see CSA products and pickup locations\, and learn more about how CSAs work.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/asaps-2026-csa-fair/
LOCATION:YWCA of Asheville\, 185 S. French Broad Ave.\, Asheville\, NC\, 28801\, United States
CATEGORIES:ASAP Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T120000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260305T191547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T191547Z
UID:37192-1773482400-1773489600@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Introducing Spring Ephemerals
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, March 14th\, 2026 | 10am | Choose Your Price: $30 – $5 \nDiscover spring ephemerals—enchanting wildflowers that herald the arrival of spring in the Appalachians. Led by local herbalist Patricia Kyritsi Howell\, you’ll learn to identify these delicate beauties\, understand their life cycles\, and explore their traditional herbal uses. \nThis presentation-style class in our comfortable Pavilion covers identification\, ecological importance\, historical Appalachian uses\, garden cultivation tips\, and sustainable conservation practices. \nWhether you’re a wildflower enthusiast\, home gardener\, or simply want to catch these fleeting blooms at their peak\, this class will deepen your appreciation for the seasonal rhythms of our mountain forests. \nAbout Patricia: Patricia Kyritsi Howell is a renowned herbalist\, educator\, and author of Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians\, inspiring students to use local herbs sustainably for over thirty years.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/introducing-spring-ephemerals/
LOCATION:Winding Stair Farm\, 57 Saunders Rd.\, Franklin\, NC\, 28734\, United States
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260316T143547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T143547Z
UID:37237-1773925200-1773936000@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Farm Planning & Design: Climate Resilience
DESCRIPTION:Thursday March 19th 1pm-4pm\n180 Mag Sluder Road Alexander\, NC 28701 \nAre you looking for the perfect farm property but not sure how to create the best plan for your land? Join us for an introduction to planning and layout of land for small-scale farming with a focus on climate-resilient design. \nOur case study for this process will be a property just around the corner from the SAHC Community Farm in Alexander. We will have a virtual “walk through” site analysis of the property’s conditions using a number of land planning tools\, with a Permaculture approach. We will inventory conditions such as soils\, water\, wind\, aspect and more to create a multi-layered map of the site as a base for decision making. Using this information\, we will actively draw up together a concept for the site\, which addresses some of the needs and challenges identified in the analysis phase. Through this design process we will cover how to avoid making a $10\,000 “bad decision” when beginning with infrastructure improvements. \nThis workshop will be particularly appropriate for participants who already own or lease land\, as well as those who plan to do so in the future. Our focus will be on growers and how best to make design decisions for resiliency.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/farm-planning-design-climate-resilience/
LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm\, Alexander\, NC\, 28701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T110000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260216T180746Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T180746Z
UID:37122-1774087200-1774090800@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Spring Equinox Yoga
DESCRIPTION:Welcome the return of light\, warmth\, and new beginnings with a special Spring Equinox Yoga class set among the living beauty our garden nursery. Surrounded by budding plants and fresh spring energy\, we’ll gather to honor the seasonal shift toward growth\, balance\, and renewal. \nThis gentle\, all-levels class will focus on opening the body\, awakening the breath\, and cultivating a sense of ease and vitality as we move out of winter’s stillness. Expect slow\, mindful movement\, grounding yet uplifting poses\, and moments of reflection to help you set intentions for the season ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or returning to your mat after time away\, this class is designed to feel nourishing\, welcoming\, and restorative. \nLet the rhythms of spring—and the lush setting of the garden—invite you to reconnect with yourself\, nature\, and a supportive community of women. Beginners are warmly welcome. \nPlease bring a yoga mat and dress comfortably for the weather. Spring’s fresh energy (and maybe a soft breeze) will be part of the experience.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/spring-equinox-yoga/
LOCATION:Winding Stair Farm\, 57 Saunders Rd.\, Franklin\, NC\, 28734\, United States
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T150000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260313T162733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T162733Z
UID:37219-1774090800-1774105200@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:8th Anniversary Party
DESCRIPTION:It’s Our 8th Anniversary Party! (Free!) \nEight years of growing\, digging\, and connecting with this incredible mountain community\, and we’re throwing the biggest party yet to mark the occasion! \nJoin us on Saturday\, March 21st from 11 AM to 3 PM for a day packed with live music\, delicious food\, farm tours\, giveaways\, and so much more. \nWhether you’re a longtime friend of the nursery or discovering us for the first time\, this is the event of the season- and we wouldn’t want to celebrate without you. \nCome as you are\, bring the whole family\, and let’s make some memories together. We can’t wait to see you! \n11am: Free Behind-the-scenes tour of the nursery\, led by nursery manager\, Greg Mason\n12pm – 2pm: Live Music from Ridgetop Dave\nFood Truck from The Wood Fired Grill\nFree cookies to the first 100 attendees\n20+ Prize Drawings\nFree Mixed-Color Columbine Plants\n10% off Winding Stair Gardens purchases
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/8th-anniversary-party/
LOCATION:Winding Stair Farm\, 57 Saunders Rd.\, Franklin\, NC\, 28734\, United States
CATEGORIES:Festival/Fair
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260322T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260322T190000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260305T215039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T215039Z
UID:37194-1774195200-1774206000@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Seed Swap
DESCRIPTION:Let’s celebrate Spring Equinox together in the spirit of giving. We’re all getting excited about growing! Bring what you have to share whether it’s seeds\, bare roots\, houseplants\, young starter plants\, small trees or small tools you want to give. You are welcome to come even if you don’t have things to share! Please consider eating at Rosetta’s since you’ll be downtown since they are our sponsors for this event and they ALWAYS feed our community with the EVERYONE EATS program. \nIf you don’t have time to stop and eat at Rosetta’s\, we will take tips for the EVERYONE EATS program and Rosetta’s Kitchen who graciously are letting us use the space at Water Street Lounge. \nPlease TAKE WHAT YOU NEED that you intend to PLANT THIS YEAR.\nBRING A SNACK TO SHARE!\nFREE HERBAL TEA PROVIDED\nTHANK YOU SO MUCH TO OUR SPONSORS\, Rosetta’s Kitchen\, Water Street Lounge and Red Moon Herbs.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/seed-swap/
LOCATION:Water Street Lounge\, 116 N Lexington Ave\, Asheville\, NC\, 28801\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T170000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260202T171516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T171516Z
UID:36909-1774427400-1774544400@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Road Ready: Food Truck Fundamentals
DESCRIPTION:Get ready to roll into the world of food trucks and learn the secrets of success at Road Ready: Food Truck Fundamentals! \nReady to put your food truck dreams in gear? On March 25th and 26th you’ll have two full days with the experts who can help you get real and get on the road safely\, legally and profitably. Don’t miss this chance for the tools\, resources and connections you need to build a strong business foundation for food adventuring! \nMarch 25th and 26th\, 8:30am to 5pm\, with breakfast and lunch provided. \nSocial event Wednesday evening (5pm-8pm):\nWe’ll venture out to King Street in Boone to enjoy a meal together (not covered in meeting fees) and share our experiences of the day and dreams for the future. \nThis program is sponsored by the Caldwell County Technical Community College Small Business Center. Thank you to Watauga County Cooperative Extension for hosting us!
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/road-ready-food-truck-fundamentals/
LOCATION:Watauga Agricultural Conference Center\, 252 Poplar Grove Road\, Boone\, NC\, 28607\, United States
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T193000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260309T155759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T155759Z
UID:37208-1774461600-1774467000@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Start Your Regenerative Mushroom Farm
DESCRIPTION:Curious about mushroom farming — but unsure where to begin?\nThis live\, 90-minute workshop is designed to help you understand what it actually takes to build a viable regenerative mushroom farm — without hype\, overwhelm\, or unrealistic promises. \nIn this session\, we’ll cover:\n• Why mushrooms are uniquely suited to regenerative agriculture\n• What “one year to viability” really means\n• How to begin part-time while protecting financial stability\n• The phased path from first harvest to reliable weekly production\n• Where most aspiring growers stall — and how to avoid it \nWhether you’re exploring a new income stream\, looking to diversify a farm\, or considering a larger life transition\, this workshop will give you clarity about what’s possible and what it requires. \nThis event is offered by donation (suggested $25)\, and 50% of proceeds support The Center for Native Health.\nJoin us live. Ask questions. Leave with a grounded understanding of how regenerative mushroom farming actually works.\nReserve your seat and begin where you are. \nWho it’s for: Farmers\, homesteaders\, land stewards\, and purpose-driven career-seekers ready to grow real food and a resilient livelihood.\nPresenters: Christopher Parker (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) & Katherine Parker\, PhD — co-founders of The Forest Farmacy.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/start-your-regenerative-mushroom-farm/
LOCATION:Online/Virtual
CATEGORIES:Information Session
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T113000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260323T185216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T185216Z
UID:37281-1774692000-1774697400@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Free Farm Tour with farmer Virginia at Hickory Nut Gap
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a Free Farm Tour with our Head of Operations\, Virginia Hamilton! Virginia will guide you through the different animal operations we have on our Fairview Campus\, diving deeper into how our home of the brand and our Partner Farmer program operate in tandem to further Regenerative Agriculture in the Southeast.\nYou’ll meet the animals\, get a closer ‘back-stage’ look at this season’s biggest challenges and triumphs & sample some delicious meats to boot. This free farm tour is truly Pasture to Plate.\n✅ Free to attend\n✅ Family-friendly\n✅ Great for anyone curious about where their food comes from\nConsult the weather before you choose your outer-wear and wear comfortable shoes—we’ll be outside and walking the pastures!
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/free-farm-tour-with-farmer-virginia-at-hickory-nut-gap/
LOCATION:Hickory Nut Gap Farm\, 57 Sugar Hollow Road \, Fairview \, NC\, 28730\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farm Tour
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T120000
DTSTAMP:20260609T022908
CREATED:20260323T185439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T185439Z
UID:37277-1774692000-1774699200@asapconnections.org
SUMMARY:Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening
DESCRIPTION:Growing your own food in the mountains is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’s also one of the most humbling. \nKatie of 3 Barn Farm gets that\, and she’s here to make the learning process a whole lot easier. This hands-on class covers what actually works at our elevation and in our rocky\, clay-heavy WNC soils. Using one of our Epic Garden Beds as a live example\, Katie walks you through building a bed\, mixing the right soil\, picking the right plants\, and keeping everything alive through a mountain summer. \nWhat You’ll Cover: \nBuilding Your Bed: Why raised beds outperform in-ground planting here\, and how to get yours set up right from the start\nSoil That Works: How to build a mix that drains well\, holds moisture\, and gives your plants something worth growing into\nPlant Selection: Which vegetables do well at higher elevations\, and how to plan around WNC’s last frost dates\nWatering Basics: Managing the gap between our wet springs and dry summer stretches\nKeeping It Going: Feeding\, mulching\, and staying ahead of pests without reaching for a bottle of chemicals\nWhen Things Go Wrong: Blight\, critters\, mystery wilting… Katie has seen it all and knows what to do about it\nClass is held on our grounds with plenty of time for questions and getting your hands in the soil. First-time growers are very welcome. So are people who’ve tried before and walked away with nothing but frustration.
URL:https://asapconnections.org/community-event/raised-bed-vegetable-gardening/
LOCATION:Winding Stair Farm\, 57 Saunders Rd.\, Franklin\, NC\, 28734\, United States
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR