Join a certified forest therapy guide for a relaxing 2.5-hour stroll through the forest on the peaceful Arboretum grounds. Through a series of invitations, you’ll have the opportunity to be present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community, and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. Your guide will share mindfulness practices designed to connect you more deeply to your inner landscapes, as well as the world around you. Inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of immersing oneself in a forest environment, a forest bathing walk invites you to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for ourselves, our fraught ecosystems, and our community. It is true nature therapy!
Special, discounted rate of $45/person (includes parking!)
Occurs on select dates each month
Max group size is 15 for a more intimate experience

Will once again be providing access to some of the finest artists in the region with it’s market series now in its second decade. The event takes place on three Saturdays each June and October. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is- they are local. Muddy Knees Design and Production proudly offers local artists the opportunity to connect with the public in Asheville‘s Pack Square Park.
You are invited to come out to Asheville Art in the Park, take a stroll around downtown Asheville and experience the textures and forms of a truly unique art garden.
What will you see at Asheville Art in the Park?
At the event, you are sure to find the finest in handcrafted art that Asheville Area Artists have to offer. Skilled workers of Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal make their shops open to display to the public at every market. Positioned in the center of downtown Asheville the market has created over $1M in needed income for area artists. Many artists return to the market to welcome customers that return each year. Asheville is known as the hub of artistic activity that radiates throughout the area. Not only does Western North Carolina boast many excellent craft education programs, but it also plays host to many tourists each year. The vacationers marvel at the city as its arts and culture oozes out of every side of the art-centric mountainous region. Come start your next artistic adventure in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park this June and October and take home some of the wondrous bounty that is Asheville Art.

June 24th & 25th at The Maggie Valley Festival Grounds - 10:00 am-7:00 pm
Music featuring- Songs From The Road Band, The Pigeon River Messengers, and The Well Drinkers.
Vendors include:
Hardy
Cortland
Blue Ridge Flies
JWFlies
Stutterfly
Thomas Custom Rods
Frogs Fanny
Stream Team Anglers
Anglers Sports Group
Raven Fork Rods
Beast Coast Anglers
Haywood Parks and Recreation
Iyuquu
Maggie Valley Fly Shop
Casting Carolina’s
NC Veterans Outdoors
Warrior Clan
Project Healing Waters
Trail Side Workshop
Arc Fly Rods
Trout Unlimited
Speaker- Josh Simmons
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Meadowlark Motel
Food Vendors:
Appalachian Smoked BBQ
Valley Dog
Jose’s Taco Truck
Ruth’s Kettle Corn
Organic Coffee Beans
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Jack The Dipper
Fly tyers section, Casting Pond, Trout Derby for kids
Hardy will be giving away 6 rods for raffle at the festival and Cortland will be raffling fly lines and gear at the festival.
Admission is $10.00
Festival shirts will be available for pre-sale starting in the middle of May and available at Maggie Valley Fly Shop.
If you are interested in being a vendor reach out to us at 828-476-6710 / 828-593-2519

High school students looking for a memorable learning experience this summer can apply for the Resource Conservation Workshop held at NC State University’s campus. This workshop, hosted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, is a great opportunity for students to learn about natural resources in the field. Participants will meet and receive guidance from natural resource professionals, win cash awards, scholarship money, and more.

The weeklong workshop will focus on a wide range of conservation topics with participants delving into hands-on activities about natural resources and their management in today’s global environment.

Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation will cover the cost of registration and food for two students.

High schoolers will be housed at NC State University dormitories, and they will be under the guidance of live-in counselors.

The workshop will be held on June 25-30.
The program will welcome 104 students and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who have an interest in natural resource conservation are encouraged to apply.

Applications can be found by clicking here and should be returned by June 2 to Rose Wall and Jen Knight by email at environmental.educators@buncombecounty.org or you can mail it to 49 Mt. Carmel Rd. Asheville, NC 28806.