Events Search and Views Navigation
October 2016
Spend Less Play More Basics: Leave No Trace
Learn how you can hike and camp in our great outdoors with minimal impact on the environment. Be a responsible hiker and help protect our beautiful mountains. Everyone who attends will receive 20% OFF their purchase this evening. This event is free and open to the public. Kids and well-behaved pets with owner on leash are welcome. The outdoors can be intimidating when you first start to explore. Spend Less Play More Basics is a series of intro classes held at…
Find out more »Volunteering with Asheville GreenWorks Info Session
Asheville GreenWorks depends on volunteers to keep our environment "clean and green." Since 1973, tens of thousands of volunteers have given up their free time to plant trees, clean rivers for a better environment. Eric Bradford will run through the many opportunities to volunteer with this great local nonprofit. With the amount of projects available, you can work when your schedule permits, create a custom outing, or join in for a group event. RSVP on Facebook
Find out more »November 2016
Birds of Prey
Steve Longenecker brings the Falconers of Falling Creek Camp back to introduce young folks to the fascinating natural world of raptors! This is always a popular event so plan to arrive early for the best seats. Steve, a Wildlife Educator and teacher all of his adult life, will bring a Peregrine, male and female American Kestrel, Red-Tailed Haw, Great-Horned Owl, and an Eastern Screech Owl. It will be immediately followed by s'mores, apple cider, live music, outdoor trivia, tent pitching contests,…
Find out more »January 2017
Thru-Hiking 101 sponsored by Osprey
Sponsored by our friends at Osprey, this clinic covers the fundamentals and excitement of long distance thru-hiking. There will be Osprey giveaways and everyone who attends will receive a $10 gear card to go shopping that evening. Presented by Jack “Tye Dyed Bandit” Schroeder, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and backpacking instructor with over 4,000 miles of long distance expedition experience, this clinic focuses on the do’s and dont’s of gear for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike and other long distance endeavors.…
Find out more »How Will You Hike the Appalachian Trail?
Hiking the world-famous Appalachian Trail isn’t as simple as going for a walk in the woods. For those wanting to learn more about a trek on the A.T., which stretches 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine, the best way to plan a hike is to prepare with those who know the trail the best. We're hosting Chloë de Camara of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) for a comprehensive workshop that encourages enjoyment and protection of the Trail. The class will cover all aspects…
Find out more »February 2017
Trail Blaze Challenge Info Meeting
Take on a NEW challenge in the NEW year! The Trailblaze Challenge is a 28.3 mile hike where participants tackle the terrain of the beautiful Foothills Trail, all in one life changing day. This is not a race, it's a journey that caters to all experience levels from novices to outdoor enthusiasts and seasoned hikers. Along with being an extraordinary physical test, the real challenge is raising vital funds to support our local Make-A-Wish chapter in their efforts to grant…
Find out more »Kayak Fishing with Pedal Drives
Wilderness Systems and Adventure Technology Pro Staffer JD Desrosiers travels throughout the region teaching people about the joy and relaxation that comes with kayak fishing. This overview of the sport and rigging clinic specifically focuses on one of the most exciting technologies to come along over the past few years: pedal drives. Hands-free kayak operation, flexibility of direction, swift motion of running, and better adaptability in different water situations are just some of the benefits of a pedal powered kayak. All who attend…
Find out more »April 2017
Shoes, Boots, + Backpacks
Choosing the correct hiking boots or travel shoes is one of the most important parts of preparing for a backpacking trip. The right footwear can make or break your experience. Join hiking expert Gary Eblen for this interactive clinic covering boot fit, lacing techniques, and getting the accurate measurement. Bring in your current pair of hikers to see if you've got the perfect match. RSVP on Facebook > This free event is open to the public. Kids + well-behaved pets with…
Find out more »Festival Camping Tricks + Hacks
In addition to world-class music, art, and great food, music festivals provide the amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in the fest experience by camping on site. Whether you're a festival virgin or an experienced festiphile, you'll want to join us for an epic conversation on what to do -- and what not to do -- to up your festival camping experience.Why's it epic? Lifelong LEAFers and LEAF Community Arts Board Members Gary Broome, James Fisher, and Robert Todd will be…
Find out more »May 2017
Pollinator Superheroes
Outdoor adventures present a perfect opportunity to see some of the many creatures that call our mountains home. We have over 700 native pollinators in our corner of the world and they are essential partners in maintaining ecological balance and allowing us to eat well! Join Meghan Baker with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service to learn how to identify some of these superheroes and how you can help support pollinators in your backyard AND on the trail. RSVP on…
Find out more »