Area Nonprofits Join Forces for Earth Month as ‘WNC for the Planet’

Local nonprofit organizations, universities, and businesses have teamed up to celebrate Earth Month again this year through a collective effort — WNC for the Planet.  The collective partnership will host a month of environmental service, education opportunities and community events across Western North Carolina.  As part of the effort, WNC for the Planet launched an online community calendar at WNCfortheplanet.org where the public can learn about various events and volunteer days inspired by Earth Day 2019.

“Last year WNC for the Planet collective was well received by the community with over 1300 hours and 50 service projects in our region,” says Anna Zanetti, North Carolina Director of Friends of the Smokies.

WNC for the Planet features service opportunities and educational programs for people of all ages, and from all walks of life.  Events will be offered across Western North Carolina well beyond the City of Asheville, including trail work days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, French Broad River cleanups, trail building in the Highlands of Roan and native habitat restoration.

“Collaborate rather than compete was our goal for the first year of WNC for the Planet.  Given that more than 20 nonprofits took part in the collective last year, we are really looking forward to year two,“ says Michael Craft, Asheville Community Ambassador at New Belgium Brewing.  “This partnership, enthusiasm for our environment, and collaborative spirit is just another reminder of how lucky we are to call Western North Carolina our home.”

To learn more you can join WNC for the Planet partners at our Kickoff Party on Sunday, March 31 from 12 – 2 pm at New Belgium.  There will be opportunities to learn more about activities throughout the month of April as well as a costume contest and hands-on fun for all ages.  Prior to the Kickoff Party, participate in a volunteer cleanup of Haywood Road, led by Asheville GreenWorks and the West Asheville Business Association, and sponsored by Zia Taqueria.  The cleanup will be 10am – 12pm and will begin with breakfast for all volunteers at Zia before heading out.

Those interested in learning more about Earth Month volunteer opportunities and special events can visit www.WNCforthePlanet.org.

About WNC for the Planet:

WNC for the Planet is a collective made up of local environmental organizations that provides access to service, educational, and recreational opportunities in recognition of Earth Month.  We strive to unify our community to encourage and celebrate environmental stewardship for our planet and the region.

Those involved include:

• Asheville GreenWorks
• Bee City USA
• Blue Ridge Forever
• Conserving Carolina
• Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• MountainTrue
• Riverlink
• Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

WNC for the Planet is open to participation from additional organizations. Please contact WNCforthePlanet@gmail.com for more info.