Visit the Alternative/RenewableEnergy guide for more information!

Quality Forward
Quality Forward is a non-profit organization of concerned volunteersdedicated to creating a clean and green Buncombe County. Since 1976,Quality Forward has promoted anti-litter, recycling, pedestrian andplanting efforts through grassroots activities, school programs andpublic awareness. Volunteers can contribute through participation inplayground construction, community clean ups, plantings, and educationin the schools and community. 828 254-1776 for more information.

Ashevillage:A City Imagined ...  Green roofs, naturally  built bus shelters, beautiful murals and mosaics, tree plantings,  neighborhood gathering places built by the people who live there,;  ponds that catch, clean, and re-use rain water, simultaneous  neighborhood block parties, multicultural exchanges, herb walks  downtown, theatre in the streets, urban regeneration, more community  gardens; more bicyclists; a Green Kid's Parade & Festival, Pritchard Park as Vilalge Squar, volunteering for a better Asheville.

BlackMountains Conservation Project is a project ofthe Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition which seeks to educate localcommunities about this unique biological region.

CarolinaHealth and Environment Community Center is a virtual centerwhereindividuals and community groups can find information about health andenvironmental issues.

Dogwood Alliance
Dogwood Alliance is a growing regional network, comprised of 70grassroots organizations in 17 states and concerned citizens fromacross the nation. We share a mission of protecting Southern forestsand communities by engendering broad-based, diverse support for endingunsustainable industrial forest practices.

WNCAlliance
The Western North Carolina Alliance (WNCA) is a grassrootsenvironmental organization that works to promote a sense of stewardshipand caring for the natural environment. Citizens and chapters protectand preserve our natural land, water and air resources througheducation and public participation in policy decisions at all levels ofbusiness and government. WNCA encourages its members to recognize theinterrelationships among environmental issues and to take personalresponsibility for achieving protection of the their communities andthe environment. We have chapters in Haywood, Buncombe, Macon, Jackson,Clay, Cherokee and Watauga Counties, as well as task forces dedicatedto forests and public parks. For more information about how you canparticipate, call WNCA at 828-258-8737

Environmental& Conservation Organization is dedicated topreserving the natural heritage of Henderson County and the mountainregion through Service, Education, Recreation, and Civic Action.

TheEnvironmental Quality Institute is a project of UNCA dedicated to conductingresearch on water contamination.

NorthCarolina National Forests offerscontact information for local ranger stations as well as links to mapsof area forests.

ThePreservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County: If you want to get involved in helping to preserve Asheville andBuncombe County's heritage, then get involved with this organization.You will enjoy the people and the projects on which you will have anopportunity to work. Call 828-254-2343 for further information.

Riverlinkis revitalizing the French Broad River and its tributaries. Visit theirsite for the latest on their plans and for information about their manyriver celebrations and events.

Southern Appalachian HerpetologicalSocietymeets the last Thursday of each month, expect December throughFebruary, at 7:00pm at the WNC Nature Center. The group is dedicated topublic education, responsible husbandry and habitat protection for allreptiles and amphibians. Meetings are open to the public. For moreinformation, call 828-665-6969.

SouthernAppalachian Biodiversity Project is dedicated tothe protectionof Southern Appalachian's native ecosystems and wildlife througheducation, public organizing, and legal advocacy.

TroutUnlimited Land-of-Sky is an organization of anglersand conservationistsdedicated to the protection of trout and their habitat. Visit theirsiteto learn more about those trout streams within casting distance ofAsheville.

WNC Green Building Council is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promoteenvironmentally responsible and health conscious building practicesthrough community education. 828-232-5080 or info@wncgbc.org formore information.

WNCNature Center was voted "best place to take kids"in Western North Carolina; however, old and young alike will enjoyobserving the butterfly garden, encountering the red wolf, mountainlions and bobcats, petting the farm animals, and exploring theinteractive Nature Lab.

WesternNorth Carolina Sierra Club holds monthlyeducational program meetingsand organizes a number of great hikes in the area.