Visit the Alternative/Renewable Energy guide for more information!

Quality Forward
Quality Forward is a non-profit organization of concerned volunteers dedicated to creating a clean and green Buncombe County. Since 1976, Quality Forward has promoted anti-litter, recycling, pedestrian and planting efforts through grassroots activities, school programs and public awareness. Volunteers can contribute through participation in playground construction, community clean ups, plantings, and education in 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.

Black Mountains Conservation Project is a project of the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition which seeks to educate local communities about this unique biological region.

Carolina Health and Environment Community Center is a virtual center where individuals and community groups can find information about health and environmental issues.

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

WNC Alliance
The Western North Carolina Alliance (WNCA) is a grassroots environmental organization that works to promote a sense of stewardship and caring for the natural environment. Citizens and chapters protect and preserve our natural land, water and air resources through education and public participation in policy decisions at all levels of business and government. WNCA encourages its members to recognize the interrelationships among environmental issues and to take personal responsibility for achieving protection of the their communities and the environment. We have chapters in Haywood, Buncombe, Macon, Jackson, Clay, Cherokee and Watauga Counties, as well as task forces dedicated to forests and public parks. For more information about how you can participate, call WNCA at 828-258-8737

Environmental & Conservation Organization is dedicated to preserving the natural heritage of Henderson County and the mountain region through Service, Education, Recreation, and Civic Action.

The Environmental Quality Institute is a project of UNCA dedicated to conducting research on water contamination.

North Carolina National Forests offers contact information for local ranger stations as well as links to maps of area forests.

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

Riverlink is revitalizing the French Broad River and its tributaries. Visit their site for the latest on their plans and for information about their many river celebrations and events.

Southern Appalachian Herpetological Society meets the last Thursday of each month, expect December through February, at 7:00pm at the WNC Nature Center. The group is dedicated to public education, responsible husbandry and habitat protection for all reptiles and amphibians. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, call 828-665-6969.

Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project is dedicated to the protection of Southern Appalachian's native ecosystems and wildlife through education, public organizing, and legal advocacy.

Trout Unlimited Land-of-Sky is an organization of anglers and conservationists dedicated to the protection of trout and their habitat. Visit their site to learn more about those trout streams within casting distance of Asheville.

WNC Green Building Council is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote environmentally responsible and health conscious building practices through community education. 828-232-5080 or info@wncgbc.org for more information.

WNC Nature Center was voted "best place to take kids" in Western North Carolina; however, old and young alike will enjoy observing the butterfly garden, encountering the red wolf, mountain lions and bobcats, petting the farm animals, and exploring the interactive Nature Lab.

Western North Carolina Sierra Club holds monthly educational program meetings and organizes a number of great hikes in the area.