Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) is a non-profit organization that supports farmers and rural communities in the mountains of western North Carolina and the southern Appalachians by providing education, mentoring, promotion, web resources, and community and policy development.

Blue Ridge Rose Society meets at 2:00pm the second Sunday of each month at American Red Cross Building, 100 Edgewood Rd., Asheville. For more call 828-645-4485 or 828-891-2516 or email rebschben@cs.com.    

Botanical Gardens at UNC - Asheville are maintained by a non-profit organization on a 10-acre preserve south of campus. Featuring thousands of labeled plants and trees native to the Southern Appalachians, the gardens are a study center for botany students, a refuge for wildlife and a source of enjoyment for the University and community.

Buncombe County Extension Center
As the population of Buncombe County continues to grow, new homes are built and new residents arrive from other parts of the country. This means more people need reliable information on planting and maintaining lawn, garden, and landscape areas in Western North Carolina. In an effort to meet these demands for information, Cooperative Extension is available to help county residents manage their landscape and garden areas in an environmentally responsible manner.

North Carolina Arboretum has beautiful public gardens, hiking and biking trails, a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility and educational activities for all ages.

North Carolina Botanical Gardens opened to the public in 1966, the 80-acre Piedmont Nature Trails at UNC - Chapel Hill provide over two miles of hiking trails through piedmont woodland.

Wildflowers of the Southern Appalachians
It is often quoted, significantly, that the Great Smokies have more species of trees than the whole of Europe. A great variety of herbaceous plants are also found in abundance in the Southern Appalachians as well - reportedly over 1500 species.

Wildflowers of the Southern Appalachians
t is often quoted, significantly, that the Great Smokies have more species of trees than the whole of Europe. A great variety of herbaceous plants are also found in abundance in the Southern Appalachians as well - reportedly over 1500 species.

Volunteers needed!
Are you a hiker who likes to look for flowers? Are you interested in protecting rare plants along the Appalachian Trail? Then join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to see how you can help. For more information, please contact: Julie Judkins with ATC: 828-254-3708.

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.