June 4: ‘Canoeing adventure on Utah’s Dirty Devil River’

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, Sierra Club, WNCA and Asheville Green Drinks will present a free program called “River Canoeing Adventure in Utah on the Dirty Devil River,” by Richard Kark.

Kark will share photos and stories of canoeing and backpacking in Utah from this year.

The program is open to the public and will be at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1 Edwin Place, at the intersection  of Charlotte Street, in Asheville.

For more information, contact Judy Mattox at (828) 683-2176.

Vote for WNCA in the 2014 Mountain Xpress ‘Best Of WNC’!

Have you voted yet?

Please give WNCA some love in the following categories:

★ Activist Group – Ballot Section: Work & Business
★ Local Environmental Group – Ballot Section: Asheville
★ Local Non-Profit – Ballot Section: Asheville
★ Local Hero: French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson – Ballot Section: Asheville

Click HERE to vote now!

(Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. May 21.)

May 23: EnergyXChange Tour

Join us for a clean energy outing and tour of the EnergyXChange “A Renewable Energy Center” in Burnsville, NC.

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In 1994 the Yancey and Mitchell County landfill closed and local leaders went to work on ways to use the space and harness the landfill gases. While two of North Carolina’s most rural counties, Yancey and Mitchell County is home to some of America’s most creative artists and beautiful native plants. This led to the idea to turn the former landfill into a place where developing artists could work and grow while at the same time supporting greenhouses that cultivate endangered flora while utilizing the landfill gas.

EnergyXchange’s mission is to apply the use of renewable resources and practices for educational opportunities and economic development in the fields of art and horticulture.

True to its mission, EnergyXchange has made big strides in both harnessing otherwise harmful landfill gases and educating the community while providing opportunities for financial as well as creative cultivation to the community. In 1999 the landfill gas system was activated – a beautiful homage to Earth Day. Landfill gases are made up of about 50% methane, the primary component of natural gas, 50% carbon dioxide, and a small amount of other organic compounds. The collection system launched at EnergyXChange prevents these gases from seeping upward and fleeing into the air. This is an incredible feat as it lowers greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to smog and climate change.

So, what exactly is EnergyXChange doing with the landfill gas it captures? Well, they are harnessing the gas and using it as an energy source to run their facilities. Methane gas from the decommissioned landfill powers a hot shop for glass blowers, a pottery kiln, and supplies radiant heat for the studios, greenhouses, education center, offices and art gallery.

You’re probably wondering “how did this marvelous idea come about?” The idea for EnergyXchange was created through the partnership of three organizations–Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council (BRRC&D), HandMade in America (HandMade), and Mayland Community College (MCC)–all recognized for their strong track records in education, the promotion of crafts, and community and resource development and environmental protection in Western North Carolina. The nonprofit corporation, EnergyXchange, was formed September 13, 1999 and received its tax exempt status in 2000.

EnergyXchange has become one of the nation’s model energy recovery projects and is used regionally, nationally, and internationally as an example of successful small landfill gas projects. The EPA Methane to Markets Program included EnergyXchange in a 2008 landfill gas workshop in Poland and was included on a tour of Western North Carolina by Gov. Beth Perdue and Sen. Joe Sam Queen in the spring of 2010. Also in 2010, delegations from Mexico, Canada, Brazil and India toured EnergyXchange to gain insights into developing similar projects.

The tour of the EnergyXChange will consist of:

• An explanation of  how the Landfill Gas is extracted from the landfill
• The clay studio and kiln
• The glass studio
• Greenhouses and an explanation of how the Landfill Gas provides heat for our buildings
• We will complete the tour with an outdoor green potluck picnic, please bring a sustainable dish to share with others!

For more information on this incredible organization and its projects as well as pictures please visit their website.

For question please contact Education and Outings Coordinator: Isabelle Rios at isabelle@wnca.org or by calling her at 828-258-8737 ext. 201.

• What: EnergyXChange Tour
• When: Friday, May 23rd
• Where: 66 Energy Exchange Dr, Burnsville, NC
• Time: Tour will begin at 11 AM ; Potluck will begin around 12:30 .
• Cost: FREE for WNCA Members; $5 for non-members; *Special* $20 -includes 1 year membership-

May 3: “Water You Waiting For?” — Cookout & Fundraiser to benefit WNCA, SACE

Come cookout and party with us to benefit WNCA and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy in our efforts to protect the water and the environment!

WNCA membership merger vote – May 2014

Western North Carolina Alliance proposes to merge with the Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO) and the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance (J-MCA).

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED. You may still vote in person at the special called membership meeting from 5:30 -7 p.m. tonight (May 12) at The Green Sage Coffeehouse and Cafe in downtown Asheville (5 Broadway St.).

This vote is open only to current members of WNCA.

To be consider considered a member, you must have paid dues after May 1, 2013.

If you’re not sure if you’re currently a member, click here to check your membership status. (Please note: if your name is highlighted in the membership status document, it means your dues haven’t been paid in the last 12 months and you will need to renew to vote.)

If you have any questions about your membership status, please contact WNCA Development Associate Sabrina Wells at Sabrina@WNCA.org or at (828) 258-8737, ext. 215. To renew your membership, click here.