Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC: Creating Farm Resilience Against Extreme Weather Events

As extreme weather events continue to pose challenges for farming operations, we must take steps to rally behind our farmers. This is why MountainTrue is conducting a Farm Weather Impact Survey with the help of their newest AmeriCorps Member, Olivia Gray. The survey aims to better understand how extreme weather events affect agricultural production in the Southern Blue Ridge. The information we receive will help guide MountainTrue in tailoring support initiatives, advocating for vital resources, and implementing strategies to support farm resiliency in Western North Carolina. Join Olivia Gray and her project supervisor Erica Shanks for this presentation on the importance of local agriculture and our survey findings so far.

Olivia Gray grew up camping and hiking and has always had an affinity for nature. She graduated from the State University of New York at Binghamton with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Economics. Upon graduating, she landed her first AmeriCorps position with the University of Hawai’i Maui College, where she focused on campus and county-wide food security efforts. Olivia is excited to be applying her knowledge of food systems to her work at MountainTrue as their Climate Action Corps AmeriCorps Member.

Erica is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Spanish and Broadcast Journalism and two reputable leadership programs. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. For the past 10 years, Erica has worked in the agricultural field supporting new and beginning farmers, managing farmer’s markets, running her own small farm business, and advocating for the protection of farmland for future beginning farmers. Erica is your Green Riverkeeper and is passionate about hiking, backpacking, learning about new plants and mushrooms, anything on the water, and local food!

5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.
6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!

Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn about current environmental issues, discuss relevant, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks; just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.