ECO EVENTS

October is Bio-Monitoring Month
For ECO Volunteers

ECO's biological monitoring teams will be counting macroinvertebrates at assigned sites on many streams during October. If you're interested in participating, visit our website to learn more and print out an application form. We'll need your form no later than September 20 in order to assign you to a team.

Thanks for helping!

Sixth Grade Environmental
Art Contest

October 1 - 31, 2007

ECO is sponsoring its 13th ECO Art Contest. All Henderson County sixth graders, including public and private schools and homeschool children, are eligible for this year's contest, which runs from Oct. 1-31.

Each participant should consider the theme: "What Does Green Mean?" when creating artwork, using either two dimensional poster art no greater than 24 by 36 inches, or three dimensional sculpture art about 18 by 18 by 18 inches and less than 10 pounds. Each entry must be original and done by the student, and must be accompanied by a 25-word written statement. ECO encourages the use of recycled materials in the artwork and the use of titles on artwork, although neither is mandatory.

ECO volunteers will pick up artwork from schools and choose six prize winners. Entries will be judged on three criteria: Environmental message, artistic presentation, and creativity.
The top 20 finalists will be invited to the award ceremony in November.

Local support and prize donations have come from Diamond Brand Outdoors, the Cradle of Forestry, Mast General Store, Wild Birds Unlimited, Touchstone Gallery and others. Last year, Sara Gudger from Hendersonville Middle School won first prize.

An information package about the ECO Art Contest will be sent to all art and science teachers, as well as sixth grade principals in Henderson County. For more information, call the ECO office at 692-0385 or Roberta Wessells, chair, at 694-0247.

Florence Nature Preserve Hike

Sunday, October 14th, 1pm

We'll gather at 1 PM to begin a hike on the Florence Preserve, a 600-acre wooded tract in Hickory Nut Gorge owned by the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy. The trails we'll walk along were built by Dr. Tom and Glenna Florence, who owned the land for a number of years.
            This is a four-mile moderately strenuous walk on varied terrain. Visit rock outcrops, traverse a rushing stream and enjoy the unique natural heritage of this 600-acre property on the slopes of Little Pisgah Mountain. Longtime CMLC volunteer and Hike Committee member, Mickey Kilpatrick will lead the hike. The hike is free and open to the public, but is limited to 40 people, so reservations are necessary. Phone the office of the Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO) at 828-692-0385 to reserve your space and get directions.
            Note: This is a MODERATELY STRENUOUS HIKE on existing trails, with a total elevation change of approx 800 feet. There are several steep sections in the beginning and end. We will have an extended break at Rattlesnake Overlook, where you may enjoy lunch or a snack. Those with knee problems should bring hiking poles. Participants should be physically fit, prepared for unexpected weather, and have appropriate footwear. If we have rainy weather in the preceding days, expect the footing to be tricky. Please, do not bring dogs on this hike. If weather appears questionable, contact ECO to confirm we are proceeding.
            The hike is co-sponsored by ECO and Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC). For more information, phone the ECO office at 828-692-0385.

Field Trip to Oconee Power Plant

Saturday, October 20, 2007 10am-4pm.

The Oconee Nuclear Plant is the closest nuclear facility to Western NC. Given that nuclear power has been touted as an alternative to fossil fuels, ECO is sponsoring this trip to learn more about this option.

We will be leaving Hendersonville (The Fresh Market Parking Lot) at 10am to carpool to the Oconee Power Plant. Please bring your own bag lunch for a picnic when we arrive at the plant. We will be watching a 15min. film about nuclear power at 1pm and then taking a 45min. tour of power plant.

***This tour will be followed up with a lecture by Mary Olson on October 30th at the Henderson County Public Library. See below for details.***

Please call the ECO office 692-0385 to reserve a spot for this tour. Space is limited!

ECO Annual Meeting

Saturday, October 27th, 2pm at the Johnson Farm

Please join us at the historic Johnson Farm for a Town Hall style meeting. Voice your opinions on current issues and hear about ECO's exciting 5 year Strategic Plan. There will be a guided walk about on the farm, along with refreshments and good company. Please call ECO office (692-0385) to RSVP for this event.

Is Nuclear Power Green Power?

Tuesday, October 30, 2007 7pm

Henderson County Public Library

Mary Olson, the area's leading expert on nuclear energy, will be giving a lecture about the potential hazards of nuclear energy. Please join us to learn more about nuclear power and ask questions about its impact on our community.

ECO Board Meetings

4th Wednesday of Month - 5:30p.m.

ECO Board meetings are held the 4th Wednesday of each month, 5:30 p.m. at the ECO office.

Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO)
121 Third Avenue West, Suite 4
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-692-0385