ECO EVENTS

Hike to Skinny Dip Falls
Saturday, Sept. 15th, 9:00am

Let’s go skinny dipping!
Join ECO on Saturday, September 15 at 9:00 am on a hike to one of our area’s nicest waterfalls, described as "one of the area's many pristine swimming holes" by a local newspaper. This moderate hike to Skinnydip Falls will take approximately one hour after a 45-minute drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Bring your camera as the waterfall demands you take it's picture and be prepared to wade, swim (if you're adventuresome), or just dangle your feet in the cold water. Please call to reserve your spot. Carpoolers will meet at the Hendersonville Walmart parking lot at the end behind Chick-Fil-A at 9:00 a.m. and at the MacDonalds parking lot on Long Shoals Road at 9:30 a.m. We will carpool from both locations. Call ECO at 692-0385 for questions/more information.

Participants who wish to join us for lunch (bring money), we plan to stop at Pisgah Inn for lunch on the way back.
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The hike is sponsored by the Environmental and Conservation Organization and is open to the public at no charge. ECO has been dedicated since 1987 to clean air, clean water, recreation, and the conservation and preservation of the natural heritage and resources of the mountain region. This hike is a moderate level hike which is limited to 24 people. Advance reservations required.

For more information phone the ECO office at 692-0385

LEADERSHIP ORIENTATION
September 19, 2007 - 7 p.m. ECO Office

People wanting to learn about leadership possibilities with the Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO) are invited to a program on Thursday, September 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the ECO office, 121 Third Avenue West, Suite 4, in downtown Hendersonville. The organization is looking for prospective members of the board of directors or its committees. Those interested in attending the meeting should phone the ECO office at 692-0385 by noon that day to reserve a space and receive an information packet.

The two-hour session is designed for new or prospective ECO members, potential members of the board, and people with environmental concerns .... it will provide pertinent information for those wishing to serve on committees, to chair committees, to volunteer for special events, or merely to learn more about ECO. Participants will hear about ECO’s history of environmental work in the region and its current plans and projects. Members of the board of directors will be present.

Phone ECO to register or e-mail the office at eco@eco-wnc.org.

NC Big Sweep Stream Cleanup Day

Saturday, September 22, 2007- 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Got Your Trash Bags Ready? It's Time For NC Big Sweep

Get your team and trash bags ready to fan out along every stream and waterway to pick up litter during NC Big Sweep this fall. This statewide event involves businesses, school groups, civic clubs, individuals, and others to join the NC Big Sweep project. In all nearby counties, including Henderson County, where ECO has coordinated the event for over a decade, Big Sweep will be a big deal.

ECO calls the Henderson County community to work on Saturday, September 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In Transylvania County, Debi Whitmire with Headwater Outfitters is your Big Sweep contact (877-3106).

In Buncombe County, Leslie Huntly at Quality Forward is the coordinator (254-1776).

In Haywood County, Dave Dudek at Haywood Comm. College is the contact (627-4564).

Polk County residents can contact Carlann Scherping at 894-3253.

NC Big Sweep is part of an international program, now in its 20th year, that includes coastal cleanup as well as streams, lakes, and rivers.

Organize your team to clean a stream near you in WNC … or join the several teams cleaning up creeks in Henderson County. Phone ECO at 828-692-0385 for details.