Given the uptick in human-bear interaction in our community, neighbor Sarah Oram has these top tips from BearWise to to keep everyone safe!
BearWise Haw Creek participants agree to:
Not put out their garbage until collection day morning, and to secure it (in a garage, shed, or locked area) throughout the week
Not feel bears directly
Secure or remove unintended bear food sources around the house (birdseed, dirty grills, pet food, garbage, etc)
Contact State Assistant Biologist, Ashley Hobbs (Ashley.Hobbs@ncwildlife.org) to report escalated bear behavior and to secure/remove any bear attractants for at least two weeks after the reported incident
Notify NC Wildlife’s Justin McVey on 828 273 7980 about any bear encounters that feel unusually aggressive to humans or pets
Educate Haw Creek neighbors and friends about BearWise recommendations for the safety of both humans and bears
Sarah would like to organize neighborhoods in Haw Creek for BearWise certification. If you are interested in learning more, please contact her on 828 298 4893 or oramsarah@gmail.com.
Many caterpillars over-winter in fallen leaves and debris piles?
Neither did we – until now!
We can help create insect friendly gardens in Haw Creek by gently raking our leaves and piling our sticks into a corner of the garden.
See the value in leaf litter but still want a leaf-free yard?
Bountiful Cities hears you, and they will happily collect your raked and bagged leaves. Simply call them on 828 775 0614 or email them at g2ginfo@bountifulcities.com, and they will collect your leaves for composting at local school and community gardens!
Sand Hill Nursery at the Buncombe County Sports Park
Registration required!
In an effort to combat the loss of our urban canopy, largely due to growth and development, Asheville GreenWorks, with support from Dominion Energy, Buncombe County Recreation Services, Pisgah Plants, Southeastern Native Plant Nursery, and Green River Botanicals, will be giving away 1,000 native trees to Buncombe County residents.
As we lose public space for trees, it’s important to support private land and homeowners in planting more trees and empowering them with the knowledge to care for them. This event is FREE to Buncombe County residents who have residential land to plant trees. Commercial usage is not permitted.
Registration opens Sunday, October 17th at noon, and is required for participants to select a pick up time and tree species (2 trees per Buncombe County residential address). More information can be found here.
The leaves are blushing, the nights are cool, and the bears are into our pumpkins! It must be October in Haw Creek!
This month, there are lots of ways to engage with our community.
Growth and Development Survey
The Community Association Growth and Development Survey is still open! Please tell us about YOUR priorities for our growing community. https://forms.gle/5V2os2eede4dJsTbA
Yard Sale
The folks at 72 Cisco Rd. are planning a huge yard sale on Saturday 9 October. Help them declutter and find yourself some treasure!
Saturday October 9, 9am – 1pm
72 Cisco Rd., Asheville
Fall Festival and Tailgate Market
Groce United Methodist Church will host a Fall Festival on Friday October 15th at the East Asheville Tailgate Market. Festivities will include crafts, games, the pumpkin patch (see below) and more!
Friday October 15th, 3 – 6pm
954 Tunnel Rd.
Fall Fun Festival
Haw Creek Commons and Bethesda United Methodist Church will host a Fall Festival on Saturday 16 October from 11am – 2pm. The event will include loads of craft activities for kids of all ages; fall yard-prep & eco-talks; woodland tours; food trucks; and more!
Saturday October 16, 11am – 2pm
Haw Creek Commons grounds and gardens, 315 Old Haw Creek Rd.
Solar Panel Dedication
On Sunday 24 October, St. John’s Episcopal Church will dedicate their new solar panels. Please join them after the 11am service. Please RSVP to Mary Sorrells at cbiscuit168@gmail.com or 828-215-3800
Sunday October 24 after 11am
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 290 Old Haw Creek Rd
Cub Scouts
Cub Scout registration is now open and meetings begin soon. Cub Scouts is open to boys and girls aged 5 – 10. Pack 108 will meet at Groce United Methodist Church on Mondays at 6pm.
Please contact Jason on 828-216-9959 or jdpabst@yahoo.com for more information or to register.
Pumpkin Patch!
The Groce United Methodist Church’s pumpkin patch returns this year to the corner of Beverly and Tunnel Rd. The pumpkin patch is open seven days a week starting Sunday October 3rd at 12:30pm.
Pick out your pumpkins Sunday – Friday from 12:30 – 7pm or Saturdays from 10am – 7pm.
East Village Grille
Now through October 31, when you mention Haw Creek Elementary School at check out a portion of the proceeds will benefit the school. Everybody wins! Brought to you by the HCES Parent Teacher Association.