Asheville, NC, August 12, 2025
News Summary
In Asheville, NC, the Save the Woods organization is hosting the ‘Wrap the Woods’ art action to protest against the development plans threatening a 54-acre urban forest. The community aims to showcase the importance of this green space, home to thousands of trees and wildlife, through a visual demonstration. This initiative comes amidst significant opposition to UNC Asheville’s proposed stadium and housing projects in the area. Participants will wrap the forest in fabric, symbolizing their connection to this vital habitat.
Asheville Residents Rally to Protect Urban Forest with “Wrap the Woods” Art Action
Asheville, NC – The Save the Woods organization is set to host an art action titled “Wrap the Woods” on Saturday, September 6, starting at 9:30 a.m. The event aims to unite volunteers, community members, and activists in a visual demonstration against the proposed development of UNC Asheville’s 54-acre urban forest, known locally as “The Woods.”
The urban forest, recognized as one of the last remaining green spaces in Asheville, serves as a vital habitat for local wildlife. However, it is currently under threat from a multi-phase development plan introduced by UNC Asheville which includes plans for a 5,000-seat stadium, retail shops, and market-rate housing. This initiative has faced significant community resistance, including opposition from university staff, faculty, students, neighboring residents, and more than 15,000 individuals who have signed a petition against the project.
Despite months of advocacy efforts geared towards preserving this essential green space, the university administration and the UNC Board of Governors have remained steadfast in their development plans. In response, community members are mobilizing to highlight the scale of the area at risk, which is home to approximately 20,000 trees.
Purpose of the Event
The “Wrap the Woods” event aims to create a visual representation of the potential loss caused by the development. Inspired by the environmental artworks of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, as well as a notable educational installation by local artist Peggy Gardner in 1980, participants will form a human chain “wrapping” the urban forest in fabric. This act is intended to signify the community’s bond with the land and the impact that removing it would have on local wildlife and the environment.
The urban forest functions as a wildlife corridor, harboring a variety of plant and animal species while also serving as an outdoor classroom for at least 18 courses at UNC Asheville. The forest provides recreational opportunities and spaces for relaxation for university students, faculty, and surrounding community members. Furthermore, the destruction of these 54 acres would exacerbate the existing loss of tree canopy in the region, which has already been reduced by 40% following Hurricane Helene.
The planned deforestation could significantly hinder the essential functions of stormwater management and carbon absorption in the area. Participants are encouraged to bring sheets—preferably second-hand or sourced from thrift shops—to the event. These sheets will be used during the wrapping as participants paint their messages, expressing their desire to protect this urban forest.
Event Details
The event launches at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Glen’s Creek Greenway and WT Weaver Boulevard, with the wrapping to commence from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This collective action represents not just a stand against development, but a commitment to preserving Asheville’s natural heritage for future generations.
For those interested in participating, additional information about the event and the Save the Woods initiative is available through the Save the Woods organization’s website. Media inquiries regarding the event can be directed to Alli Marshall of Save the Woods at +1-828-318-7196 or via email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the “Wrap the Woods” event?
The “Wrap the Woods” event aims to visually represent the scale of the threatened urban forest and to demonstrate the community’s commitment to preserving the natural habitat from proposed development.
When and where will the event take place?
The event will take place on Saturday, September 6, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Glen’s Creek Greenway and WT Weaver Boulevard in Asheville, NC.
What should participants bring to the event?
Participants are encouraged to bring sheets, preferably used or from thrift shops, for wrapping the forest and to paint messages on them to show their support for saving the urban forest.
Key Features of “Wrap the Woods” Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | UNC Asheville’s 54-acre urban forest |
| Date & Time | Saturday, September 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. |
| Current Threat | Development of a stadium, retail space, and housing |
| Community Involvement | Resistance from staff, students, neighborhood members and over 15,000 petition signatures |
| Environmental Significance | Home to approx. 20,000 trees, serves as a wildlife corridor and educational space |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greyhound Resumes Bus Service to Asheville After Hurricane Hiatus
Asheville’s Urban Forests: A Vital Resource Under Threat
UNC Asheville Unveils $250 Million Mixed-Use Development Plan
UNCA Announces Plans for New 5,000-Seat Stadium and Housing
Asheville’s Robin Raines Commits to Pro Bono Design Work
Asheville Unveils First Echo Art Installation
Asheville Faces Funding Cuts to Public Radio Stations
Asheville’s Arts Scene on the Road to Recovery
Don’t Miss ‘Into the Woods’ at Asheville Community Theatre
Buncombe County Planning & Development Moves to New Location
Additional Resources
- Send2Press: Wrap the Woods Art Installation
- Joplin Globe: Wrap the Woods Pop-Up Art Installation
- 828 News Now: Save the Woods Rally
- WLOS: UNC Asheville Stadium Plan Advances
- Wikipedia: Urban Forest
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
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