Rockin' in a Green World

Ola!

It's much easier to find my way around the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina now that I've made the Asheville Visitor Center my first stop for directions. I'm no longer lost in Asheville!

This week I visited an invigorating spot just south of Asheville named Chimney Rock Park. I took a picture from one of the upper trails and tried to include myself in it, but you know how it is with these un-opposable thumbs!

I had a great time letting the mist of Hickory Nut Falls cool my fur. After hiking more than three miles of scenic trails I was happy to take a break at the park's cafe and put my thinking cap on about all the rare and indigenous plants, unusual geological formations and native wildlife I encountered.

Asheville is bursting with people who care about the environment and places that work to be an example of green living. Maybe we can heal our planet and save our forests after all!

Next week I get to visit the River Arts District, and hope to see how creators have reclaimed a factory district to produce distinctive, regional art. Until then, I remain getting Mo from Life in Asheville!

- Mo

Lost in Ville

Ola!

It was my own fault: I tried to take a shortcut from the North Carolina Arboretum to the WNC Nature Center. What I should have done is visited the wonderful Asheville Visitor Center before I planned my journey! The nice folks there gave me a map and told me about many other wonderful places to visit during my stay.

But first: back to my original goal to visit the WNC Nature Center!

Asheville really does remind me of home, with its lush forests and natural beauty. One place where nature really comes alive is at the WNC Nature, where I saw other animals that are loved and admired by the humans who work at and visit the center. I saw many children delighted to meet the different animals, and guests of all ages learned valuable lessons about wildlife and the environment!

I even got to meet a resident bear, who let me take its picture!

One thing is for sure: I won't get lost again in Asheville now that I now where to go for great directions in an embracing, enriching setting!

Until next time, I continue to get mo from life in Asheville,

- Mo

Botanical Bonanza!

Ola!

I send video greetings of Bele Chere, the region's largest street festival. You can see the video by clicking HERE.

The excitement of Bele Chere and the drumming circle at Pritchard Park was exhilarating, but I longed for reminders of home. I found just what I was looking for while visiting another treasure tucked away in the region's beautiful mountains: the North Carolina Arboretum!

With more than 430 acres of public gardens and trails nestled within Pisgah National Forest, I began to feel right at home. I mean, just look at the view in the photo above! Doesn't it almost look like our home?

This oasis is also an educational center that conducts research and works on conservation and economic development. Some of the humans were even riding these things called Segways - eco-friendly electric personal transport systems.

While visiting, I learned about native plants and the Arboretum's dedication to the traditional values, environmental resourcefulness, and botanical mystique of the Southern Appalachian region. I also took a little time to relax and enjoy the view!

Asheville is bursting with humans and organizations that care about environmental health and awareness, and it's no wonder we heard so much about it. I'm learning a lot about how humans here care for the environment and the world around them, and I'm eager for my next adventure: the WNC Nature Center.

Until next week, I remain, getting Mo from life in Asheville!

- Mo

The Beat Goes On

Olá,

The city pulses with positive energy every Friday, and I can’t wait until tomorrow night!

You should see the humans come together in a park named Pritchard – they bongo and dance through the late afternoon and into the night. The friendly energy flows throughout the city.

Last week while dancing I met many green-minded people who might help us save our forest. Most people at the circle have bongos in tow, but many still walk, ride their bicycles, or take public transportation to the park.

We might be able to encourage the humans in our area to do the same when traveling. It takes a bit longer, but it keeps the humans in shape while helping the environment.

Next week I'm off to explore the North Carolina Arboretum, and I can't wait to share my latest adventures with you!

Getting Mo from Life in Asheville,

- Mo