Greetings, ‘zu keepers! We are getting in the weeds together this Spring with a variety of workshops, partnerships, research projects and more. A few upcoming events to note:

• Wednesday, April 24
  • Asheville, NC
  • Community Through Kudzu with Weaver Matt Tommey
  • 1 – 4 PM
    
    Community Through Kudzu, educational kudzu removal along the Reed Creek Greenway in Asheville, NC, continues Wednesday, April 24, 1 – 4 PM. Learn how to select runner vines for weaving and harvest from 1 to 3 PM, then from 3 to 4 PM learn some basic materials preparation and see a weaving demonstration by master weaver, Matt Tommey. We will be marking areas where native non-invasive species are growing within the kudzu. We will also visit the goats who are working along the greenway!
    
    Wear pants and long sleeves; bring gloves, water, sun protection, and hand pruners if you have them. Some gloves and hand pruners will be available. Meet at the Reed Creek Greenway entry at intersection of WT Weaver and Broadway. The nearest parking and bathroom facilities are located at the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. No registration required and drop-ins welcome.
    
    This kudzu removal workshop is open to the public at no cost. Thanks to the McClure Foundation for ongoing financial support for Kudzu Culture operations and programming.
    
    
• Saturday, April 27
  • Newport, TN
  • Art and Garden Party with CWEET and PROJEXx
  • 11 AM – 4 PM
    
    Kudzu Culture joins CWEET (Clean Water Expected in Eastern Tennessee), PROJEXx, and other Newport artists and environmental activists in a day of creativity and celebration with eco-art demonstrations, seed give-aways, puppetry and story telling. Kudzu Culture will be demonstrating kudzu basketry weaving at 205 East Broadway.
    
    
• Saturday, May 4
  • Newport, TN
  • Routes to the River Festival
  • Noon – 3pm
    
    Kudzu Culture will be back in Newport, TN, for the inaugural Routes to the River Festival, celebrating music, history, and nature. The festival is from Noon – 10pm; Kudzu Culture will be at PROJEXx, located at 205 East Broadway, from Noon – 3pm, teaching kudzu weaving and serving samples of kudzu root iced tea.
    
    
• ONGOING – Wednesday Harvesting
  • Join Kudzu Culture executive director, LB, in weekly harvesting of roots, vines, and leafs, while learning all about the ‘zu! Email kudzuculture@gmail.com or text/call 828-280-7874 for specific harvest location and time. Most harvesting occurs in Buncombe and Madison Counties in Western, NC.

Stay tuned for more kudzu cultural news to come! We deeply appreciate financial support from the McClure Foundation for making our work possible. We also appreciate all the volunteers, collaborators and fellow ‘zu keepers who make this work so inspiring. Thank y’all! (- LB)