Friends of UNCA Woods
UNC Asheville’s 45-acre urban forest—a vital community resource and wildlife habitat—is under threat of development. Without notice, excavation began on January 13, destroying ecological research plots, disturbing wildlife, and alarming trail users. Heavy boring equipment arrived shortly after, intensifying concerns.
This lack of transparency has raised serious questions from students, faculty, neighbors, and Asheville residents. While we understand UNCA’s challenges, this forest provides rare environmental, educational, and community benefits. Losing it would harm Asheville’s climate resilience, especially after Hurricane Helene devastated local tree cover.
Friends of the UNCA Woods urges UNCA to pause all work immediately and to collaborate on a plan that balances financial needs with preserving this invaluable green space for future generations.
