We love trees, native plants and nature. We're happy to share opportunities in our communities to stand up for all of it and give our planet the support and appreciation it deserves.
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For the 4th year in row, we’ll join Asheville City Council and Mayor Manheimer to receive the Proclamation for Invasive Species Awareness Week in Asheville to coincide with National Invasive Species Awareness Week, February 23 – 26. Follow us here for events around Western North Carolina.
The Certified Pollinator Advocate program is a collaboration between The Asheville Botanical Garden and Bee City USA-Asheville. The certification requires a series of 12 classes on pollination ecology topics and volunteer hours, which are fulfilled as a “pollenteer” once at a Bee City USA – Asheville habitat development project and once at an outreach event. This is Raven’s second year speaking at the series, and it’s a great program. Highly recommend.
Photo by Raven Sterling. “In Repose” was selected for Bee City USA Asheville’s Pollination Celebration Photo Display at Carolina Native Nursery last year.
Bee City AshevilleRaven spoke at Bee City USA – Asheville and The Rotary Club of Asheville’s Environmental Conference. The event was held Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at A-B Tech Conference Center in Asheville, and featured inspirational keynote speaker and prolific author, Dr. Douglas Tallamy!
Get Your Tickets
The conference is held annually at WCU in Cullowhee, NC. Registration for 2026 opens April 1, and the conference agenda will be announced then.
Learn MoreEvery year, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust partners with the Village Green in Cashiers, NC, to host public education presentations in conservation, wildlife, habitat, sustainability, cultural heritage, and public practices that are harmonious to our planet.
Free and open to the public. 5:30pm-6:30pm at the Village Green.
Event Details"If you don't know something is there, how can you Love it? And if you don't Love it, why would you care if it is there?"
–Adam Bigelow
Adam Bigelow is a Plant Nerd with 20 years of experience working with the Plants of Southern Appalachia. He’s involved with the Cullowhee Native Plants Conference and the Cullowhee Community Garden. His passions include Native Plants and Wildflowers of Southern Appalachia, Walking in the Woods, Organic Gardening, Community Gardening, Sustainability and Eco-friendly Living.
Adam is one of Raven’s favorite people, and she promises you’ll enjoy time spent with Adam and wildflowers. Look forward to Adam’s 2026 schedule coming soon.
View 2025 ScheduleIn this episode of Fluxx Talks, Raven Sterling, founder of Raven Invasive Plant Management, shares her insights on restoring native ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and promoting mindful, chemical-free conservation. Discover how hands-on action and sustainable practices can make a real impact on the natural world. #fluxtalks #ravensterling #biodiversity #ecologicalrestoration #sustainability #natureconservation #environmentalpodcast #mindfulaction
Asheville Environmental Leader Raven Sterling Named Global Environmental Sustainability Woman of the Year
Founder of Raven Invasive Plant Management honored for pioneering chemical-free restoration of native ecosystems and biodiversity protection
ASHEVILLE, NC — Raven Sterling, Founder and Head Tree Hugger of Raven Invasive Plant Management, has been named Global Environmental Sustainability Woman of the Year by the Fluxx Global Pioneer Awards, an international honor recognizing visionary leadership and transformative impact in environmental sustainability.
The award celebrates Sterling’s groundbreaking work in chemical-free mitigation of invasive plant species, a science-based approach that restores native ecosystems, protects endangered species, and revitalizes biodiversity without harming soil, water, or wildlife.
Through Raven Invasive Plant Management, Sterling leads hands-on restoration efforts that reverse ecological damage caused by invasive species while empowering landowners, communities, and conservation partners to take tangible, lasting action toward environmental stewardship.
“This recognition affirms what so many of us know — that nature heals best when we work with it, not against it,” said Sterling. “Restoring native ecosystems is not just environmental work; it’s an act of care for the future of our planet and all the life it supports.”
Sterling’s approach blends advocacy, applied ecological science, mindfulness, and education, creating a holistic model of restoration that extends beyond land management to cultural change. Her work emphasizes long-term ecosystem health, community engagement, and ethical stewardship — values increasingly essential in the face of accelerating biodiversity loss.
The Fluxx Global Pioneer Awards recognize individuals worldwide whose leadership advances meaningful change across industries, cultures, and ecosystems. Selection as Global Environmental Sustainability Woman of the Year places Sterling among a distinguished group of global innovators shaping the future of environmental responsibility.
Raven Invasive Plant Management was selected for invasive plant mitigation at Reedy Meadow on Swamp Rabbit Trail in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Friends of the Reedy River and Naturaland Trust partnered with EarthDesign on this multi-year project to turn a neglected stretch of the trail into a native pollinator meadow. The project was covered by WSPA TV7 in Greenville, as well as Greenville Journal.
Friends of the Reedy River project seeks to establish natural meadow in downtown Greenville
Acres of land dubbed “eyesore” repurposed for meadow project in Greenville
Mayor Esther Manheimer proclaimed February 24-28 Invasive Species Awareness Week in Asheville at the City Council Meeting. Raven accepted the proclamation, along with LB Bacchus from Kudzu Culture and Karen MacNeil from Montford Neighborhood Association.
Raven led a session on “Battle Plans Against Exotic Invasive Plants” as part of the monthly classes offered by Bee City USA & Asheville Botanical Garden.
BLAINESWORLD webcast focuses on positive news and information about people and organizations in Western NC and throughout the country.
Watch our native plant restoration work at the historic Allison-Deaver House, showcasing how we transform landscapes by removing invasive species and promoting native plant growth.
See our restoration work at Silvermont Park, where we’re helping to preserve this historic site’s natural heritage by managing invasive plants and restoring native species.
We made the move to reusable contractor bags last year. What “small” change can you enact to make a BIG difference?
Make a choice to keep toxic chemicals out of your landscape. Your “home” will be safer for you, your kids & pets, and every other form of life you share it with.
This is our home, and we will stand up, show up and fight for it!
Support Forest Keepers and Friends of Big Ivy. We are a coalition of neighbors, farmers, teachers, and community members working to permanently protect the wild and ancient Craggy-Big Ivy forest and watershed. It’s worth it!
https://www.facebook.com/bigivyforest