Students Want Nature

Our hope remains that the space is left substantially undisturbed and that careful steps to protect the habitats of our wild residents are considered and facilitated as much as possible. Or, as one of our UNC-system alumni phrased it, “There may be a solution that is still lucrative and beneficial to the university that does not further alienate UNCA from Asheville at large and irreparably tarnish its reputation and perception, but we will never know if we cannot have an honest dialogue.” So, while we hear that the University seeks to empower and strengthen student success in any development plans/ideas, this “student success” and “benefit” is completely overshadowed if student voices, including our alumni, are not taken seriously into account. Ultimately, this resolution comes from a genuine place of wanting to foster improved communication, transparency, and understanding between our diverse community and University leaders so we can create a mutually beneficial and environmentally conscious path forward. Thus, we sincerely hope our continued pleas as representative voices of the student body are heeded and respected as conversations progress in the coming weeks lest members of our community and the wildlife of this forest be disregarded and/or callously harmed.
Full UNCA Student Government Association Resolution 

The students of UNC Asheville and community members call on the administration of UNC Asheville to halt its development of the “woods”. The “woods” in question is the 45 acre property owned by the university in Vivian Avenue and 220 W.T. Weaver Boulevard. In a turbulent political climate filled with federal cuts to D.E.I initiatives and all sorts of programs at universities, the plans to develop the “woods” only add salt to the wound. Students, staff, and community members are all overwhelmed and worn out by the insanity and chaos caused by the current presidential administration. For decades, students, professors and community members alike have enjoyed all the benefits that the “woods” provide. UNCA professors conduct research in the “woods” area with their students. Children in the community can recall countless hours spent playing in the “woods”. The students, adults and elderly folks find a safe space to walk, run and exercise along with their pets. The plans to develop the “woods” come at such an erroneous time just after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. It is estimated that almost 40% of the woods in Asheville were wiped out by the hurricane and the community is still recovering post-Helene. The “woods” are the last urban woods in Asheville that provide many ecological services to the organisms and humans such as a buffer for tropical storms and a filtration system. Urban forests, like the “woods” cool down the city amidst rising temperatures caused by global warming. Without the “woods” it's very likely the next hurricane will be much more devastating than Helene. Preserving the “woods” would demonstrate UNCA’s commitment to sustainability which can be found on the website of the universities.

Full Statement: Spring 2025 UNCA Student Organization Open Letter to the UNCA Administration