Newspapers / University of North Carolina … / April 21, 2005, edition 1 / Page 2
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Page 2 The Blue Banner April 21,2005 Features Botanical Gardens: A nearby sanctuary of nature by Katie Rozycki Staff Reporter Now that spring has finally sprung, UNCA students can take in all Southern Appalachian nature has to offer at the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Located adjacent to campus, the BGA features over 700 species of wildlife native to Southern Appalachia, which is considered the area from cen tral Virginia to northern Georgia. The gardens attract over 35,000 visitors a year. The past year brought in guests from 44 states and a variety of coun tries. “The Botanical Gardens is great, because it offers a quiet place to study, meet with friends or just look at the flow ers,” said Jay Kranyik, board chair of agriculture at the BGA. Spring is decidedly the best time to view the gardens, according to Doric Adams, BGA volunteer and chairper son of its membership commit tee. “It’s so fulfilling to spring burst forth with beau- tiful plants,” said Adams. “It gives [me] goosebumps just thinking about it. Some of the weeds are even beauti ful.” The BGA is known for its sensitivity towards nature. “We pride ourselves on OLIVIA KORMAN/staff photographer For some students the Botanical Gardens, close to campus, is the perfect spot to study or just get away from it all. The gardens are home to over 700 species of plants and animals. see The BGA is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Admission to the garden is free, but donations are accept ed. Although the BGA is located on land belonging to UNCA, the garden is a non-profit, independently operated organi zation. “The garden is a way to awaken stu- We pride ourselves dents’ interests [in botany and the environ- on a holistic approach to the environment.” Jay Kranyik board chair of agriculture, BGA ment],” said Karen Moux, BGA board member and volunteer. “We care about the UNCA stu dents [that visit], because it is such an OLIVIA KORMAN/staff photographer A walking trail forming a half-mile loop leads visitors across bridges, streams and meadows at the Botanical Gardens. a holistic approach to the environment,” said Kranyik. “The Botanical Gardens basically doesn’t use any fertilizer or pesticides, and 99 percent of weeding is done by hand. Herbicide is very rarely used and only when absolutely necessary.” educational process.” A walking trail forms a half- mile loop around the garden’s 10 acres and leads visitors across streams, through mead ows and over a woodland ridge to a wildflower cove. Picnicking is allowed, and a variety of picnic benches and tables are provided throughout the garden. For those seeking shade, a large gazebo provides shelter in the middle of Sunshine Meadow. Students can also bask in the shade of one of four award winning trees. “They’re considered the largest trees of their kind in North Carolina and include the paper eirch, large-leaf storax, Washington hawthorne and alleghany plum,” said Kranyik. Students can also expect to see a myriad of animals and insects. Rabbits, chipmunks, wood peckers and snakes all make their home in the garden. Though most of the animal population is harmless, Kranyik warns about a few species. Many of the raccoons that have been taken off UNCA property and the Botanical Gardens have tested positive for rabies, according to Kranyik. “If a student sees one during the daytime, he or she should call animal control, since rac coons are nocturnal animals, and daytime activity is a possi ble sign of infection,” said Kranyik. Very few other animals should actually pose a threat, although poi sonous copper head snakes have occasion ally been spot ted. Pets, radios and sports equipment are not allowed in the gardens. “The garden is not simply a park,” said Kranyik. Students are not permitted to bring in kickballs, Frisbees or other sporting equipment. Bicycling and dogs are not allowed either. “We’ve had remarkably few [behavioral] problems with UNCA students,” said Kranyik. Kranyik warns that the area is patrolled at night by a secu rity guard who lives on the premises. Campus Police have also been known to make rounds in the gardens. “Don’t come into the gar dens at night. Trouble could happen, and we don’t want that,” said Kranyik. The BGA also hosts a variety of events geared towards everyone from the casual visi tor to the experienced horticul- turalist. Priyate tours are also avail able for groups of five or more.. On Saturday, April 23 at 10 a.m., the BGA is hosting a “Wildflower Walk.” Attendees have the opportu nity to walk the gardens and observe the wildflower season at its peak. On Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7, the BGA holding its annual “Days in the Gardens” fundraising and edu cational event. Featuring thousands of plaju for sale from regional native plant vendors, the event will also have live music, entertain. ment and food The BGA ‘T ^ -J lays claim to a Just Sitting outside small piece of American his. and enjoying the atmosphere is rewarding,” m ni icl 11( ipi Casey Michael undeclared sophomore tory as well. Part of the Battle of|n Asheville was fought on its grounds ov« 140 years ago, A r e c e j t anniversary celebratioi commemorat. te act ed the soldiers who fought ii the battle, according to Kranyik. The construction of a new parking lot and two wetland ponds are underway. The wetland ponds will help purify the water flowing from Reed Creek, according to Kranyik. The project should be com pleted in about a month. “My favorite aspect of the BGA is that it does such i great job of replicating ecolog ical bio-systems native to the area,” said Ryan Kleinhart, horticulture assistant at the gardens. “It’s amazing that the garden is only 10 acres and there are over 700 species on it. It is a wonderful escape from the craziness of school." Students hope to have mon opportunities to relax in the garden. “Now that the weather is nicer, I hope to spend muck more time in the gardens,” said Casey Michael, undeclared sophomore. “Just sitting out side and enjoying the atmos phere is rewarding. I should actually make a point to go to the gardens more, it’s not as if it’s hard to get to from my dorm.” Ur iw nr rat im )lii With finals around the corner, these late-night joints will feed your brain by Nicky Marshall Staff Reporter It's time for midnight munchies, caffeine pills and Spark Notes. It's time for finals. While not much can be done to protect students from the onslaught of papers, tests and situations that will determine the rest of your life (so your teachers say), there is some hope for those who will be up late studying and want to get some brain food. Three places that leave the light on no matter the time are Denny's, Waffle House and the 51 Grill. “We offer our great service and hospitality,” said Jon Cooley, Denny’s manager. “We have a big ger restaurant, so patrons can stay as long as they want. Here, we don’t have to worry about turning over the tables.” Cooley also boasts having more of a laid back atmosphere at Denny’s than the other late-night restaurants. The restaurant feel of Denny’s and the large dining space makes this place the easiest to hold a conversa tion with those at your table, mak ing it the ideal place for a study group. At night, the menu at Denny’s switches over, so the average meal will cost about $7, though there are a few specials that run for $5.99. As opposed to Waffle House and the 51 Grill, the menu at Denny’s has more options | |i 4 for late-night munchers. CHARLOTTE CLAYPOOLE/staff photographer At the 51 Grill, you can watch your food being prepared and either dine in or carry out. The restaurant has turned into a popular late-night eatery. CHARLOTTE CLAYPOOLE/staff photographer Denny’s off Patton Avenue is anoth er late-night option. Waffle House is another late-night favorite for students, while Denny’s has a reputation for better food. “Most of the time I’ll go to Waffle House, because I’ve gone there for ever,” said Kyle Anderson, senior math and computer science student. “But, Denny’s has the best food and — the best selection “Waffle HoUSC is great to go to for The crowd at Denny’s is older than would be found at the other eateries, because it is more of a sit-down, family-oriented restaurant. However, younger people do stop in after hours. “I don’t see a lot of students come in to study at night, but they do come in to cap off their evenings,” said Cooley. ■ Denny's is located at Regent Park Blvd. Patton Avenue and is. for sure.” There are a few Waffle Houses . scattered around the experience, but to\yn, but the clos- ^ p , p , ,, campus can HOt lOr the lOOCl. 117 1 off of course, open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. T like the food at Denny’s, but est to be found at Tunnel Rd. “Waffle House is great to go to for the experience, but not the food,” said Brown. “It’s smoky and greasy, but fun. It’s a great break from col- Katie Brown senior classics student don’t like all of the little kids run ning around,” said Katie Brown, lege pretentiousness.’ The average meal at Waffle House will run for about $6. Another plus to eating at Waffle House is the expedient service. For the student on the go, out of these three restaurants, Waffle House will get your meal out to you the fastest. —' “At Waffle House, we have quick and friendly service,” said Amber M o n t V i 1 1 e , Waffle House server. “You know, service with a smile.” Waffle House routinely serves college students, especially on the weekends, according to Montville. The 51 Grill located at 51 Merrimon Ave. is the closest late-night eatery to campus. We like to keep things cheap here, said Jason Turner, server at the 51 Grill. “A full meal will cost between $5 to $7.” A plus to eating at the 51 Grill that there is no wait staff, so no tip ping is necessary. Another interesting fact about the 51 Grill is that everything there is home made, giving the food a fresl flavor. And like Waffle House, yo» can watch your food being preprei “I definitely liked the 51 Grill tht best,” said Brown. “I was surpriseii to find out that the food was home made, but it reflects in the taste because the food isn’t greasy bland.” If the food isn’t enough to keepyo" awake, there is always the gas station mini-mart next door which is conve niently stocked with energy drinks. Another mentionable aspect to toe 51 Grill is the pleasant atmosphere. “The staff at 51 Grill are extremely nice,” said UNCA alumnus Landry Mayeux. “It was refreshing to see a cook who really cares about jvha customers think of his cooking. The masses that gather at the 51 Grill u s u a 1 1 [ descend upo" it in full around 2 a.ffl;^ “After ^ between $5 and S7.” a.m., the “We like to keep things cheap here. A full meal will cost Jason Turner server at 51 Grill student looking for a bars ao' clubs let out we’ll ^ packed,” sat Turner. So, to t quiet place thistiffl* study, avoid the 51 Grill at . as it fills up with those unable to with the night just yet. The 51 Grill runs out'of seati quickly, so if you plan on eating get there early. Luckily, all of these restaura have carry-out options for those " like to eat at home. PP ak Tt So
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