Cocktails & Conservation

Editor’s note: The following event took place before Hurricane Helene made landfall in Asheville. We’ve decided to publish this recap as planned because it highlights this extraordinary community that has since been devastated by historic flooding and stands as a reminder of the immense help still needed. Find ways you can assist those in Western North Carolina here.

In partnership with Explore Asheville, Garden & Gun hosted a panel conversation to celebrate the work of the 2024 Champions of Conservation at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. Following live music and cocktails, guests were seated for a panel discussion. G&G editor in chief David DiBenedetto, alongside JJ Apodaca, a 2023 Champion and executive director of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy in Asheville, led an engaging dialogue to learn more about the panelists’ groundbreaking work, as each Champion shared the story of their conservation efforts.

Read more about 2024 Champions of Conservation.

October 3, 2024

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The barn at Hickory Nut Gap Farm outside Asheville.

Photo: Molly Harris Creative

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A bountiful grazing table spread welcomes guests to cocktail hour.

Photo: Molly Harris Creative

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The Herb Society, composed of Asheville’s Chemist American gin, citrus, and herbs.

Photo: Molly Harris Creative

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From left: Christian Bryant, G&G senior vice president and publisher, Explore Asheville’s Dodie Stephens, vice president of marketing, Luisa Yen, director of public relations, and 2023 Champion JJ Apodaca with his son.

Photo: Molly Harris Creative

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From left: G&G’s digital editor Lindsey Liles and executive editor Amanda Heckert, 2023 Champions Apodaca and Julie Moore, 2024 Champion Jimmy Bullock, and Tamara Ladich.

Photo: Molly Harris Creative

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Chemist Spirits’ Debbie Word, Danielle Donaldson, and James Donaldson.

Photo: Molly Harris Creative

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Matt Jagnow and Krisztian Varsa.

Photo: Molly Harris Creative

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The conversation begins.

Photo: Molly Harris Creative

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From left: G&G editor in chief David DiBenedetto; Tony Friedrich, policy director at the American Saltwater Guides Association; Kelly Holdbrooks, executive director of the Southern Highlands Reserve; Bernie Kuhajda, aquatic conservation biologist at the Tennessee Aquarium; Kyle Lybarger, founder of the Native Habitat Project; Jimmy Bullock, senior vice president of the Resource Management Service, and Apodaca.

Photo: Molly Harris Creative