On Sunday, March 22, roughly 100 people will embark on a 500-mile walk from Pack Square Park to Washington, DC. Arriving on Earth Day, the 32-day journey — called The Great Mother March — aims to raise awareness about caring for the planet and fostering unity and empathy.

" It's connected to embodying and being the change we want to see in the world, modeling it," said founder Whitney Freya, an Oregon-based artist, author, and educator. She took on the challenge of planning the march in November 2024, and was inspired to make Asheville the starting point after teaching a series of painting classes with the local inter-spiritual nonprofit, When Women Come to Pray.

But before the logistics of the march were carefully planned across each NC and VA town, the route already carried significance. The group will walk alongside the Appalachian Mountains, among the oldest mountain ranges in the US, and what Freya calls the symbolic "spine" of the US. She hopes the journey, like a spine, will help healing and transformation ripple outward.

As the group travels from town to town, they will walk with a large mural in tow, inviting the community to come make their mark.

How to get involved

Whether you're interested in the long haul, joining for the day, or being a support driver, you can register for more info and access a spreadsheet detailing the route and accommodations.

And on Saturday, March 21, you can show up at Pack Square Park to send marchers off with well-wishes during a spring equinox celebration with music, speakers, and a first look at the traveling mural. The exact time is TBA, but look out for more info as the date draws closer.