WNC Nature Center

10/31/2024

Happy Howl-O-Ween! In the words of Maurice Sendak, let the WILD rumpus start!

We're having a Virtual Halloween Costume Contest! 📸Send us photos of you, your kids, and/or your pets dressed as you head out for trick-or-treating! 🎃Prizes valued at $50 each will be awarded in various categories!

Entering is easy - just email [email protected] with a picture* of you, your child, or your family in their costume by November 4. Voting will start on November 7 on our page.

*Images will be shared on social media and may be used for marketing purposes in the future.

10/30/2024

We know that fall is a favorite season for many of you to visit the Nature Center. Believe us, we miss you and wish you could be here! Here's a little peek at some behind-the-scenes moments.

In addition to Wolf Howl events, we have some exciting opportunities for you and your family to visit us. Be sure you're getting our newsletters so you hear the news first. Sign up here https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/6XrMTPA

We'll also be making announcements on social media in November.

10/28/2024

We have some exciting news! While the Nature Center isn't ready to reopen, we've decided to move forward with limited-capacity events like our popular Wolf Howls.

If you've missed the Nature Center these past few weeks, then this is your chance to get back and walk the park -- in the dark!

Spend your evening learning about the Red and Gray Wolves of North America! This adult-focused program starts with an in-depth, indoor presentation on these elusive creatures, followed by a trek to our wolf habitats at the Nature Center. Discover the legends and lore of these top predators and find out the truth about wolves. This program is for ages 14 and up. Please keep in mind that during the outdoor portion, we will be walking on rough terrain in dark conditions.

November 7 & 8 from 5:45-8 p.m. $35-40.
Participants will meet at a secondary location to access the Nature Center.
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
🎟For tickets or go to www.wildwnc.org/calendar

10/24/2024

Do you have your tickets to Junior Wolf Howl-O-Ween? Get them at www.wildwnc.org/calendar

If you'd like to attend, but the ticket price is holding you back, don't hesitate to email [email protected].

10/24/2024

We can make great things happen with a little help from our friends -- it's A LOT of help really! Crews from Kansas City Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo, Blank Park Zoo, Dickerson Park Zoo and Topeka Zoo are all on hand this week to help with carpentry at the WNC Nature Center.

To get them through a busy day, our friends at Auction House Food Hall in Fletcher came through with hearty lunches for the crew! www.auctionhousefoodhall.com

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Saint Louis Zoo
Blank Park Zoo
Dickerson Park Zoo
Topeka Zoo

10/23/2024

Many thanks to Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar for feeding our hardworking zoo crew last week! Their gift was more than just a delicious lunch. Our bobcat Kohana got a little extra enrichment! Yes, it turns out bobcats love playing with paper bags as much as our pet kitties do.

10/22/2024

If you agree that our WNC community could use a little joy right now, we hope you'll be excited that we're bringing back our Virtual Halloween Costume Contest!

Whether you have a costume that makes someone say, "Barn, that's cute!" or "Dang, that's fang-tastic" -- enter it! Prizes will be awarded to winners in a variety of categories from spooky to adorable.

Entering is easy - just email [email protected] with a picture* of you, your child, or your family in their costume by November 4. Voting will start on November 7 on our page.

*Images will be shared on social media and may be used for marketing purposes in the future.

10/21/2024

The WNC Nature Center will be forever grateful to Zoo Knoxville and the multitude of other zoo crews who have come to support us in rebuilding! Check out this video they shared with their community.

We're happy to report that as of last week, the WNC Nature Center has regained power and water.

10/21/2024

***UPDATE: Thanks to our generous community, ALL power strips have been donated. We do have additional items on our Amazon Wishlist if you would like to support the WNC Nature Center this way.*** The WNC Nature Center has some very specific needs as we repair our habitats. A top priority is acquiring 8 GE 7-Day Programmable Power Strips with Digital Timers. These were destroyed during the storm and are essential for controlling the environment in our bioactive habitats.

If you would like to donate this item, please purchase it through our Amazon Wishlist.

To access our Amazon Wishlist, please go to https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2FGNPDOTEQK0O?ref_=wl_share

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

10/17/2024

As you may know, the WNC Nature Center is closed as we focus on rebuilding and getting ready to welcome you back when the time is right. We’re not able to hold our usual Junior Wolf Howls, but our team came up with a fun way to continue to host Howl-O-Ween on Saturday, October 26 from 5-7 p.m. Just as in our original program, families will discover the legends and lore of wolves, but this time in a *different location* with some added fun!

To spice things up, we’ll include:

🐾FACE PAINTING
🐾Wolf-themed CRAFTS
🐾Nocturnal animal GAMES
🐾Plenty of SWEET TREATS!

Wear your best animal-themed costume to enter the costume contest. This kid-friendly version of our Wolf Howl event is geared towards families with kids ages 5 to 12.

***LOCATION: Four Seasons Plaza, 1011 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805.***

Junior Wolf Howl-O-Ween Festival tickets are $20-$30. For more info and tickets: www.wildwnc.org/calendar

By supporting the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, you are contributing to the growth and expansion of animal care, education and conservation programs of the WNC Nature Center.

10/14/2024

The WNC Nature Center is temporarily closed, but your membership is still good for discounted or free entry through our reciprocal partners. You can find the complete list of our AZA and ASTC partners on our website at www.wildwnc.org/membership

The North Carolina Zoo is just one of the many zoos, aquariums, museums, and science centers that offer free entry for Nature Center members. If you are not a Nature Center member, you can take advantage of NC Zoo's special discount through November 15. They are offering $5 entry for residents in areas affected by Helene. See their recent social media post for the details. Carolina Zoo

10/11/2024

We have received generous donations from 35 states! Thank you for supporting the WNC Nature Center during this crisis.

You can donate at www.wildwnc.org/donate

10/09/2024

The WNC Nature Center has some very specific needs as we repair our habitats and prepare for long-term outages! If you are able to provide some of these items, please email [email protected] for more information.

The Friends of the WNC Nature Center are also collecting monetary donations to help purchase items like these that the Nature Center is having difficulty finding.

www.wildwnc.org/donate

10/08/2024

Thank you, Zoo Knoxville crew for helping us remove dangerous trees near the fox and raccoon habitats at the Nature Center this week!

We're also so thankful for our Gashes Creek neighbors and our partner Highland Brewing Company for their support.

The following zoo crews are also providing support to the WNC Nature Center during this crisis:
North Carolina Zoo
Zoo Atlanta
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

We couldn't get through this without you!

10/08/2024

One more reason we love our WNC community. Generous donations supported hot lunches for Nature Center staff working around the clock. Big Mike’s BBQ provided pulled pork, beans and potatoes. The vegetarians in the crew enjoyed homemade baked spaghetti, garlic bread and salad. A warm meal really means a lot!

Donations to support the WNC Nature Center can be made at www.wildwnc.org/donate

10/05/2024

10/04/2024

“We're still concerned with the human life in our area and getting these communities back up on their feet," Gentile said. ”Our animals mean a lot to the people that live in these areas, so I think it's a good morale boost to let them know that right now they're all safe, and hopefully people will take that as a sign of brighter times to come."

We couldn't get through this without support from our community including North Carolina Zoo Appalachian Wildlife Refuge and Highland Brewing Company

Black bears Uno and Ursa are enjoying a lazy morning as a leaf blower whines next to their home at the WNC Nature Center.

10/03/2024

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of heartfelt messages and generous donations we’ve received. In the face of immense challenges, your support brings us comfort. We love our Western North Carolina community and are keeping everyone in our thoughts as we navigate this unprecedented crisis together.

Donations can be made at www.wildwnc.org/donate.

09/30/2024

Due to significant flooding and impassable roads in our region from Tropical Storm Helene, the WNC Nature Center is temporarily CLOSED.

We are relieved to share that all of our animals are safe and accounted for, and our staff are present and taking care of them. There is minimal damage to the habitats; however, Swannanoa River Road and the main bridge to the Nature Center were washed away, and it will take time to reopen. We will undoubtedly need your support as we rebuild.

Donations can be made at www.wildwnc.org/donate.

09/30/2024

UPDATE: Due to the WNC Nature Center's closure because of Tropical Storm Helene, BFF Weekend has been cancelled, along with all admission to the Center for the foreseeable future.

Live, laugh, and love the benefits you get being a member! This Saturday or Sunday, you can bring your bestie (the one who can really make you howl) to the Nature Center for free because it's BFF WEEKEND!

To get your BFF ticket, simply show your membership card on October 5 or 6 and let us know you brought a friend! Limit one BFF ticket per member household per month on select dates only.

09/26/2024

The WNC Nature Center takes the GOLD! We were voted number one for Best Annual Event for our Brews & Bears series by Asheville Media in their Best of Asheville poll. We also won Silver for Best Outdoor Attraction in Asheville.

Thanks to our supportive community for voting! Look for Best of Asheville magazine for the complete list of winners.

09/26/2024

Due to the approaching Hurricane Helene, the WNC Nature Center will be closed on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27.

Please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon!