WNC Nature Center, Author at Asheville Blog

WNC Nature Center

The Friends of the WNC Nature Center creates awareness and provide financial resources in support of the Nature Center- Asheville’s Wildlife Park. The WNC Nature Center connects people with animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountains by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the

region’s rich biodiversity.

WNC Nature Center Welcomes New Red Wolves

December 4, 2018 Comments Off on WNC Nature Center Welcomes New Red Wolves

The red wolves at the WNC Nature Center have long been a part of the important Species Survival Plan (SSP) program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Through this program, the WNC Nature Center has proudly seen thirteen red wolf pups born into their care.

Friends of the WNC Nature Center receives $25,000 grant award for Outreach Education

November 19, 2018 Comments Off on Friends of the WNC Nature Center receives $25,000 grant award for Outreach Education

This October, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center was a recipient of a $25,000 Ribbon of Hope grant from the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation to support the Center’s Outreach Education Program.

A Winter’s Tail Event at WNC Nature Center Dec 1st

November 11, 2018 Comments Off on A Winter’s Tail Event at WNC Nature Center Dec 1st

On Saturday, December 1st, the WNC Nature Center will host their annual holiday celebration, A Winter’s Tail from 10am-4pm.

New Front Entrance Opens at WNC Nature Center

September 10, 2018 Comments Off on New Front Entrance Opens at WNC Nature Center

The WNC Nature Center will welcome guests into their new front entrance beginning Wednesday, September 12, 2018. The Center will be closed to guests on Tuesday, September 11th in preparation.

Fundraising Goes Public for Red Panda Exhibit at Nature Center

April 27, 2018 Comments Off on Fundraising Goes Public for Red Panda Exhibit at Nature Center

The Friends of the WNC Nature Center will fund 83% of the Asheville City Council’s approved $184,820 project: construction of a red panda habitat. “We’re excited to work with the City to make this project possible. We have agreed to donate $154,200 toward the construction of this habitat,” said Kelly Shanafelt, Executive Director of the Friends. The Friends will rely on individual donors as well as grant funders to raise the $154,200 and they’re already well on their way!

Brews and Bears May 11 @ WNC Nature Center

April 5, 2018 Comments Off on Brews and Bears May 11 @ WNC Nature Center

On Friday, May 11 from 5:30-8:00PM the WNC Nature Center will host the first Brews and Bears event of their 2018 season! Due to the popularity of this after-hours event, there will be three occurrences this year: May 11, July 13, and September 14.

A Winter’s Tail at WNC Nature Center Dec 2nd 2017

November 7, 2017 Comments Off on A Winter’s Tail at WNC Nature Center Dec 2nd 2017

On Saturday, December 2nd the WNC Nature Center will host their annual holiday celebration, A Winter’s Tail from 10am-4pm. There will be festive crafts, games and of course, animal programs.

Save the WNC Nature Center

April 18, 2013 Comments Off on Save the WNC Nature Center

www.wildwnc.org Late Tuesday afternoon, we learned that the City of Asheville has proposed to close the WNC Nature Center, along with a number of other city resources and programs, to balance the city budget, which will be short $5.7 million if recent bills introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly are passed. Information on the list of bill names, sponsors, descriptions and considerations about how the bills may impact city residents, can be found on the City’s website, along with the proposed expenditure reductions. The City of Asheville is hard-pressed to find solutions to balance the budget if these bills are passed. In 2011, the Center adopted a new 2020 Vision that outlines a strategic business plan as well as a site plan for improvements and additions to the Nature Center. This plan includes initiatives to alleviate demands on the City of Asheville budget to operate the Center and to reconfigure the Center into a public/private partnership. The beauty of this plan is that we have already started thanks to our supporters with exhibit updates, corporate sponsorships, and a Wild Vision Society. And now, we need your help to spread the word as we work to protect one of our city and region’s …