The WNC Nature Center is a gem in our community. It’s here that our residents, our children – and even visitor to Western North Carolina can learn about and become immersed in the beauty and nature that surrounds Asheville.
Today, the center welcomed another milestone met with the official opening of the latest educational installment, the Gateway to the Southern Applachians.
Since Tropical Storm Helene, we have seen the Nature Center, led by Director Chris Gentile, and supported by the Friends of the Nature Center and city staff, continue to turn what could have been a tragedy into triumph.
They took the “down time” when the facility as closed to the public to do some great work and come back stronger than ever.
With today’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the Gateway, you can see the continuing commitment by the City and out community, to the facility, its animals, and to the education and enjoyment of our community and visitors.
This project is part of our strategic plan, and includes:
- Renovation of the North Carolina Farm Yard and the Barn to provide larger grazing spaces for the animals and more storage space for equipment and animal feed
- Creation of a native pollinator garden for butterflies, including Nature Play areas, shaded coverings, education kiosks
- Expansion of the Nature Center Gift Shop
The Nature Center is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums – the gold standard for animal care and welfare. There are sixty species unique to the Southern Appalachians cared for here which attract locals and visitors alike. Just this past week, the Nature Center saw the highest spring break attendance numbers since 2010. Nearly 11-thousand guests passed through these gates from April 3 to 12 – averaging over 1-thousand visitors a day.
The City is proud to partner with the Friends, the TDA, the staff and the community to keep making this awesome place even more educational and inviting.