Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm

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

All of our animals are safe and accounted for, and 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.

September 26, 2024
6:03 pm

Pollinator Garden Looks to Take Flight

Imagine a garden where butterflies flit about, vibrant flowers and plants reach toward the sun, a play area beckons tiny adventurers, a meadow with tall grass dances in the wind, and chimes sing sweet tunes. It sounds magical, and it’s not so far-fetched! As part of the next phase of the WNC Nature Center’s Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project, a permanent native pollinator garden is in the works. This new garden will feature Nature Play areas, a planted meadow, shaded coverings, an education kiosk – and butterflies, of course! – designed to engage guests
of all ages in the wonders and beauty of our region.

Why butterflies? The butterfly population has significantly declined in recent decades due to habitat loss, pesticide and herbicide use and climate change. Practically, butterflies pollinate your garden, they’re an indicator of a healthy environment, and let’s face it, butterflies make us happy!

The Nature Center first opened a seasonal exhibit called “The Beauty of Butterflies” in July 2004. Guests experienced flowering plants and 20 different species of butterflies in a mesh hoop house. For seven years, summer through early fall, the exhibit provided education on the four stages of the butterfly life cycle, and how to create habitats for pollinators. Due to the popularity of this exhibit, the Nature Center’s
strategic plan included a vision to construct permanent butterfly gardens. Now, it’s time to rebuild, replant and pollinate – for good!

“This exciting project will promote greater guest engagement with the natural world, including nature play and its many research-based benefits,” said Eli Strull, the Nature Center’s Curator of Education and Guest Experience.

“The addition of fun and creative ways to explore the Nature Center creates more chances for guests to connect with the incredible diversity of life in our mountains. This can also inspire a deeper connection to nature outside of our Center, creating a ripple effect,” said Strull.

The Nature Center encourages nature play throughout its campus and is excited offer offer more options through this project. There are many researched and proven mental and physical benefits of nature play for kids, including:
● Social-emotional well-being
● Improved relationship skills
● Reduced stress, anger and aggression
● Increased engagement and enthusiasm
● Enhanced attention and improved behavior
● Better academic performance
● Increased physical activity; reduced risk of obesity
● Development of self-awareness and self-management

Fun time in nature during childhood and role models who care for nature are the two biggest factors that contribute to environmental stewardship in adulthood. To support this critical work, the Nature Center is committed to providing options for even more laughter and learning! The Friends of the WNC Nature Center, in collaboration with the WNC Nature Center, has raised over $250,000 to support this project. $150,000 more is needed to complete it.

Donations can be made online at wildwnc.org/donatetogateway or checks can be made out to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center and mailed to PO Box 19151, Asheville, NC 28815. To learn more about the butterfly pollinator garden and the entire Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project, set to be completed in early summer 2025, visit wildwnc.org/gateway.

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WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Getting Here

General Inquiries
828-259-8080
admin@wildwnc.org

Friends of the
WNC Nature Center
PO Box 19151
Asheville, NC 28815
828-259-8092

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Open 361 Days a Year
Admissions
10:00am – 3:30pm
Park closes at 4:30pm

Pollinator Garden Looks to Take Flight

Pollinator Garden Looks to Take Flight

WNC Nature Center Economic Impact Report

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