Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm
Welcome to the Western North Carolina Nature Center!
Each month during our centennial year, we’ll be interviewing people who have had an impact on the Nature Center. This month we’re getting a unique perspective from William, who made their way through our Young Naturalist program and is now helping lead the summer program.
What is your role at the Nature Center? I am the Co-leader of the Young Naturalists Program at the WNC Nature Center. Young Naturalists is a summer program for teens interested in conservation and animals.
How did your journey with the WNC Nature Center begin, and what keeps you coming back?
I have lived in Asheville my whole life and have been coming to the Nature Center since I was younger than I can remember. My sister loves wolves, so we would come see the gray wolves – Jenna and Shalimar (here from 2007-2015). I deepened my involvement when I became a Young Naturalist during my high school years, from 2018 to 2022. Last year was my first year interning at the Nature Center as a Co-leader of the Young Naturalists program. This year, I am considered “seasonal staff.” I’m excited to be on staff and continue my involvement with the Young Naturalists program.
Can you share a favorite memory or experience at the Nature Center that stands out?
I participated in a Wild Walk with my sister, and we went behind the scenes of the Predator habitat, where we got to see their night house behind their habitat. We were offered a much deeper experience than the typical guest receives when visiting the Nature Center. It was truly memorable.
Also, as a Young Naturalist, I got to handle animal ambassadors. It was the first time I handled an animal that was not a household pet. I learned how to work with black rat snakes Oak and Birch; Ginger the corn snake; box turtles Rosa, Mayberry and Red; and Madagascar hissing cockroaches. From that experience, I gained an understanding about the importance of the special training required to handle the animals at the Nature Center.
What has been the greatest reward of your involvement with the Nature Center?
Being able to curate and build a safe space for teens over the summer, who like me, love nature and want to be with other nature lovers. Last year, we had 102 teens who didn’t all know each other, but I was able to help facilitate a fun, safe, and educational environment for all of them.
In your view, how does the WNC Nature Center go beyond being just a zoo?
The Nature Center offers such diversity of education and experiences, including otter feedings, ambassador animals, outreach education programs through the summer and school year, and events like Brews & Bears. They effectively weave together many worlds to provide an exceptional experience for guests – local and visitors alike.
How has the Nature Center contributed to conservation efforts in Western North Carolina?
It starts with sparking passion in people; making people WANT to conserve what we have. The Nature Center does a great job of bringing nature to people, showing them what needs to be conserved, why, and helping build personal connections. The animals here wouldn’t be able to survive in the wild without the Nature Center’s team. Being able to give those animals a second chance as ambassadors of their species plays a huge role.
Also the Nature Center’s involvement in the SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program is so critical – helping to save animals from extinction and providing an education about the implications of this regionally, statewide, and globally.
We are a very resilient community. The Nature Center has had to close multiple times – during World War II, during COVID, during Tropical Storm Helene – and we came back stronger than we were prior to those closures. It’s a tribute to the people who are invested in us – our guests, members, donors, the City of Asheville, and the Friends Board of Directors. We definitely have a sense of place and purpose.
What hopes do you have for the next 100 years of the WNC Nature Center?
I hope we see an expansion into the historically native arena – what used to be here. The Southern Appalachian Mountains are ancient. Ecosystems are millions of years old. To showcase the changing ecologies and animals that used to be here would be so educational and neat for the public to see.
What role do you see education playing in the future of wildlife conservation?
The possibilities are endless. Young Naturalists are future conservationists. They will become stewards of our regions and help to spread the word and continue the conservation conversation. They will build a foundation for future careers elsewhere and take the conservation message with them wherever they go. The job-building skills they develop through this Young Naturalist program is invaluable and critical for them to succeed and thrive in their future career endeavors.
If you could be any animal at the WNC Nature Center for a day, which one would you choose and why?
Bobcat! Their habitat looks like so much fun to be in. They care for each other and interact with each other in a fun way. It would be a day of play and joy!
What’s one surprising fact about the Nature Center that most people don’t know?
There’s always another project bubbling under the surface. There’s always something new that every department is planning. Habitat improvements, enrichment, education – the Nature Center is an idea factory and always churning out exciting new opportunities for their guests – and for their animals!
How would you describe the Nature Center in three words?
Are you interested in learning more about the Young Naturalist summer program at the WNC Nature Center? Visit wildwnc.org/teen-programs. To find out about future apprenticeships and employment opportunities, visit wildwnc.org/employment.
More Than A Zoo: Highlighting the personal connections and the broader impact of the WNC Nature Center in its 100th year This
More Than A Zoo: Highlighting the personal connections and the broader impact of the WNC Nature Center in its 100th year Each
More Than A Zoo: Highlighting the personal connections and the broader impact of the WNC Nature Center in its 100th year Each
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