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’s Q&A is with Eli Strull, who is the longest tenured employee at the WNC Nature Center.
What is your role at the Nature Center?
Curator of Education and Guest Experience
How did your journey with the WNC Nature Center begin?
I started working here in spring 2001 as an Education/Exhibits Assistant, when the Nature Center was run by Buncombe County. Interactions with guests and program participants continue to fulfill me, and the Nature Center’s mission still aligns strongly with my passions. After all these years, I am still learning, trying new things, and experiencing wonder regularly.
Can you share a favorite memory or experience at the Nature Center that stands out to you?
The dedication of the staff here stands out to me as a consistent theme throughout the 20+ years I’ve had the pleasure to work with and learn from amazing groups of skilled, passionate professionals. That experience has been a wonderful gift!
What has been the greatest reward of your involvement with the Nature Center?
Seeing the Nature Center continue to improve consistently and experiencing how much our community and visitors value this place is especially rewarding for me.
In your view, how does the Nature Center go beyond being a zoo?
The focus on native species and conservation of Appalachian organisms helps make this place special I think. The opportunity to create personal connections with animals that share our mountain home and see them surrounded by natural habitat provides an experience that can bring a unique perspective and appreciation for what the Appalachians have to offer.
How has the Nature Center contributed to conservation efforts in Western North Carolina?
Our educational approach of providing visitors with ways to aid wildlife in simple, concrete ways allows for a ripple effect, while we partner with other organizations to help endangered and threatened species.
What do you think the Nature Center’s 100-year legacy means to the community?
Having deep roots instills trust. The community has long lasting connections to this place that are made stronger by time and multiple generations of family members creating memories here.
What hopes do you have for the next 100 years of the WNC Nature Center?
A thriving facility that maintains the values of top notch services and continuous improvement. An endowment wouldn’t hurt either!
How can the community support the Nature Center’s mission moving forward?
There’s no shortage of ways for community members to be involved! Coming for a visit, recommending us to others, volunteering, and sharing knowledge to others about the vital role the natural world plays in human health and happiness, all are important parts of the puzzle.
What role do you see education playing in the future of wildlife conservation? What does this mean locally?
Cultivating care is huge. It’s commonly said that one can only protect what one understands. Please consider that for you. You may love a pet. Does that arise from understanding them? Maybe not. I think care is the key. I love my loved ones with every part of my being, but I certainly don’t always understand them! Helping people see first hand how wildlife brings value to their daily lives can help to build the care that’s essential for effective conservation efforts,
If you could be any animal at the Nature Center, which one would you be and why?
I would choose to be a grey tree frog so I could know what it’s like to have suction cup feet. I have a clumsy side. Being able to stick the landing with consistency would be welcome!
What’s one surprising fact about the Nature Center that most people don’t know?
The WNC Nature Center is part of less than 10% of facilities exhibiting animals throughout the country that adhere to the gold standards of animal, care, education, conservation, and more required to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Describe the Nature Center in 3 words
Fun
Interesting
Resource
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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