Education

The Nature Center offers school children opportunities to learn about and appreciate this area’s wildlife and habitats. Our goal is to empower students to learn more about our native wildlife and feel a sense of wonder for our mountain ecosystems.

Connect with Us

From otter feedings to donkey walks, we’re sharing fun and engaging content on social media during our temporary closure. Join us on Facebook or YouTube for educational videos about songbirds, endangered species, wild animal wonders, and more!

Schools & Groups

The WNC Nature Center is a great place for a virtual field trip! Enjoy hands-on education, interact with animal ambassadors, and get involved in STEM through our distance learning programs!

*Onsite, guided programs have been postponed for the 20-21 school year.

Self-guided tours of the WNC Nature Center are available for interested school groups, subject to public health guidelines. Reservations are required. For more information and to reserve your visit date, please contact Jordan Rutherford at jrutherford@ashevillenc.gov.

Outreach Education

Let the Nature Center come to you! We offer virtual education programs for your classroom, summer camp, library, or retirement community! Our Outreach Educator will bring hands-on education and living animal ambassadors to your screen through our distance learning programs!

*Offsite, in-person programs have been postponed for the 20-21 school year.

Teen Programs

The WNC Nature Center offers two different opportunities for teens to volunteer and gain experience working with animals, interact with visitors, and learn about the wildlife of the Southern Appalachians.

Summer Camp

Summer camps at the Nature Center are fun, educational experiences designed to involve elementary student campers in the wonders of the natural world.