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News & Articles

Where Do Turtles Go In Winter?

October 30, 2026
By Jill Sharp As temperatures drop, turtles and other reptiles in our region prepare for winter through a process called brumation, often described as the reptilian version of hibernation. Unlike mammals, reptiles are ectothermic, meaning their b…

WNC Nature Center Earns Sixth Consecutive Accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

October 20, 2026
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WNC Nature Center earns sixth consecutive accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums ASHEVILLE, N.C. (October 6, 2026) – The AZA Accreditation Commission determined that the WNC Nature Center meets AZA’s…

A Not-So-Spooky Bat Story

September 4, 2026
When many people think of bats, they picture spooky Halloween decorations, disease carriers, or mysterious creatures of the night. In reality, bats are some of the most beneficial and misunderstood mammals in our ecosystem. They play a critical role…

Tee Off on an Asheville Adventure!

August 28, 2026
The Biltmore Championship Asheville is coming, and we’re getting in on the fun! The WNC Nature Center is teaming up with amazing local partners for the first-ever Mountain Scorecard. No golf skills required! Starting September 1, pick up a Moun…

Meet Our New Development Manager

June 24, 2026
Meet our New Development Manager, Willow! Before joining us, Willow was the Development Associate for EcoForesters. They recently received a master’s degree in Environmental Resilience from UNC Asheville, where they also earned a B.S. in Biology. Ge…

WNC Nature Center Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for “Gateway to the Southern Appalachians”

April 18, 2026
The WNC Nature Center marked a major milestone on Thursday, April 16, celebrating the completion of its Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event welcomed local officials, staff, supporters, and visitors…

More Than A Zoo: Eli Strull

October 24, 2025
 More Than A Zoo: Highlighting the personal connections and the broader impact of the WNC Nature Center in its 100th year Each month during our centennial year, we’ll be interviewing people who have had an impact on the Nature Center. This mont…

More Than A Zoo: Kate Frost

September 25, 2025
 More Than A Zoo: Highlighting the personal connections and the broader impact of the WNC Nature Center in its 100th year Each month during our centennial year, we’ll be interviewing people who have had an impact on the Nature Center. This mont…

More Than A Zoo: Dr. Marcia Vodicka

August 29, 2025
 More Than A Zoo: Highlighting the personal connections and the broader impact of the WNC Nature Center in its 100th year Each month during our centennial year, we’ll be interviewing people who have had an impact on the Nature Center. This mont…

More Than A Zoo: Amy Cocanour

July 25, 2025
 More Than A Zoo: Highlighting the personal connections and the broader impact of the WNC Nature Center in its 100th year Each month during our centennial year, we’ll be interviewing people who have had an impact on the Nature Center. This mont…