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 month’s Q&A is with Dr. Marcia Vodicka. Dr. Vodicka is a longtime supporter of the WNC Nature Center and a former board member of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center.
Meet Marcia Vodicka
What was your role at the Nature Center?
I was a volunteer for five years, between 2001 and 2006. I worked as a roving naturalist, as well as at the main entrance in reception, because they were very busy and needed the extra hands. I worked a bit in the old butterfly exhibit – the hoop house, and also in the farmyard. I was also Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Friends organization.
Personal Connection
How did your journey with the WNC Nature Center begin?
I was looking for a volunteer job. I always loved critters and nature, so it was a logical fit.
Can you share a favorite memory or experience at the Nature Center that stands out to you?
I have several!
One day, I went over to the cougar and bobcat exhibits. I hadn’t been there too long, looking at the bobcats, when I heard a “meow” behind me. I looked around me, expecting a house cat, and there was the cougar Satch, meowing at me! I had no idea that big cats like that would meow. And after that, every time I’d go visit Satch, he’d go lay down by the tree near the viewing area and I would speak with him and tell him how wonderful he was. Having a cougar meow at you was something special. It changed a lot of things for me. I had a very nice relationship with that big cat.
Another special moment was at the butterfly hoop house. We’d put sugar water on people’s hands, to attract the pollinators. One day, this little boy attracted ALL the butterflies – on his arms and on his hat – and he just stood there very quietly, and so respectfully. His grandparents just stood there enraptured, just looking at him. It was a beautiful sight!
What has been the greatest reward of your involvement with the Nature Center?
Without a doubt – apart from learning so much about animals and to respect them more – it was the opportunity to work with totally dedicated people like Keith Masters, Eli Strull, Mary Jane Churchill. They were so dedicated to their work and to those animals. I truly enjoyed the company as well as getting to know and seeing the animals. It was really one of the best experiences of my life.
Dr. Vodicka now lives across the country, but she has photos of Satch and Val (her beloved cougars) framed in her home!
Mission & Impact
In your view, how does the Nature Center go beyond being a zoo?
In my youth, I visited traditional zoos. There were so many cages and animals in distress. Animals that were there for the sake of being “collected.” The Nature Center goes beyond being a zoo because it only takes animals that have been injured or were imprinted upon by humans and can no longer survive in the wild. The Nature Center’s work with these “ambassador animals” is so important because I like to think that these animals still have a chance – a mission – to educate, while also providing a fun experience for all ages.
Also, it’s a humane place. Animal welfare is paramount; this includes the emotional AND physical welfare of all the animals. The animals at the Nature Center are there to live out their lives comfortably and as ambassadors of their species for all to learn from.
How has the Nature Center contributed to conservation efforts in WNC?
The Nature Center has contributed to conservation efforts by way of the education it provides. Hopefully, this education will make people more concerned about what they do with our treasured local resources – whether it be animal or plant.
I had an experience once while volunteering at the Nature Center that really stuck with me. I took out a cougar pelt, and a little boy said, “You should not have that fur!” He was visibly stuck that I had this pelt. He was already reactionary. He knew that we should not dispatch animals for their fur. He didn’t know the process by which we acquire these biofacts, but he knew that it came from an animal that was once living. This was an example of a child who learned to respect wildlife.
What hopes do you have for the next 100 years of the Nature Center?
I hope it achieves more of its aims that people become more conscious of the environment and how important it is to them personally, but also to the creatures that live around us. Even the smallest creature has a purpose. I want people in the area to think more about that.
I also feel that the Nature Center is a healing place. I’d like to see it continue to be a place of healing for all people and animals, and for it to be recognized more as such.
Fun Reflection
If you could be any animal at the Nature Center, which one would you be and why?
That’s a no brainer! A cougar! I’d like to know how they recruit people to come around and give them compliments.
Describe the Nature Center in 3 words
Humane
Enlightening
Fun
Are you interested in learning more about becoming a board member of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center? Email Kate at [email protected]. Want to learn more about how to become a volunteer? Visit dev.wildwnc.org/volunteer.