Partnerships

With a common goal of connecting people to the plants and animals of the Southern Appalachians, these partners have supported the WNC Nature Center and the Friends of the WNC Nature Center through in-kind and monetary gifts, collaborations, and more.

Partners Highlights

WNC Farmers Market

Educational Farmers Market Garden

The garden, located at the Nature Center, provides fresh produce for the animals in addition to educating the public about how agriculture and nature can sustainably co-exist.

Champions
for
Wildlife

Red Wolf Casting

Focusing on educating kids through art and conservation, Champions for Wildlife worked with Defenders of Wildlife to provide a red wolf and pup casting to be installed at the Center’s red wolf habitat.

Highland Brewing Company

Cultural Resource Purpose Partner

A longtime partner and neighbor, Highland Brewing provides community donations as well as in-kind drinks for Friends’ Brews & Bears fundraisers.

BearWise

Education through the NC Fish & Wildlife Service

Sharing bear education and how to live responsibly with local bears, BearWise has partnered with the Friends to table and present at the Friends’ Brews & Bears summer fundraisers for years.

Library Pass Program

Admission Access

Through the program, and in collaboration with participating libraries in 12 counties across the region, cardholders can check out a pass to visit the WNC Nature Center for free for a day.

AVL City Soccer Club

Education Partner

The Blues have committed to sharing environmental education with their fans and providing game tickets to Friends members and the Young Naturalist teen program at the Nature Center.