Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm
Reservations are not required, and tickets do not need to be purchased online in advance.
Applications for the 2024 Summer Teen Programs are due by April 19th at 5 pm.
The WNC Nature Center offers opportunities for teens to volunteer and gain experience working with animals, interacting with visitors, and learning about the wildlife of the Southern Appalachians.
The Young Naturalist program is a large, long-standing teen program that runs through the summer where teens can make friends, make memories, and make a difference while developing leadership skills.
Make friends, make memories, and make a difference.
Summer Program
for youth ages 13-17 years old
Learn and educate others about the native plants and animals of the South Appalachians while developing your personal connection to nature. Lead dynamic nature-themed activities for Nature Center guests to support the Nature Center’s mission and your own personal professional journey.
Complete projects and attend workdays to earn service hours for school and college applications, and gain experience for job applications.
Get a taste of leadership and responsibility while practicing your communication, interpretation, and social skills. For a deeper leadership experience, teens have the opportunity to apply for a Young Naturalist Shift Leader position.
QUESTIONS?
Teen Program Coordinator
ccochran@ashevillenc.gov
Please read the following criteria carefully to find out if you are eligible for this program before filling out and submitting the application.
1. Read the information letter.
2024 Program Information Letter
2. Fill out a digital application and submit electronically:
2024 Young Naturalist Application
Young Naturalist Application Instructions
1. Applicants will completely fill out the application.
2. Applicants will click the ‘Signature Here’ field above the ‘Applicant Signature’ line and use the pop-up window to sign. Press ‘Apply Signature.’
3. Press the yellow ‘Finalize and Submit’ button and use the pop-up window to enter the applicant’s parent/guardian information (full name and email). Press ‘Continue’. **Double check that the email is correct!**
4. Parent/guardian will receive an email from SeamlessDocs. Click the ‘Sign Document’ button, finish filling out the waiver/photo release form, and sign the three signature spots. Press the yellow ‘Finalize and Submit’ button.
5. Your application is complete and you will hear from the Teen Program Coordinator in May.
Applications are due by Friday, April 19, 2024 at 5 pm.
Take the next step into leadership.
Summer Program
for youth ages 14-17 years old
Learn and educate others about the native plants and animals of the South Appalachians while developing your personal connection to nature. Lead dynamic nature-themed activities for Nature Center guests to support the Nature Center’s mission and your own personal professional journey.
Complete projects and attend workdays to earn service hours for school and college applications, and gain experience for job applications.
Get a deeper feeling of what it is like to be in a leadership role. Shift leaders will lead Young Naturalists in their shift duties, assist in behind-the-scenes duties of running a program, participate in community science, and develop a special project.
QUESTIONS?
Teen Program Coordinator
ccochran@ashevillenc.gov
Please read the following criteria carefully to find out if you are eligible for this program before filling out and submitting the application.
Previous experience in the Young Naturalist program is preferred, but applicants who are new to the Nature Center are eligible to apply. Applicants will be evaluated by their application, letter of recommendation (First Time Shift Leaders) or reflection project (Returning Shift Leaders), and previous volunteer experience, if applicable. Due to the size of the program, only 12 applicants can be accepted into the Shift Leader role. Anyone who applies and is not accepted into the Shift Leader position will be eligible to join the Young Naturalist cohort and is encouraged to apply for the Shift Leader position again in the future.
1. Read the information letter.
2024 Shift Leader Information Letter
2. Fill out a digital application and submit electronically:
Young Naturalist Shift Leader Application
Young Naturalist Shift Leader Instructions
1. Applicants will completely fill out the application.
2. Applicants will click the ‘Signature Here’ field above the ‘Applicant Signature’ line and use the pop-up window to sign. Press ‘Apply Signature.’
3. Press the yellow ‘Finalize and Submit’ button and use the pop-up window to enter the applicant’s parent/guardian information (full name and email). Press Continue. **Double check that the email is correct!**
4. Another pop-up window will appear where you will upload your letter of recommendation (New Shift Leaders) or reflection project (Returning Shift Leaders). Press ‘ Click Here to Upload’. Select file and press the blue ‘Upload’ button. Press ‘Continue’.
5. Parent/guardian will receive an email from SeamlessDocs. Click the ‘Sign Document’ button, finish filling out the waiver/photo release form, and sign the three signature spots. Press the yellow ‘Finalize and Submit’ button.
6. Your application is complete and you will hear from the Teen Program Coordinator in May.
Applications are due by Friday, April 19, 2024 at 5 pm.
WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28805
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General Inquiries
828-259-8080
admin@wildwnc.org
Friends of the
WNC Nature Center
PO Box 19151
Asheville, NC 28815
828-259-8092
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