Chimney Rock State Park Offers Special Weekend of Kids Programs for National Take a Child Outside Week

September 25 - 27, 2015    Take a Child Outside Programs and Hikes  at Chimney Rock State Park.  Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement started in North Carolina that features special ranger-led programs at NC State Parks. 

Fun hikes and/or nature education programs introduce children and families to the outdoors and healthy activities. All activities offered daily and open to the public. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to camp beneath the stars of Chimney Rock on Saturday, Sept. 26. 

September 26, 2015   Writers on the Rock for Kids    This event is part of Take a Child Outside Week, Writers on the Rock for Kids will feature children’s books about the natural world and special, interactive presentations by children’s authors Janie DeVos (How High Can You Fly?, Barthello’s Wing and more) and Marci Spencer (Potluck: Message Delivered). 

Janie will lead kids in the discovery of what makes them special during “Your Special Gift” beginning at 1 PM. At 2 PM, Marci will teach kids how to track a bear and her cub during a “Junior Bear Biologist” program. Both authors will be available to chat with fans and autograph their books, which will be available for purchase through The Fountainhead Bookstore.

Learn more about Chimney Rock NC on our Visitor Information Guide.  



 

The Cradle of Forestry Celebrates Opening Day with Old TIme Plowing and Folkways

April 11, 2015    Opening Day Celebration: Old time Plowing and Folkways at The Cradle of Forestry   Step back in time to the early days of the Biltmore Forest School. Meet David and Diane Burnette and their incredible Percheron draft horses. Weather permitting, watch the horses plow the Cradle’s vegetable garden and try plowing the old way yourself.

Visit with living history volunteers as they bring traditional Blue Ridge culture to life. Event times are 9:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Event admission is $5.00 for ages 16 and up, free for youth. America the Beautiful and Golden Age passports are honored. Included in admission: everything the site has to offer that day,  historic buildings, indoor and outdoor exhibits, trail tours as available and over 3 miles of paved trails fit for wheelchairs and strollers that allow the forest to be accessible to all.

The Cradle of Forestry is a place of people, nature, history and the future. The story of the birth of forestry in America is told through exhibits at the Forestry Discovery Center, the Biltmore Campus trail and the Forest Festival Trail. There are nature programs and special events throughout the year for all ages of nature lovers.

Chimney Rock State Park Weekend Events

October 12   Old Growth Forest “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike at Chimney Rock State Park   Learn what is special about a forest with canopy members over a century old, some even 200 to 300 years old. See the largest known Chestnut Oak in the Park among other prime specimens of their kinds on this moderate 1-hour hike. No additional cost with paid admission! Meet at Grady's Animal Discovery Den in the Meadows.

October 12   Park in the Dark at Chimney Rock State Park   Learn about the sights and sounds of owls and more of Grady’s quirky nocturnal wildlife friends living in Chimney Rock. Arrive by five to hike the Park’s scenic trails on your own and grab a bite at the Sky Lounge Deli, then gather by 7 PM in the Meadows for the fun, family-oriented birds of prey program. Afterward, enjoy an adventurous, kid-friendly one-hour night hike led by Ron Lance, an internationally renowned naturalist and nature lover. Registration and additional fee.

October 12 - 13   Grady's Wildlife of WNC at Chimney Rock State Park   Come meet some of Grady the Groundhog's live woodland friends and learn about their natural habitats. Or marvel at our Birds of Prey, including a Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl. The family-friendly Grady’s Wildlife of WNC programs vary and are offered at 2 PM at the Outdoor Classroom on the Meadows. Best of all, the programs are included with your Park admission. All you need to bring are your kids and their curiosity about the natural world.

Get links for these and other Chimney Rock State Park Events on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Chimney Rock Park Hosts 3rd Annual Buzz on Bees

April 27   3rd Annual Buzz on Bees at Chimney Rock Park   Did you know that more than one-third of the world’s food supply, including fruits and vegetables, depends on honey bees for pollination? Head for Chimney Rock Park to observe enclosed live bee hives, chat with local beekeeping experts, learn about the basics of beekeeping and honey production and bring home local honey and beeswax products.

Kids can enjoy “busy bee” crafts and activities, and a costume prize is awarded to the “best dressed” bee. Learn more about how our survival depends on honey bees, why they are disappearing and what you can do to help.

Get links for Chimney Rock NC cabins, inns, attractions and complete visitor information HERE. 

Flock to the Rock this Weekend at Chimney Rock Park

September 29-30   Flock to the Rock  If you love birds and birding you need to head for Chimney Rock Park thsi weekend for  Western North Carolina’s premier fall migration birding event.   Birds flock to Chimney Rock Park,  an official site on the NC Birding Trail with 130-plus species spotted. Families, kids and couples will love the live Birds of Prey programs. All weekend, there will be free guided walks with expert area ornithologists, workshops and bird/nature photography, along with fun activities and bird-related vendors.

Attendees may be able to spot dozens of Broadwing hawks flying overhead to southern wintering grounds during this prime annual hawk migration time.

Get a link for Flock to the Rock and other events at Chimney Rock Park on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

KidFest Today at Grandfather Mountain

September 8   KidFest at Grandfather Mountain A day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina Mountains through fun and entertaining activities. Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. The events are free with park admission.

Grandfather Mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mountain is owned by a nonprofit Stewardship Foundation and is operated as a scenic travel attraction and a world-class nature preserve.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge was one of the original features of the attraction giving visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. Today, there are dozens of of things to do and events offered including walking and hiking trails; Naturalist programs; the Nature Museum; birding and geology; wildlife habitats; Mildred's Grill and The Fudge Shop. Grandfather Mountain is located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville NC.

Learn About Bees at Chimney Rock Park

August 18   The Buzz on Bees at Chimney Rock Park  More than 1/3 of the world’s food supply depends on honey bees for pollination. Now the bee population is in trouble—learn why and what you can do to help. Chat with local beekeeping experts, observe enclosed live bee hives, learn about the basics of beekeeping and honey production and bring home local honey and beeswax products. Kids’ activities will be offered and a prize will be awarded to the winner of the bee costume contest. 11 AM - 3 PM.

Get a link and learn more about Chimney Rock Park on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Grandfather Mountain Celebrates Wildlife Habitats

June 13   Birthday Party at Grandfather Mountain's Wildlife Habitats Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of all the animals in the park with games, contests, crafts and surprises. Grandfather's habitat staff has prepared a fun-filled day for guests as well as programming to celebrate its furry inhabitants.
Grandfather Mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mountain is owned by a nonprofit Stewardship Foundation and is operated as a scenic travel attraction and a world-class nature preserve.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge was one of the original features of the attraction giving visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. Today, there are dozens of of things to do and events offered including walking and hiking trails; Naturalist programs; the Nature Museum; birding and geology; wildlife habitats; Mildred's Grill and The Fudge Shop. Grandfather Mountain is located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville NC.

Get a link for Grandfather Mountain on the NC Parks Guide

Go on Safari in Asheville!

May 31, 6 PM - 9 PM   Mountain Safari at the WNC Nature Center   This is a one-of-a-kind social adventure. Dress in your best safari gear and party with the animals.  Tickets are available online.  The evening festivities include live entertainment, special animal encounters, auction and raffle, plus great food and drink.

The evening's entertainment includes live music on stage by Aaron Wood with The Ends and Sunshine and the Bad Things. Included in the admission is a variety of  food and drink generously donated by Cafe Azalea, Chili's, Edna's of Asheville, Fig Bistro, The Marketplace and Ultimate Ice Cream. Come early to get a limited release bottle of Rufus Red Ale thanks to Asheville Brewing Company in honor of the Year of the Red Wolf!

The auction and raffle will raise funds for projects at the Nature Center including  a permanent butterfly exhibit, new visitor center and new animal exhibits. Some of the featured auction and raffle items are beautiful prints of the Center’s animals and one of a kind framed paw prints. 

Western North Carolina Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region whose mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences. WNC Nature Center strives hard to meet the needs of their adopted 'critters' and the community. Each year they welcome 100,000 visitors, 30,000 of which are school children attending the Nature Center in conjunction with their classroom curriculum. 
 
Get a link for the Mountain Safari and the WNC Nature Center on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

April 28     Survival Skills Workshop:  Wild Edibles - Series part 2 of 3  at Chimney Rock Park.  Food and water are essential to wilderness survival. Abundant, nutritious edible plants grow in Western North Carolina each season, from berries and flowers to nuts and mushrooms. Be prepared to hike off the beaten path for about two hours identifying and learning about wild edibles.

Then Sheila Dunn, a longtime member of the Asheville Mushroom Club and a Buncombe County Master Gardener, will whet your appetite with a presentation on favorite edible fungi, such as chanterelles, morels and chicken of the woods. Listen closely when she discusses the few poisonous mushrooms that lurk in our hills! Bring a water bottle, wear long pants and bring a rain coat just in case. This is one workshop you won’t want to miss! The Survival Skills Workshop series continues with Shelter-Building on Sat., June 9

Get a link for the Survival Skills Workshop and other local information on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor guide.

Backyard Habitats Workshop Today at Chimney Rock

March 31  Backyard Habitats Workshop: Attracting Butterflies, Birds & Bees Why are butterflies, birds and bees attracted to some plants more than others? Can you believe that native plants are up to four times more attractive to bees than non-natives? These pollinators and feathered friends have co-evolved with specific native plants in the region and depend on them for food.

Join expert Ron Hoover to learn how to identify the best host and support plants to get your backyard or butterfly garden darting and buzzing with activity! Appropriate for all ages (6+) and levels of experience. $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders; $20 for Youth (ages 6-15), $12 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)

Get more local information on the Chimney Rock Visitor Guide

Have a North Carolina Elk Experience

March  20  North Carolina Elk Experience  in Cataloochee Valley, sponsored by the Friends of the WNC Nature Center. Take part in an exploration of  native elk species that has returned to the mountains of  North Carolina.

The program includes a presentation given by a naturalist a the Nature Center and a trip to Cataloochee Valley. Fee $20.00/person non-Asheville resident, Friends members and Asheville city residents $18.00. Reservations/tickets required. Call 828-298-5600 ex. 5 to reserve a spot.

Get Lucky on St Patrick's Day

This year for luck on St. Patrick's Day, skip the rabbit's foot and . . . 

 Adopt A (lucky) Rabbit!

You can choose from either of the WNC Nature Center's two rabbits - Pogo and Slate

  

Pogo, a Holland lop-eared rabbit, and Slate, a Flemish giant rabbit, live at the Center's Educational Farm, where guests have the opportunity to visit them and learn about the similarities and differences between the two.

(Size is the first obvious difference. Holland lop-eared rabbits average 3-4 pounds, whereas when Slate is full grown, he may end up weighing 14 or more pounds!) 

In return for your adoption, you'll receive an adoption certificate, a fact sheet, a Zoobook, and a photo of your rabbit. Plus you'll be assisting the Friends to provide resources to support the WNC Nature Center and its work to inspire guests while educating them on Southern Appalachian animals, such as these rabbits and many more.

Adopt at the $50 level, and you'll receive a (lucky) plush rabbit toy!

 

You'll also be celebrating St. Patrick's Day in a very unique way!  We're pretty sure you'll be the only lucky rabbit Wild Parent at the party.

Click here to adopt a rabbit today!

Winter events at the WNC Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region. Its mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences.And there are plenty of experiences at the Center during the winter months.

Petting Area Hours Will Vary During the Winter - If meeting the sheep and goats at the contact yard is a stop you don't want to miss when you visit, call ahead (828-298-5600 ) or check the board in the lobby when you come in to see when the petting area will be open.

Nibbles with Nibbles plush toy

February 2, Ground Hog Day at the Center presents Carlton Burke's program about groundhogs  at 2:00 PM. Explore the folklore of this native rodent species with stories and song, and meet live groundhogs, including Nibbles, the Nature Center's own Animal Ambassador.  Celebrate Ground Hog's Day in a special way: Adopt Nibbles, the Nature Center's groundhog,  in honor of Groundhog  Day!

Being a "Wild Parent" to Nibbles is great - she's cute, she's a Nature Center star, she'll let you know when to put away your winter clothes and bring out your spring clothes. Plus, she won't keep you up all night since we'll take care of feeding her for you. The Nature Center's  Wild Parent adoption packages begin at $25 and include an adoption certificate, a photograph of Nibbles, an invitation to the annual Wild Parents Day event at the Nature Center, and more. Adopt at the $50 level and a cute plush groundhog will be included in the package.   

Wild Walks begin in February - Wild Walks is a "behind the scenes" tour of the Nature Center.  If you've ever been curious about what happens behind the STAFF ONLY doors in the Appalachian Station, now's your chance to find out! Starting in February, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center will be offering a special look into the care of the Nature Center animals.  Dates and Times TBA $50 for adults / $25 for children (no strollers).

The WNC Nature Center four-day wildlife rehabilitation workshop will be held February 18-19 & 25-26, 2012 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The workshop is designed to educate those with or without prior rehabilitation experience to care for orphaned or injured small mammals, birds and reptiles. Workshops include lecture, demonstration and hands-on experience about all aspects of animal rehab, including feeding, housing and general medical care. Speakers will include state and federal licensed rehabilitators, wildlife vets, Nature Center staff, and more!

photo by Jessica Krippel

Nature photographers - professional and budding alike - are invited to share their very best glimpses into life at the WNC Nature Center by submitting photographs to the monthly photography contest.  Every month, a winner will be featured in the WNC Friends of the Nature Center Wild ENews.  Submissions are open to anyone, any age, and any experience level. Your photo should be from within the WNC Nature Center grounds, and can feature any of the animals and landscapes. Please include your name when submitting, so   proper credit to the artist can be attributed.  Submissions for February will be due Tuesday, January 31and should be sent  to Jill Sharp at americorps@wildwnc.org  Remember to specify in your email that your photo is for the contest.  Unselected photos will be under consideration for future months.

The WNC Nature Center is located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville NC. Operating hours are: 7 days a week 10 AM - 5 PM with admittance until 4:30. Get a link for the WNC Nature Center and other Asheville NC Attractions HERE.

Star light, Star bright - how many stars can you see tonight?

September 30  Astronomy Star Party at Lake James Park.  Telescopes and binoculars provided for viewing the night sky, but bring your own if you have them. Folding chairs also recommended. Meet in the field next to campground parking lot at the Catawba River Area of Lake James State Park at 7:00 p.m. Park gates close at 8 p.m. Register by calling the park office at 828-584-7728. Free event.

Lake James State Park is located in Nebo NC, a few minutes from Marion. Get lodging and area information HERE.

WNC Nature Center Open Late Every Saturday in August

To help guests beat the heat this summer, the WNC Nature Center will be extending its hours on Saturdays in August, remaining open until 7:00 PM.

Coyotes featured at WNC  Nature Center

"Many of the animals at the Nature Center become much more active during the late afternoon," says Chris Gentile, Director of the Nature Center. "We hope that by extending our hours, guests will be able to see a side of the Center they've never been able to experience before."

Enjoy dinner and a nice glass of wine before or after your visit at Cafe Azalea or take the family to Chilis, both close to the Center on Tunnel Road and then have a cool treat at Ultimate Ice Cream. Please be sure to thank them for their support of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center features over 60 species of animals and area plants local to the Southern Apalachain region. It is located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville NC.

Butterfly Identification Workshop in Asheville

Oftentimes folks who start out watching birds branch off into butterfly watching. Of course summer is the best time to learn about them.  The Compleat Naturalist is offering the rare opportunity to study butterfly specimens up close in this 2-hour workshop, using our teaching collection which includes nearly every species of butterfly found in North Carolina. Sat., July 16, 2:00-4:00 p.m.    Click here for registration details.

Memorial Day Weekend Events: Grandfather Mountain Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble

Grandfather Mountain begins its  Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble on Memorial Day, May 30, and continues the Ramble through June 12. The event is one of Grandfather Mountain's special activities with staff naturalists designed to help you get the most out of the memorable siege of the Catawba Rhododendron at Grandfather.

Programs will occur daily at 1 PM and last for approximately one hour. See the Naturalist Information Board when you arrive to learn where that day's program will begin. Free with Park admission.  For details, phone 800-468-7325.

Memorial Day Weekend Events: Plant and Flower Festivals

The NC Mountains are in full peak for Spring foliage and blossoms on Memorial Day Weekend. It's a beautiful time to be in the mountains and also the right time to get herbs, flowers and other plants for your own garden. Festivals, Farmer's Markets and local growers abound with starters and information to "green-up" your world.

May 28 - 29   Hendersonville NC hosts the  18th Annual Garden Jubilee Festival  including over 200 vendors selling thousands of plants, arts and crafts along with  garden talks,  clinics, garden accessories, and food. The festival covers 8 blocks of Main Street from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM both days. The festival is always held during the Memorial Day weekend. Hendersonville NC.

May 28 - 29   The Banner Elk Herb Festival  features Fantastic Spring herbs, great local bands, lots of arts and crafts vendors, farmers market items, a kid zone and of course thousands of herb plants for sale. The festival benefits the local volunteer firefighters. BAnner Elk NC.

May 28 - 29   Annual Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition  This popular event features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about selection, care and history of these elegant garden plants. A sale will be held in conjunction with the exhibition, which will include rose plants, fertilizer, and soil amendments.

American Rhododendron Society, SE Chapter, Annual Rhododendron Truss Show

April 30 - May 1 in Asheville NC the Annual American Rhododendrons Society Southeast Chapter Show  is at the The North Carolina Arboretum. Spring and summer blooming rhododendrons and azaleas are the favorites of the weekend. The Arboretum is home to the National Native Azalea Collection, and visitors are encouraged to explore the garden representing nearly every species native to the United States. Society members will be on hand to answer questions, and a guided tour of the Arboretum’s Azalea Repository will be offered each day. Noon to 5 Pm both days.