Nature Center Welcomes 100,000th Guest
The Friends of the WNC Nature Center are thrilled that the 100,000th visitor in 2012 walked through the doors at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 3, 2012. Betsy Archer and her son Milo, members of the Friends of the Nature Center, were excited to celebrate this milestone with the Center and Friends staff. Betsy shared that the Nature Center is “our favorite place in Asheville!”
The Friends Executive Director Kimberly Brewster presented Betsy and Milo with a basket of goodies worth more than $350 that included an Adopt-an-Animal package and a special Engraved Brick to commemorate the event. While Milo enjoyed the plush otter in the basket, he was more interested in visiting the real river otters out on the trail.
The 2020 Vision and Site Plan for the Nature Center began with a groundbreaking for a new playground and upgrades to the red wolf experience. Kimberly Brewster shared that “last month we were thrilled that the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina awarded $50,000 to complete the Red Wolf & Play project scheduled to debut in the spring of 2013.” The funds will go towards interactive elements that will engage visitors and share the story of the critically endangered red wolves.
Admission to the Nature Center is $6 for adults ($8 for non-Asheville residents), $5 for seniors ($7 for non-Asheville residents), $4 for youth ages 3-15 and children age 2 and under are free. Members are admitted free of charge. Join the Nature Center before you visit at www.wildwnc.org. For additional information visit www.wncnaturecenter.com or call (828) 259-8080.
Wilderness Wildlife Week
The 23rd annual winter event takes place January 12-19 in Pigeon Forge, and will feature 304 workshops, lectures, panel discussions, mini-concerts, hikes and excursions to draw attention to the neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a variety of other outdoor destinations and topics. The free programs will be held at the Music Road Hotel Convention Center. More details, including the program schedule and hike information, are at www.MyPigeonForge.com/wildlife or by calling 1-800-251-9100.
