Pre-opening for members only begins Sept. 28 The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation department is very pleased to announce the reopening of the WNC Nature Center to the general public on Oct. 5. Visitors will notice a few changes since their last visit. To ensure the safety of the public, staff, and the resident animals that [...]
2019 was an exciting year for the WNC Nature Center! In February, a ribbon cutting highlighted a new exhibit and the introduction of two new residents — red pandas named Leafa and Phoenix, who stole the hearts of everyone who attended the event on Valentine’s Day. They are the first species to be introduced as part [...]
ASHEVILLE – It is with sadness that the WNC Nature Center announces the passing of one of its most senior residents. Artemis, the Barred Owl, has passed away as a result of advanced age. A member of the Center’s Education Ambassador Animal Team for almost 20 years, Art came to the Nature Center in December of [...]
With a new year comes new programs, facility improvements and projects to improve our community. Here’s a look ahead at Asheville City government initiatives in 2019. Red Pandas exhibit to open Two cute red pandas will take up residence at the WNC Nature Center this year. The new red panda exhibit will open to the public on [...]
The City of Asheville is excited to announce that the WNC Nature Center’s new red panda exhibit will open to the public on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2019 and includes the introduction of our new resident pandas, Leafa (pictured above) and Phoenix. The red pandas arrived at the Nature Center in November, have passed the [...]
ART bus service suspended on Thanksgiving Day as well Asheville City government offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 22, and Friday, Nov. 23, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Here is a roundup of City service holiday schedules. ART bus service ART bus service will be suspended Nov. 22, in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thanksgiving is one [...]
The WNC Nature Center welcomes the public to a short dedication event for the Center’s new front entrance, completed in September. The dedication will take place at noon Nov. 1 (Thursday). Representatives from the City of Asheville, Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, WNC Nature Center, and Friends of the WNC Nature Center will [...]
On Saturday, October 27 the WNC Nature Center will host their annual Howl-O-Ween event from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event features games, crafts, special animal education moments, food vendors and two costume contests. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in costume and to take part in one of the two [...]
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced that the Western North Carolina Nature Center has been recognized with AZA’s 2018 Education Award for significant achievement in the “Expanding Impact through Targeted Low Income Outreach Education” program. The WNC Nature Center received this national award during AZA’s September [...]
ASHEVILLE – It is with great sadness that the WNC Nature Center announces the passing of one of its most well-known and cherished residents. Pisgah, an 8-year-old Western cougar, passed away on Thursday morning (Sept. 27) after a period of declining health. Diagnosed with kidney failure several years ago, the disease had recently progressed and was [...]
ASHEVILLE — The WNC Nature Center welcomed guests into its new front entrance Sept. 12. Have you been out there to see it yet? “We’re excited to offer this enhanced guest experience to our visitors,” said Chris Gentile, Director of the WNC Nature Center. “The new front entrance will allow us to better serve our growing number [...]
Though they roam the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, their close ancestors used to call the Southern Appalachians home. And now they’re returning! Red pandas will come to the WNC Nature Center this fall. At their April 24 meeting, Asheville City Council approved a $184,820 appropriation for the construction of the Red Panda [...]
