Annual Events at The WNC Nature Center
Fun Free* Special Events!
Hey Day - Saturday in October (2017 Date: October 7, 10-4)
The WNC Nature Center’s largest family festival of the year with music, clogging, free crafts, food, games, live animal presentations, and so much more. A great way to spend a Saturday!
Howl-o-ween - Saturday before Halloween (2017 date: October 21, 10-5)
Come visit our 42-acres during the entire the warmth of the day and in the cool of the evening. We are open from 10:00am until 6:00pm this one day, just for all you ghouls and gals. We will enhance your visit with our arts & crafts, costume contest, bat ecology games, face painting, trivia contests, animal presentations, and treats for the kids. Our costume contest for all ages will begin at 5:00 pm at the barn, so come dressed for the occasion!
A Winter's Tail - First Saturday in December (2017 Date: December 2, 10-4)
It’s time for our holiday celebration at the Nature Center with crafts, garland creations, wildlife art, face painting, animal encounters, educational programs, food, and of course, Santa will be here!
*Included in regular admission. Entry is always free for members of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center.
Programs for Youth and Families at the WNC Nature Center
Call 828-259-8082 for more information and to register.
Elk Experience - Field Trip
Offered in September/October.
Our most popular offsite excursion for the WNC Nature Center is our NC Elk Experience to the Cataloochee Valley. We are looking forward to another year of educational experiences with guests. The journey will take us just west of Asheville into the beautiful mountains of Haywood County. Guest will meet at 3:00pm at the Nature Center in our classroom for a one hour presentation on elk ecology and biology. We will then load our vans and travel west to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We plan on returning to the Nature Center by 8:00pm (varies with our outdoor experiences in the valley).
Wolf Howl – After Hours Program
Offered in November/December.
The WNC Nature Center invites you to an educational evening focusing on Red and Grey Wolves of North America. The evening will start with an indoor presentation on these elusive creatures followed by a trek to our wolf compound located on site at the Nature Center for a howling session. Discover the legends and lore of these top predators and find out the "truths" about wolves.
Critter Time for Tikes and Tots - Preschool Program
Offered alternate Wednesdays January through mid-March.
A creative way to learn about animals, geared towards 3-5 year olds and parents. Activities celebrate animal life, forest ecology, and conservation, and may include fun and games (comfortable indoor space), crafts (free take home creations), animal encounters, walking tours, and/or story time. Space is limited, so preregistration is strongly encouraged. Call 828-259-8082 to register or for more information.