The Trillium Trail in autumn
If you’ve ever hiked the Trillium Trail here at the WNC Nature Center, you probably found it to be a pleasant hike full of bends and curves through the forest. An endearing aspect of the trail is that, though it is only 2/3 of a mile long, it feels as if you have wound deep into the forest because you cannot see very far ahead of you. Each turn affords a new look – the new staircase, a Cooper’s hawk in a nearby poplar, a bend of the Swannanoa River.
Moving forward into the new year is comparable to taking this walk through the trees. You know where the trail goes and what you’ll see – essentially. But when, where, and how extraordinary it will be when you arrive are all discoveries you make along the way. At the Nature Center, we have a trail in mind. The Nature Center is looking forward to the journey into 2012.
If all of 2012 is as exciting as week one proved, then hold on to your hats. To set the pace, 2011 ended with record-breaking attendance number – 92,000 visitors! In the history of the Nature Center, attendance levels have never topped 90,000. A big thanks to all of you – first time visitors and return visitors!
Visiting the Nature Center!
The Friends started down this trail at a run with an interview on 880 The Revolution with Blake Butler. We hope you caught it on the afternoon of Friday, January 6 as Kimberly Brewster, Executive Director of the Friends, and Sara Fields, Friends Board Member, spoke about the record breaking attendance of 2011 and the plans for the future of the Nature Center.
We call our plan the 2020 Vision. This is our momentum, a map of where we’re headed. Some of the mile markers we’re already fast approaching include the Arachnid Adventure, a play area for kids designed around the fascinating ecology of native spiders. This play area will be friendly and safe for children of all ages, and will include restroom facilities! Located by the head of the Trillium Trail, this is a long-desired amenity for the far end of the park.
The Otter Slide play area has always been popular with young visitors
The Nature Center has always been one of the best places to bring kids, and in 2012, we’re only going to get more kid friendly. If you visited recently, you probably noticed a new wall in what used to be the gift shop. Behind that wall will be a classroom used for summer camps and other programs as our current entry building is transformed into an education facility. Part of the extended 2020 Vision plans include a new entry down at the barn, where you’ll see new animal exhibits like barn owls, rats, and snakes to join Balsam, Slate, and Pogo.
Speaking of, Mischa Trinks – good friend to Slate the Flemish giant rabbit – promises “more programs with Slate and Pogo.”
Slate posing for his appearance in the Asheville Citizen Times
It won’t just be the barn getting new faces, either. The Education Department is planning on adding a few new superstars to their Animal Ambassador team, including reptiles and amphibians that will be able to visit school groups and visitors.
Rufus the patriarch Red Wolf
One face the public won’t see but which could make a huge difference in the world of species conservation is Phoenix the Red Wolf. Phoenix will live behind the scenes for a very special reason – we hope he will someday father puppies with Mayo, our young female Red Wolf. The two wolves will live in their ‘honeymoon suit,’ which is out of the public eye to ensure they feel safe, comfortable, and protected in order to raise a family. 2012 is our Year of the Red Wolf for the Nature Center, and these hopes for a new family of Red Wolves is exciting not only because any baby animal is a wonderful thing, but because Red Wolves are one of the most endangered species in the world. A litter of Red Wolf pups makes a big difference!
The River Otters will be our first Featured Animal Album on Facebook
If you haven’t already, be sure to Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. That way, you’ll hear about all the newest happenings at the Nature Center first! Check out our new feature Wild Weekends on this blog every Saturday, as well as Featured Animal Albums on Facebook to learn more about the animals you love.
Conservation and education continue to be the cornerstones of the Nature Center’s progress. In everything we do, we consider two things: how does it protect and benefit native wildlife species, and how does it connect and contribute to the community?
We’re more than a zoo – we’re a testament to how much defense of the natural world means to Asheville, and to all our supporters and guests. Without you, it wouldn’t be possible. With you, we’re going to accomplish extraordinary things.
Thank you for 2011 – the best year yet!
Here’s to 2012 – the best is still to come!
