North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 

A wildlife education center is a fun place for both adults and children to learn about wildlife and how it relates to the world we share. Plan your trip to see exhibits, participate in an educational program, or just browse the gift shop.

Visitors to the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education  can experience exhibits and programs that show how human activities affect and are affected by wildlife and the natural environment, and why these resources need to be thoughtfully and scientifically managed.

Outdoor Exhibits
A paved walkway leads visitors through outdoor educational exhibits that focus on wildlife and fish management, law enforcement and conservation education. Visitors can also view the trout raceways at the adjacent North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Pisgah Fish Hatchery. They can learn first-hand about the importance of wetlands to aquatic life at the artificial wetlands, which are used by the state-of-the-art sewage treatment system at the center. A model N.C. WILD Education Site contains numerous wildlife food and cover plants and other habitat components arranged to attract wildlife.

Indoor Exhibits
Indoor exhibits feature three aquariums that contain coastal, Piedmont and mountain aquatic species. The center also includes a N.C. WILD Store gift shop, an outdoor classroom, an auditorium, vending services and public restrooms.

Educational Programs
Wildlife educational programs are offered at the center throughout the year, including the popular "Nature Nuts" program for kids and offerings for adults and educators. Programs are popular and fill up early. Check the links below to view upcoming programs.

Location:
The center is located in Pisgah National Forest on Highway 276 in Pisgah Forest next to the Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery.
 

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA NATURE CENTER

75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28805
Phone (828) 298-5600 - Fax (828) 298-2644

The WNC Nature Center is 40 acres of animals in their native Southern Appalachian Mountain habitats. It provides an opportunity to learn, to touch, and to know our rich natural heritage through educational and interactive exhibits. The Center has received such honors as "Best Place To Take The Kids In WNC" in an Asheville Citizen-Times readers poll and has served 26,000 students and teachers in their science curriculum. Open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm.