
Night at the Nature Center
Nighttime exploration tuning eyes and ears to owls, bats, and raccoons; hands on sensory games and guided activities reveal animal adaptations for families with children ages 5 12.
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Twilight guided naturalist walks through Blue Ridge woodlands to witness bioluminescent blue ghost fireflies and learn about nighttime ecology, with gentle night hikes suited to families, photographers, and curious naturalists.
Twilight guided naturalist walks through Blue Ridge woodlands to witness bioluminescent blue ghost fireflies and learn about nighttime ecology, with gentle night hikes suited to families, photographers, and curious naturalists.
Twilight guided naturalist walks through Blue Ridge woodlands to witness bioluminescent blue ghost fireflies and learn about nighttime ecology, with gentle night hikes suited to families, photographers, and curious naturalists.

Moonlit forest trek to glimpse bioluminescent blue ghost fireflies during a guided night hike, focusing on quiet, dim light viewing and naturalist interpretation of seasonal mating displays.

Moonlit forest trek to glimpse bioluminescent blue ghost fireflies during a guided night hike, focusing on quiet, dim light viewing and naturalist interpretation of seasonal mating displays.
Moonlit forest trek to glimpse bioluminescent blue ghost fireflies during a guided night hike, focusing on quiet, dim light viewing and naturalist interpretation of seasonal mating displays.

Moonlit night hike through Linville’s mountain forest culminating in a crackling bonfire for storytelling, stargazing, and chances to hear owls and other nocturnal wildlife during a guided evening walk.

Moonlit night hike through Linville’s mountain forest culminating in a crackling bonfire for storytelling, stargazing, and chances to hear owls and other nocturnal wildlife during a guided evening walk.
Moonlit night hike through Linville’s mountain forest culminating in a crackling bonfire for storytelling, stargazing, and chances to hear owls and other nocturnal wildlife during a guided evening walk.

Overnight nature retreat focused on viewing rare Appalachian blue ghost fireflies, with guided night hikes and quiet low light forest immersion; camping style accommodations encourage stargazing and nocturnal wildlife observation.

Overnight nature retreat focused on viewing rare Appalachian blue ghost fireflies, with guided night hikes and quiet low light forest immersion; camping style accommodations encourage stargazing and nocturnal wildlife observation.
Overnight nature retreat focused on viewing rare Appalachian blue ghost fireflies, with guided night hikes and quiet low light forest immersion; camping style accommodations encourage stargazing and nocturnal wildlife observation.

Morning birding walk through the NC Arboretum gardens and trails, spotting colorful resident songbirds while learning binocular technique, purchasing recommendations, and favorite field guides; loaner binoculars available for beginners.

Morning birding walk through the NC Arboretum gardens and trails, spotting colorful resident songbirds while learning binocular technique, purchasing recommendations, and favorite field guides; loaner binoculars available for beginners.
Morning birding walk through the NC Arboretum gardens and trails, spotting colorful resident songbirds while learning binocular technique, purchasing recommendations, and favorite field guides; loaner binoculars available for beginners.

Guided winter bird walk across Hickory Nut Gap’s farm pastures and woodlots, spotting sparrows, raptors, and winter migrants while learning binocular techniques, field identification tips, and habitat cues from experienced naturalists.

Guided winter bird walk across Hickory Nut Gap’s farm pastures and woodlots, spotting sparrows, raptors, and winter migrants while learning binocular techniques, field identification tips, and habitat cues from experienced naturalists.
Guided winter bird walk across Hickory Nut Gap’s farm pastures and woodlots, spotting sparrows, raptors, and winter migrants while learning binocular techniques, field identification tips, and habitat cues from experienced naturalists.

Leisurely guided shoreline stroll with interpretive remarks on local history and wetland ecology, ideal for families and newcomers seeking scenic sunset views and easy terrain.

Leisurely guided shoreline stroll with interpretive remarks on local history and wetland ecology, ideal for families and newcomers seeking scenic sunset views and easy terrain.
Leisurely guided shoreline stroll with interpretive remarks on local history and wetland ecology, ideal for families and newcomers seeking scenic sunset views and easy terrain.

Hands-on, step-by-step painting session capturing a Cotswold sheep named Martin, with a live animal encounter and park admission included; all art supplies provided for family-friendly beginners, pre-registration and ticketed adult supervision required.

Hands-on, step-by-step painting session capturing a Cotswold sheep named Martin, with a live animal encounter and park admission included; all art supplies provided for family-friendly beginners, pre-registration and ticketed adult supervision required.
Hands-on, step-by-step painting session capturing a Cotswold sheep named Martin, with a live animal encounter and park admission included; all art supplies provided for family-friendly beginners, pre-registration and ticketed adult supervision required.

Guided walk through a working mushroom farm demonstrating spawn inoculation, log and substrate techniques, and fungi identification among shaded beds in the Swannanoa Valley and seasonal harvests.

Guided walk through a working mushroom farm demonstrating spawn inoculation, log and substrate techniques, and fungi identification among shaded beds in the Swannanoa Valley and seasonal harvests.
Guided walk through a working mushroom farm demonstrating spawn inoculation, log and substrate techniques, and fungi identification among shaded beds in the Swannanoa Valley and seasonal harvests.
Quiet, guided forest bathing among mature pines and rhododendrons, blending gentle movement, deep breathwork, and mindful sensory awareness for a restorative afternoon of nature immersion.
Quiet, guided forest bathing among mature pines and rhododendrons, blending gentle movement, deep breathwork, and mindful sensory awareness for a restorative afternoon of nature immersion.
Quiet, guided forest bathing among mature pines and rhododendrons, blending gentle movement, deep breathwork, and mindful sensory awareness for a restorative afternoon of nature immersion.

Hands-on field identification of common Western North Carolina trees using leaf, bark, and bud characteristics plus field guides while walking arboretum trails to observe early spring leaf out; outdoor class on easy paths, beginner friendly.

Hands-on field identification of common Western North Carolina trees using leaf, bark, and bud characteristics plus field guides while walking arboretum trails to observe early spring leaf out; outdoor class on easy paths, beginner friendly.
Hands-on field identification of common Western North Carolina trees using leaf, bark, and bud characteristics plus field guides while walking arboretum trails to observe early spring leaf out; outdoor class on easy paths, beginner friendly.

Hands-on outdoor science and nature-skills programming for youth at Linville, featuring guided trail exploration, wildlife identification, and habitat investigations designed for beginner naturalists and family participation.

Hands-on outdoor science and nature-skills programming for youth at Linville, featuring guided trail exploration, wildlife identification, and habitat investigations designed for beginner naturalists and family participation.
Hands-on outdoor science and nature-skills programming for youth at Linville, featuring guided trail exploration, wildlife identification, and habitat investigations designed for beginner naturalists and family participation.

Keeper-led animal enrichment with puzzle feeders, scent trails, and rotating habitats at a Linville wildlife sanctuary; hands on stations and zookeeper demos teach animal behavior, welfare, and behind-the-scenes care.

Keeper-led animal enrichment with puzzle feeders, scent trails, and rotating habitats at a Linville wildlife sanctuary; hands on stations and zookeeper demos teach animal behavior, welfare, and behind-the-scenes care.
Keeper-led animal enrichment with puzzle feeders, scent trails, and rotating habitats at a Linville wildlife sanctuary; hands on stations and zookeeper demos teach animal behavior, welfare, and behind-the-scenes care.

Navigate illuminated treetop high ropes and zipline courses at dusk, moving through harnessed obstacles and guided belays under twilight skies; beginner friendly instruction and safety gear create an active evening outdoor adventure.

Navigate illuminated treetop high ropes and zipline courses at dusk, moving through harnessed obstacles and guided belays under twilight skies; beginner friendly instruction and safety gear create an active evening outdoor adventure.
Navigate illuminated treetop high ropes and zipline courses at dusk, moving through harnessed obstacles and guided belays under twilight skies; beginner friendly instruction and safety gear create an active evening outdoor adventure.

Guided shinrin-yoku walks through Blue Ridge forest at The North Carolina Arboretum, using slow-paced sensory practices—breathwork, mindful listening, and gentle movement—to reduce stress and deepen connection with seasonal mountain ecology.

Guided shinrin-yoku walks through Blue Ridge forest at The North Carolina Arboretum, using slow-paced sensory practices—breathwork, mindful listening, and gentle movement—to reduce stress and deepen connection with seasonal mountain ecology.
Guided shinrin-yoku walks through Blue Ridge forest at The North Carolina Arboretum, using slow-paced sensory practices—breathwork, mindful listening, and gentle movement—to reduce stress and deepen connection with seasonal mountain ecology.

Resonant gongs and crystal bowls wash through the Arboretum gardens in a guided sound bath, encouraging deep relaxation and meditative listening among towering native trees and cultivated plantings.

Resonant gongs and crystal bowls wash through the Arboretum gardens in a guided sound bath, encouraging deep relaxation and meditative listening among towering native trees and cultivated plantings.
Resonant gongs and crystal bowls wash through the Arboretum gardens in a guided sound bath, encouraging deep relaxation and meditative listening among towering native trees and cultivated plantings.

Guided evening foraging walks through Asheville green spaces exploring seasonal wild edible plants, hands-on identification and sustainable harvest techniques for beginners, with a focus on community connection and low impact practices.

Guided evening foraging walks through Asheville green spaces exploring seasonal wild edible plants, hands-on identification and sustainable harvest techniques for beginners, with a focus on community connection and low impact practices.
Guided evening foraging walks through Asheville green spaces exploring seasonal wild edible plants, hands-on identification and sustainable harvest techniques for beginners, with a focus on community connection and low impact practices.