After a five and a half month closure, the WNC Nature Center will reopen to the public on Monday, March 17. With the destruction along Swannanoa River Road and Gashes Creek Bridge, visitors will now take a new route to see the wildlife.

All of the animals were safe as Helene tore through the area, but it's taken extensive work from city workers, NCDOT staff, and community partners to rehabilitate the entrance area. However, according to WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile, it's taken less time than expected to reopen. Great detail to add from the press release.

Gashes Creek Bridge, leading to the center's old entrance, was destroyed. | Photo by Friends of the WNC Nature Center

During the closure, Friends of the WNC Nature Center continued to spread wildlife education, visiting more than 1,200 young students through its Outreach Education program.

The closure allowed the center to make significant progress on the upcoming Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project. Plus, a renovation to the NC Farm Yard and Barn, expansion of the gift shop, and creation of a butterfly and pollinator garden are slated to debut this summer.

The reopening announcement comes as the WNC Nature Center celebrates "100 years of wild" this year, commemorating the space's opening as Recreation Park Zoo in 1925.

Psst... WNC Nature Center members can celebrate the reopening a tad earlier during the members-only week, beginning Monday, March 10. Get a membership online or in person at the admissions office.

New directions to the WNC Nature Center

Drive to the Nature Center, turning from Swannanoa River Road onto Azalea Road.
Instead of turning right to cross the bridge as usual, continue straight for half a mile. This road is now two-way all the way to the roundabout. This two-way traffic pattern is new and can be narrow in places, so please use caution and drive carefully.
At the roundabout, take the first right. A traffic signal has been installed on either side of the one-way metal bridge.
After crossing the metal bridge, turn left on Gashes Creek Road and enter the Nature Center’s parking lots.
Guests will depart from the Nature Center in the same way.