ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Work is underway at Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary in North Asheville, where crews are replacing sections of an aging boardwalk as part of a $100,000 restoration project.
Blue Ridge Audubon announced that construction has begun on the first phase of the project, which includes replacing about 500 feet of aging boardwalk and railings.
The work is expected to take up to a month, and the organization hopes to keep at least part of the sanctuary open during construction.
Visitors should expect some parking disruptions. The contractor will occupy several parking spaces while work is underway, but additional parking is available along Midland Drive, about 200 yards north of the sanctuary off Merrimon Avenue.
The boardwalk replacement is expected to cost about $60,000.
A second phase, planned for spring 2027, will include resurfacing the gravel parking area, installing a security gate and adding new signs throughout the sanctuary. That work is estimated to cost $40,000.
In its latest project update, Blue Ridge Audubon said it had raised more than a third of its $100,000 fundraising goal.
The sanctuary has been part of North Asheville since 1988, when a community fundraising campaign raised more than $400,000 to acquire approximately four acres and protect the land from commercial development.
Today, Blue Ridge Audubon manages an 8-acre wetland sanctuary next to Beaver Lake Park. The property provides habitat for birds and other wildlife while giving visitors a place to walk, watch birds and enjoy nature.
The sanctuary includes a boardwalk, overlooks, a gazebo and a gathering platform where visitors can observe wildlife and explore the wetlands.
The restoration project is intended to maintain those features and improve access for visitors.
Blue Ridge Audubon thanked visitors for their patience as construction gets underway.
Donations toward the restoration can be made at blueridgeaudubon.org/donate or through QR codes posted at the sanctuary.