ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) – The WNC Nature Center will reopen to the public on March 17, following a five-and-a-half-month closure due to severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene. The storm significantly damaged infrastructure, including roads and the main bridge leading to the Nature Center.
Chris Gentile, the Nature Center Director, expressed gratitude for the swift recovery efforts. “After witnessing the devastation caused by the flooding of the Swannanoa River, we thought it would be at least a year until we could safely reopen,” Gentile said. “Thanks to the steadfast work of our City workers, the NC DOT, and a myriad of community partners, we are ready to welcome guests back.”
To accommodate visitors, new access routes have been established due to the damage inflicted on Gashes Creek Bridge. Guests can drive to the Nature Center by turning from Swannanoa River Road onto Azalea Road. Instead of crossing the bridge, they will continue straight for half a mile, navigating a new two-way traffic pattern. At the roundabout, visitors will take the first right and cross a newly installed traffic signal at the metal bridge before turning left onto Gashes Creek Road to access the parking lots.
During the closure, significant improvements were made, including the construction of the Gateway to the Southern Appalachians, which is expected to feature a butterfly garden, renovated barn, and expanded gift shop by summer. The Friends of the WNC Nature Center also engaged with the community through outreach programs, connecting individuals with wildlife education across the region.
The Nature Center will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last admission at 3:30 p.m. This year marks a significant milestone as the center celebrates its 100th anniversary, evolving from its origins as the Recreation Park Zoo in 1925 to its current focus on native Southern Appalachian wildlife.
For more information about the WNC Nature Center and its centennial celebration, visit the official website.