The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a very unique creature that some say resembles a collection of fairies carrying blue candles through the forest.  The Blue Ghost Firefly (Phausis reticulata) is a secretive, hard-to-find native insect that calls our area home, and for a very short amount of time in late Spring, they inhabit our surrounding woodlands of Transylvania County.  You’ll experience an educational presentation at our outdoor amphitheater starting at 8:45 pm and then use the cover of darkness and special flashlights to go in search of the Blue Ghost fireflies while hiking on a paved trail through the forest. Team members will be stationed at key locations around the trail to provide further information about this amazing natural phenomenon. Please feel free to congregate near these areas with your fellow firefly enthusiasts, or go explore on your own! We require everyone to stay on the trail to prevent habitat damage, and team members will clear the trail and require everyone to depart by…

Enjoy hands-on learning through experiments, crafts, and other activities. Each month offers a different theme that children and caregivers can learn about together. This is a self-paced drop-in program. Pre-registration is not required.

Enjoy hands-on learning through experiments, crafts, and other activities. Each month offers a different theme that children and caregivers can learn about together. This is a self-paced drop-in program. Pre-registration is not required.

Enjoy hands-on learning through experiments, crafts, and other activities. Each month offers a different theme that children and caregivers can learn about together. This is a self-paced drop-in program. Pre-registration is not required.

Enjoy hands-on learning through experiments, crafts, and other activities. Each month offers a different theme that children and caregivers can learn about together. This is a self-paced drop-in program. Pre-registration is not required.

Sleep under the stars at White Deer Park! This family program is a great way to introduce the family to camping and includes many fun activities. Fee is per family. In the event of inclement weather, participants will relocate into the Nature Center. Min:10 families Max: 15 families. Fee: $35/resident $49/non-resident

The beloved FlutterBy Butterfly Habitat is returning to Catawba Science Center on May 10th! Every three years, this exhibit sees the Outdoor Science Courtyard transformed into an enchanting butterfly oasis. This year, we are excited to bring you an accessible courtyard for all, regardless of mobility challenges. Join today for members-only perks in Spring 2025!

The festival is an activity-filled, family event that commemorates the traditions of mountain living and craft in a unique and beautiful setting. Festival-goers will cheer as college forestry students compete during the John G. Palmer Woodsmen’s Meet that has the flavor of an old-time lumberjack competition. Competitors representing forestry schools throughout the country test their skills in a number of events including archery, axe throwing, crosscut sawing and pole felling. Participating schools will be announced closer to the event date.

Join a park ranger on a hike in the park to help promote kids coming to the parks! We will be hiking around  1 1/2 mile loop looking at the native plants and animals. Dress for the weather, wear closed toed shoes, and bring water!