The WNC Nature Center, with special guests from the soon-to-be Asheville Museum of Science, will celebrate the official grand opening of a new mining sluice at the Explorer’s Outpost area on May 7th.
The exciting new attraction features a 30 foot mining sluice and water tower, offering gem mining for a small fee as well as free opportunities for play with water. This is the latest addition to Explorer’s Outpost, where Captain Dave’s Pirate Dawgs and Gift Shop are also located. Guests may purchase bags of roughage from Captain Dave’s Gift Shop for use in the mining sluice.
Ten lucky winners purchasing roughage for the mining sluice during the May 7th event will find gold doubloons in their pans- which can be redeemed at Captain Dave’s Gift Shop for a discounted purchase!
At 1:00 on May 7th, representatives from Colburn, Asheville’s Earth Science Museum, will give a short presentation about gems and the history of gem mining in the Southern Appalachian Mountain area, and will be on-hand to talk to guests.
Admission to the grand opening event for the mining sluice is included with regular Nature Center admission. The Center is open 10:00-5:00.
The Friends’ mission is to support the programs, facilities and the residents of the Western North Carolina Nature Center, which showcases the fauna and flora of the southern Appalachian region. The WNC Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity. For more information on the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, or to join the Friends and support future projects, visitwildwnc.org.
(Photo: Friends of the WNC Nature Center.)