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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260729
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260730
DTSTAMP:20260709T184526Z
CREATED:20230107T190549Z
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SUMMARY:Animal Enrichment Day
DESCRIPTION:On Animal Enrichment Day\, guests see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. An enrichment is a special treat\, new toy or even an unfamiliar scent given to the animals to break up their routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. Watch enrichment demonstrations\, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts. Included with admission. Activities kick off at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and adjacent Wildlife Habitats. \nAnimal Enrichment Day Schedule:\n11 – 11:30 a.m. | Behind-the-Scenes Bear Training Tour (optional\, additional cost) – Come watch a bear training with one of the habitat keepers. Training involves teaching the bears behaviors to help with their care and is another form of enrichment for them. This tour costs $20 per person\, or $18 for Bridge Club members. There is a minimum of two people per group and a maximum of 12 people. To sign up in advance\, email habitats@grandfather.com\, or stop by the gift shop in the Wilson Center the day-of for last-minute availability.\n11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Enrichment Games and Activities Stations – Fill out an Enrichment Passport with stamps at a variety of stations. Station topics include pet and backyard enrichment crafting\, sensory games\, “What is Enrichment\,” animal diets and treats and more. Turn in a completed passport at the Passport Table to be entered into the drawing for a free Behind-the-Scenes Tour at 2 p.m. Participants must be present to win. (station locations: Outdoor Learning Space\, Wilson Center breezeway/front doors\, in front of Yonni’s Clubhouse; rain location: Classroom in the Clouds)\n11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Animal Adoption and Wishlist Table – Learn how to directly support the mountain’s resident animals. (location: Outdoor Learning Space\, rain location: Classroom in the Clouds)\n11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Green Team Table – Come learn about what sustainability practices Grandfather Mountain uses not only when it comes to making enrichments\, but across the entire mountain. (location: Outdoor Learning Space\, rain location: Classroom in the Clouds)\n11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Conservation Through Colors Tables – Purchase animal paintings\, with proceeds going to the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy. With each purchase\, guests can spin a wheel to win a prize. (location: in front of Wilson Center and Yonni’s Clubhouse\, rain location: inside Wilson Center and under back porch of Yonni’s Clubhouse)\n1 – 1:30 p.m. | Animal Encounter – Come meet a few of the mountain’s smaller resident ambassador animals in a 30-minute presentation. (location: Classroom in the Clouds)\n1 – 2 p.m. | Creepy Critter Corner – Meet some of the mountain’s “creepier” ambassador animals (tarantula\, tree frogs\, millipedes and more). (location: outside the Classroom in the Clouds)\n1:30 – 2 p.m. | Parade Enrichment Making Table – Help create some of the enrichments to be given out during the enrichment parade\, like Bear Pizza\, Elk Salads and Cougar Leaf Candies. (location: Wilson Center breezeway/Outdoor Learning Space)\n2 p.m. | Passport Behind-the-Scenes Drawing – Winners get the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes to visit either bears\, otters\, elk or cougars (chosen at random). Winners are allowed to take family members with them. Participants must be present to win. (location: Outdoor Learning Space\, rain location: Classroom in the Clouds)\n2:45 p.m. | Animal Enrichment Parade – Follow habitat staff to the elk\, then cougar\, then otter and then bear overlooks to watch the special enrichments be given. (location: begins at the elk overlook and continues to the other habitats) \nCan’t come to the event but still want to provide a special treat for Grandfather animals? Those interested in gifting them some of their favorite items can do so by checking out the mountain’s animal enrichment wish list featuring appropriate toys and supplies. Donors can purchase an item online and have it delivered straight to Grandfather Mountain for immediate enjoyment. \nAnimal lovers can also contribute through the mountain’s Adopt-an-Animal Program. Honorary adopters receive a photo of their animal\, certificate of adoption\, informational sheet about the animal’s life and more!
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/animal-enrichment-day/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events,Habitat Programs
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260731T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260731T160000
DTSTAMP:20260723T013719Z
CREATED:20250411T190541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T013719Z
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SUMMARY:Educator Workshop: WILD About Bears
DESCRIPTION:NOTE: This Educator Workshop is intended specifically for educators — not the general public. \nThis workshop is open to individuals studying for the NC Environmental Education Certification or those needing CE Credits to maintain their certification and will focus on bears in North Carolina. \nHosted by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s own Interpretation and Education staff\, this workshop will teach participants about the life history and management of black bears\, as well as how to incorporate activities about bears into the N.C. Curriculum. Participants will also get to meet the black bears who call Grandfather Mountain home and what it takes to keep them healthy and happy. \nN.C. EE Certification Credit: Criteria II or III and CEU credit are available upon completion of workshop. \nTickets\nThis workshop is free to attend\, although advance registration is required. Limited to 25 participants. Registration opens on this page on May 29\, at 10 a.m. Limited to 25 participants. \nClick here to register. \nGeneral Clothing List\nMuch of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing\, equipment and footwear are very important. \nEquipment:\nDaypack with enough room to carry extra clothing\, water\, lunch\, camera\, etc.\nWater Bottle\nSunglasses\nSunscreen\nSturdy hiking boots or closed-toed shoes are required\nNotepad/paper\nPen/pencil \nAdditional Information\nEducational Experience Forms will be available for certification hours and Continuing Education Credit for the instructor to sign off on. Grandfather Mountain may also serve as Criteria III – Site visit hours\, but these hours must be gained outside of the time that the workshop takes place (i.e.\, prior to or after the workshop). Staff will be available to sign off on these site visit forms. \nCancellations\nGrandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for\, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-833-6332 or email judi@grandfather.com. \nWe ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants\, our staff\, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals. \nLearn more about this year’s lineup.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/educator-workshop-wild-about-bear/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Certification Programs,Featured Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260731T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260731T220000
DTSTAMP:20260720T134000Z
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SUMMARY:Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike
DESCRIPTION:This event is SOLD OUT. To be placed on the waiting list\, please email judi@grandfather.com with your name\, phone number\, the name and date of this event and the number of tickets you are interested in reserving. \nExplore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders\, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! \nThe evening starts atop Grandfather Mountain at the Mile High Swinging Bridge\, where participants can explore and observe sunset from this lofty vantage point. During this time\, park educators will be on hand to discuss the unique flora and crepuscular (active during twilight) fauna that call Grandfather home. \nIn-park transportation is provided. Each Grandfather by Night event is limited to 24 participants. Advance registration is required. Please note: This event is for individuals eight years of age and older. \nWe are offering two versions of our Grandfather by Night series this year\, Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike and Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program. \nThis event is a Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike. \nThe Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders\, owls\, flying squirrels\, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike\, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible. \nThe event starts for registered participants at 7:30 p.m. In-park transportation will be provided. \nLearn more about this event series\, the two versions of programming and all Grandfather by Night dates. \nThis event costs $50 for general admission and $42 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Registration opens on this page on May 29\, 2026\, at 10 a.m. \nThis event is SOLD OUT. To be placed on the waiting list\, please email judi@grandfather.com with your name\, phone number\, the name and date of this event and the number of tickets you are interested in reserving. \nWhat to Bring?\nYou should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing\, equipment and footwear are very important. A jacket is needed on most summer evenings at Grandfather! \nRefunds/Cancellations\nThe majority of Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list. If you cannot attend the event that you registered for\, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-733-2013 Monday through Friday\, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. \nLearn more about the Grandfather by Night series.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/by-night-3/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:After Hours Programs,Featured Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260801T053000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260801T053000
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SUMMARY:Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge
DESCRIPTION:Back by popular demand\, Grandfather Mountain\, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation\, is offering a sunrise experience in 2026. This special event\, titled “Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge\,” will provide guests with the rare opportunity to be in the park outside of regular operating hours and to hopefully experience a lovely sunrise from the bridge’s lofty vantage point. \nTickets for this event go on sale online on Grandfather Mountain’s website June 2 at 10 a.m. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets. \nAdmission to this event is $52 for general admission\, $33 for children (ages 3-12) and $20 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club. Event tickets include an entire day’s access to Grandfather. As the remainder of the park doesn’t open until later on after sunrise (8 a.m. on Aug. 1)\, participants are welcome to leave the mountain following sunrise and return later in the day for no additional cost. \nDue to safety regulations\, eventgoers are only permitted to view the sunrise from the Swinging Bridge area. The Top Shop gift shop and restrooms will be accessible during the events. Park educators will be on hand to talk to guests about the nature around the Swinging Bridge\, identify nearby points of interest and answer any questions. In addition\, a professional photographer very familiar with capturing sunrises at Grandfather Mountain will also be on hand to chat with those guests wishing to capture the beauty of the day’s first light with their cameras. \nParticipants are strongly encouraged to bring a flashlight or headlamp and wear heavy jackets\, hats\, gloves and rubber-soled shoes. Spring and summer mornings can still be surprisingly very chilly at the top of Grandfather Mountain! \nThis event may be canceled on short notice in case of inclement weather\, and guests will be refunded if that’s the case. In addition\, a picture-perfect sunrise\, unfortunately\, cannot be guaranteed. \nThis event is limited to 150 guests. If the events sell out\, waiting lists will be available. \n-Tickets for this event go on sale online on Grandfather Mountain’s website June 2 at 10 a.m.\n-Park gates will open to sunrise participants at 5:30 a.m.\n-Sunrise is at 6:35 a.m. on Aug. 1\n-Park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. this day\, with trails closing at 6 p.m.\n-To receive a full refund\, guests must cancel prior to 5 p.m. Friday\, March 6. Cancellations following that date are not eligible for a refund. To cancel\, email judi@grandfather.com or call 828-833-6332.\n-Grandfather Mountain will make a decision on whether the event is able to take place and notify all ticket holders by noon on Thursday\, July 30.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/sunrise-at-the-swinging-bridge/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260801T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260801T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182303Z
CREATED:20250506T153435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T182303Z
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SUMMARY:Adult Field Course: Exploring Natural Communities of Grandfather Mountain
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an in-depth exploration of the natural community types found on Grandfather Mountain. In this class\, you’ll learn to recognize distinct habitats by studying their characteristic flora\, fauna and environmental conditions. Guided by ecological principles and scientific tools\, we’ll examine how factors such as elevation\, topography\, soil composition and microclimates shape these unique ecosystems and provide habitats for some of the rare and endangered species that we’ll see during our exploration. This workshop will enhance your ability to classify habitats and deepen your understanding of the complex interplay between species and their environments. \nElizabeth Trott and Leigh Ann Emery have served as Interpretive Park Guides for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation since 2021 and 2022\, respectively. Both are NAI Certified Interpretive Park Guides\, and both are nearing completion of the North Carolina Environmental Educator certification. Elizabeth and Leigh Ann both have an immense passion for all aspects of nature. They often spend their time\, both at work and personally\, exploring Grandfather Mountain and sharing their passions with anyone that will listen. \n \nProgram Itinerary\n10:00 – 10:15 – Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions\n10:15 – 11:30 – Classroom introduction to Natural Communities of Grandfather Mountain\n11:30 – 12:00 – Lunch at Wilson Center\n12:00 – 3:30 – Exploring different Natural Communities on the Mountain (shuttle provided)\n3:30 – 4:00 – Wrap up/Evaluations \nTickets\nThis event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. \nRegistration opens on this page on June 1 at 10 a.m. Limited to 20 participants. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets. \nWhat’s included?\nYour program cost includes admission into the park\, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses\, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees. \nTips are not accepted for field courses. However\, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program. \nGeneral Clothing List\nMuch of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing\, equipment and footwear are very important. \nEquipment:\nDaypack with enough room to carry extra clothing\, water\, lunch\, camera\, etc.\nWater Bottle\nSunglasses\nSunscreen\nSturdy hiking boots or closed-toed shoes are required\nNotebook and pencil\nLong pants and preferably long-sleeved shirts are strongly encouraged as we will be walking through the woods. \nRefunds/Cancellations\nAdult Field Courses generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for\, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-833-6332 or email judi@grandfather.com. \nWe ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants\, our staff\, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals. \nLearn more about the adult field course series.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/adult-field-course-natural-communities/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Field Courses,Featured Events
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