There are many special animals who have been a part of the Grandfather Mountain family, starting with the beloved Mildred the Bear who arrived in 1968 and extending to the animals who call Grandfather Mountain home today. In addition to those living in the Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats, the mountain is also home to many ambassador animals who are an integral part of educational programming on the mountain and in local schools or organizations. These ambassador animals have been living behind the scenes under the watchful eye and care of the mountain’s habitat keepers.
Now, because of a recent grant from the High Country Charitable Foundation (HCCF), several of these ambassador animals are able to be housed in Yonni’s Clubhouse and viewed by the public. Their new habitats are placed within the interactive Four Seasons Mural inside of the Clubhouse that depicts Grandfather Mountain throughout the seasons of the year. The mural was created, in part, thanks to a grant in 2024 from HCCF.
“We were thrilled to be involved in a mural that showcases the unique and stunning native plants of our area,” said Whitney Styles, executive secretary for the High Country Charitable Foundation. “We believe that having these opportunities is essential for helping others learn about and appreciate the special ecosystem we have here.”
A 2025 grant from HCCF was utilized to purchase multiple specialized enclosures for the mountain’s American bullfrogs, Cope’s gray treefrogs, snakes and a turtle to call home within Yonni’s Clubhouse. The grant also allowed the mountain to keep these ambassador animals comfortable in their new spaces by providing temperature and humidity regulation equipment and enrichments like imitation logs to provide a cozy space for some of the animals to sleep.
“Yonni’s Clubhouse and the addition of these displays gives our guests more opportunities to see our ambassador animals,” said John Caveny, vice president of education and conservation for Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “These animals have been a part of our conservation education programs for many years, but previously were only available for guests to see during specific programs. We are now able to educate guests about these animals on a more frequent basis.”
These exciting additions to Grandfather Mountain help to bring another element of conservation education to Yonni’s Clubhouse and emphasize the importance of animal and plant conservation to guests.
“At High Country Charitable Foundation, we recognize Grandfather Mountain’s importance to our community and that preserving such special places is vital for future generations to enjoy and learn from them,” said Styles. “Just looking at Grandfather Mountain as it stands guard over our community provides us with an amazing sense of solace.”
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation gratefully recognizes the High Country Charitable Foundation for the important grants that have been provided throughout the years to advance the care, quality of life and habitats of the animals who call the mountain home.
Founded in 2014 by a group of local residents who were committed to helping others, the High Country Charitable Foundation works with agencies in Avery and surrounding counties to ensure that individuals, families and animals have the resources and support they need to succeed.
Guests of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation can visit the ambassador animals and the Four Seasons Mural at Yonni’s Clubhouse daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.