Daily Programs
March 2020
Owl Identification & Behavior on Grandfather Mountain
Owls represent the “night shift” for birds of prey. For most of us, they are known only as mysterious sounds from the woods behind your house or in the background of a movie. During this adult field course led by Steve Dowlan with High Country Audubon, we will attempt to more intimately acquaint ourselves with these mysterious sounds by spending time with a few captive owls, as well as looking for several owl species in their native habitats within the…
Find out more »April 2020
Advanced Birding: Spring Migration
Have you wondered why some bird species are always easy to identify all of the time, some bird species are easy to identify some of the time, and some bird species seem to be almost impossible to identify all of the time? The answers can be found in the natural history of individual species. Led by Steve Dowlan with High Country Audubon, this course will explore such aspects of the lives of birds as seasonal plumage, molt, nestling growth, seasonal…
Find out more »May 2020
Sunrise & Landscape Photography on Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain offers one of the most picturesque landscapes in the southeast. Join us as we explore the mountain before the gate opens to other visitors. We’ll watch the sun rise over the mountains and play with light in the forest. This course is led by Tommy White, a full-time photographer based in Boone, N.C. Adult Field Courses Grandfather Mountain’s Adult Field Course series offers participants the chance to explore the mountain like never before. Students examine specific aspects of…
Find out more »Spring Sketching on Grandfather Mountain
The naturalist’s sketchbook is full of sketches of natural objects that bring moments in nature to life! The way you arrange these drawings on a page can boost the storytelling quality of your sketches. In this course led by artist Preston Montague, participants will learn how to tell a story through the arrangement of objects in a sketchbook, as well as basic observation and drawing techniques with pen, pencil, and colored pencils. Though designed for beginners, students with more intermediate…
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Nature Photography Weekend 2020
Visit Grandfather Mountain to attend presentations from top nature photographers, while photographing spectacular scenery and native animals before and after regular business hours. Additional cost. Online registration begins April 1. The event features presentations from renowned photographers, spectacular shooting opportunities on the mountain and a friendly, but competitive (and optional), photo contest. The featured presenters for 2020, including Chris Almerini, Donna Eaton, Jamie Davidson, Bill Fortney and Lynn Willis, will speak on a variety of photography topics encompassing both the…
Find out more »The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
Meet Grandfather Mountain's naturalists for a 20-minute walk highlighting the park's rhododendron species and blooms.
Find out more »June 2020
Animal Birthday Party
Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of all the animals in its environmental habitats with games, contests, crafts and surprises.
Find out more »Project WILD Educator Workshop
Project WILD is a K-12 interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. All participants will receive the Project WILD activity guide and earn six hours of Criteria I credit toward their N.C. Environmental Education Certification (or 0.6 CEU’s). Homework option available to earn up to 10 hours or 1.0 CEU. About Our Environmental Educator Certification Programs Join the staff of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission for the opportunity to learn more and have fun,…
Find out more »August 2020
Exploring Grandfather Mountain’s Natural Communities
Grandfather Mountain is often referred to as the “Canada of the South” – and it’s true. Some of the species here also thrive in the far North. Join Dr. Patrick McMillan, host of PBS's "Expeditions with Patrick McMillan," in exploration of the 16 natural communities on Grandfather Mountain, from rocky summit to hardwood forests. We’ll discover that Grandfather’s climate and geography play an important role in this mountaintop ecosystem. McMillan is the Emmy Award-winning host, co-creator and writer of the…
Find out more »Animal Enrichment Day
Enrichment is an integral part of how the mountain cares for its habitat animals every day. Visitors will enjoy watching enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts.
Find out more »September 2020
The Artist’s Workshop: Late Summer Sketching
The naturalist’s sketchbook is full of sketches of natural objects that bring moments in nature to life! The way you arrange these drawings on a page can boost the storytelling quality of your sketches. In this course led by artist Preston Montague, participants will learn how to tell a story through the arrangement of objects in a sketchbook, as well as basic observation and drawing techniques with pen, pencil, and colored pencils. Though designed for beginners, students with more intermediate…
Find out more »Junior Ranger Day
This is a day of curiosity and fun! Programs throughout the day will be provided specifically for kids, ages 5-12, to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather Mountain has to offer.
Find out more »The Changing Climate & Grandfather Mountain
Climate change is coming to Grandfather Mountain, whether we want it to or not. How will this affect the plants and animals who live on this mountain, some of whom grow nowhere else in the world? As it gets warmer, will plants migrate uphill, where its cooler? What about the plants who that at the top already? What will they do? This field course will examine the various plant communities along an elevational gradient on Grandfather Mountain, from the deciduous…
Find out more »50th Annual Girl Scout Day
Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. All Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership.
Find out more »October 2020
The Fall Color Ramble
Join Grandfather Mountain's naturalists for a guided walk through the park's most colorful spots, showcasing the splendor of fall color.
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