What make bobcats such good hunters? Why are coyotes hard to spot? How do beavers keep warm in cold water? Join us at the Catawba River Area to learn about the amazing adaptations of the animals that call Lake James home. Then, take a hike to see what wildlife you can find! This event is part of the 2025 NC Science Festival.

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.

From rocks and trees to air and water, the Earth provides us with amazing materials we wouldn’t be able to live without. Discover natural resources and their usage at interactive activities spread throughout the Museum. Activities are included with Museum Admission: Discussing sustainability and conversation topics while creating designs from recycled plastics with guest expert and TEDx Speaker Hadia Ghandour. Exploring the science of clay and the role it can play in sustainable living with artists from local nonprofit Clayworks. Testing cutting-edge technology and tinkering with renewable energy in the Tech Innovation Lab with museum educators.

Earth Day at Sturgeon City: A Day of Fun and Education! Join us for a FREE public event on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10am-2pm. What to expect: Engaging Science Stations: Explore a variety of hands-on STEM activities, both indoors and outdoors. Delicious Food Trucks: Satisfy your cravings with a variety of delicious food options. Face Painting Fun: Add a touch of whimsy with face painting. Exciting Games: Keep everyone entertained with a variety of games. Craft Fair: Shop for unique handmade items from local artisans. Live Music: Live Music from 11am to 2pm by 2Digh4

Hunt for eggs, some even have toy dinosaurs in them. We supply the baskets. Nearly 100 prizes, with 15 local businesses participating. See if you can get one of those lucky eggs. Explore our ROCK Museum while you are here where we will have educational activities and refreshments.

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