WNC Nature Center hosts mining sluice grand opening May 7

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. Photo courtesy of Friends of the WNC Nature Center

From Friends of the WNC Nature Center:

Mining Sluice Grand Opening at the WNC Nature Center

On May 7th, the WNC Nature Center, with special guests from Colburn Earth Science Museum, soon to be Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) will celebrate the official grand opening of a new mining sluice at the Explorer’s Outpost area at the Center.

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, visit wildwnc.org

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About Dan Hesse
I grew up outside of Atlanta and moved to WNC in 2001 to attend Montreat College. After college, I worked at NewsRadio 570 WWNC as an anchor/reporter and covered Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners starting in 2004. During that time I also completed WCU's Master of Public Administration program. You can reach me at dhesse@mountainx.com.

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