Press release
from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, located alongside the Davidson River in Transylvania County, has been recognized for excellence in environmental education.
The Environmental Educators of North Carolina named the wildlife education center as its 2012 Exceptional Environmental Education Program. The award was presented in October as a part of an annual conference in Washington, N.C.
The award recognizes a program, education center or organization that exemplifies excellence in environmental education. The recipient must reach beyond the “usual scope and scale” to create a sustainable commitment to environmental education, a more environmentally literate public, a stronger profession for environmental educators and otherwise support the mission and objectives of the Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC).
“The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is an ideal example of what an Exceptional Environmental Education Program can be,” said Keith Bamberger, EENC board member. “It is a bridge between traditional hunting and fishing, environmental management for the common good, and education using the outdoors as a classroom. Their scope and scale reach tourists through the center, teachers through workshops, and into the classroom with direct programming.”
One of four educational centers operated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education offers free admission to exhibits that highlight mountain habitats, with live fish, frogs, salamanders and snakes on display. There are daily showings of an award-winning documentary, along with regularly scheduled events, clinics and activities. Outside, there are nature trails and the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery, where visitors can feed trout that grow in 54 hatchery raceways.
“I could not be more pleased to give the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education the 2012 Exceptional Environmental Education Program award,” Bamberger said.
The Environmental Educators of North Carolina is a statewide, membership-driven 501(c) 3 education non-profit organization. Created in 1987, the group works to connect diverse professionals and organizations to each other and to high quality environmental education materials and programs, demonstrating leadership.
“I think the Pisgah Center stood out because we have about 13,000 program participants a year, more than a 100,000 visitors every year and we are free,” said Melinda Patterson, center director. “A great way to help sustain conservation is to learn more about North Carolina’s wildlife and habitats. And that’s as easy as visiting an education center like ours, or signing up for classes or workshops or checking out our videos and publications.”
Education is a key component of the Wildlife Commission, which provides programs and workshops to enhance enjoyment and appreciation of North Carolina’s resources.
“Our centers cover so many topics, from wildlife photography to fly tying, to wildlife identification,” said Margaret Martin, the Commission’s field outreach manager. “Centers offer seasonal hunting and fishing clinics for novice sportsmen and women, host school and church groups on a daily basis and provide families a fun, learning destination. There is practically something for everyone.”
To learn more or plan a visit
Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education: or call (828) 877-4423.
Other Commission centers or call (919) 707-0209.
Commission courses, workshops and learning clinics or call (919) 830-0202.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
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