• Village Nature Series: Embracing the Dark- Light Pollution, Health and the Environment

    Lewis Hall at The Village Green 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, United States

    For more than a century, artificial lighting has transformed our nights—brightening our homes, streets, and cities. But only recently have scientists begun to fully understand the hidden costs of this constant illumination. Light pollution is now recognized as a significant factor affecting wildlife behavior, human health, and the balance of our environment. In this talk, […]

  • Youth Nature Series: Map & Compass Nature Treasure Hunt by Kayla Watson

    The Commons

    This nature based map and compass scavenger hunt is an engaging adventure where participants use compasses to locate natural items and nature themed prizes. Participants will learn cardinal directions (North, South, East, West), beginner map reading skills, spatial awareness, pacing, teamwork and communication. This scavenger hunt will be a fun and exciting adventure while participants […]

  • Youth Nature Series: Bugs in Our Backyard! by Sara Rivera

    The Commons

    In the summer, bugs are everywhere, and these awesome critters do so much for us! They clean up our forests, make our flowers grow, and so much more. Come get an up-close look and learn about what bugs you can find in your own backyards, where we can find them, and what they do for […]

  • Village Nature Series: Illuminating the Fabulous Worlds of Fireflies

    Fireflies are known for their magnificent flashes that fill our summer nights with magic. How do they glow, and are there any that don't glow? How do they help with medical research? What special kinds can we find in our own backyards? The world of fireflies is full of trickery, romance, and awe, so join […]

  • Youth Nature Series: Building a Wild Bee Hotel by Jessica Blackburn

    Common's Lawn 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, United States

     Become a backyard hero in our hands-on Wild Bee Hotel Workshop! Kids will discover the secret lives of solitary bees—nature’s gentle, super-pollinators—while building their very own wooden nesting home. Using natural materials like wooden frames and hollow stems, participants will craft a safe haven to take home and hang in their gardens. We’ll learn why […]

  • Craft & Print a Tote-ally Sustainable Tote Bag by Lynsi Wavra

    In this workshop we will be teaching about the importance of sustainability and waste-reduction by creating fun and useful tote-bags out of up-cycled used T-shirts. No sewing or special tools required! Once the bags are made, participants will have the chance to decorate and customize them with block print stamps. Participants should bring a used […]

  • Village Nature Series: Indigenous Stewardship- Weaving together culture, climate, and land

    Founded in 2009, The Center for Native Health (CNH) is a Native-led, 501(c)3, located in Cherokee, NC. CNH implements a variety of program areas to ensure the balanced wellbeing of Southeastern Native communities through the preservation and respectful application of Native Knowledge to empower people, land, and culture. Through such efforts, CNH is able to […]

  • Village Nature Series: Appalachian Wonders and Phenomenal Ecological Connections by Luke Cannon

    Lewis Hall at The Village Green 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, United States

     Come enjoy a fascinating exploration of the remarkable lives and complex relationships of our common and not so common Appalachian wildlife. From orchid seeds, to hummingbird tongues and zombie ants, naturalist Luke Cannon shares insight and stories illuminating the intricate connections and wild adaptations that abound in the natural world around us.     Presenter Bio: More […]

  • Youth Nature Series: Animal Tracks and Skulls by Topher Stephens

    Common's Lawn 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, United States

    Step into the shoes of a wildlife detective in our hands-on Animal Tracks and Skulls Workshop! Kids will get up close with the amazing creatures of Western North Carolina by examining real skulls and track casts of local mammals like black bears, bobcats, and foxes. Participants will learn to "read" the forest floor by identifying […]

  • Youth Nature Series: Magnifying the Magical World of Moss by Skye Cahoon

    Common's Lawn 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, United States

    Beginner bryologists (moss scientists) are invited to marvel at mosses! These tiny plants can live almost anywhere, including places like our windowsills and sidewalks. They may seem like green fuzz, but when we zoom in a little, they look like mini trees and ferns. There are even little animals living in the moss, like mites […]