(828) 526-0173 | [email protected] | Copyright 2024 – All Rights Reserved.
Wild Lives & Wild Places: Event Cancelled
Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: 2020/06 - June
It’s one thing to see images of local wildlife in books, zoos, movies or TV, but a very different experience to see them in person.
Of course, the best place to see wildlife is in their natural habitat, though a personal encounter with a bear or rattlesnake can be far from entertaining. A safer way to experience these “wild lives” and “wild places” is by attending the 17th annual Mountain Wildlife Days, July 17 and 18, at the Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center.
This year’s event opens Friday morning, July 17, with a bird walk led by “birders” from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society.
There are also two hikes to area scenic locations and waterfalls led by experienced hike leaders Mike Kettles and Robin Lurie. Reservations are required (call (828) 743-7663), as group size is limited. These events are free.
The Friday afternoon program (3:30 to 4:30 P.M.) for youth groups, campers, and children will feature the very popular Rob Gudger with his wolves, explaining why they are “Our Most Misunderstood Animals.”
At 6:30 PM, the Silent Auction exhibit will open at the Community Center, preceding a special evening presentation at 7:00 PM. Rob Gudger and his wolves will open the program, followed by the main event, Bill Lea with “The Wonder, Beauty and Magic of God’s Creation,” accompanied, of course, by his incredible photography.
The fun continues at 10:30 A.M. Saturday morning with “Snake Man” Steve O’Neil and his collection of native reptiles, amphibians and other animals.
Next up is Michael Skinner from the Balsam Mountain Trust with “Hunters of the Sky,” showcasing hawks, falcons, owls and an eagle. The Saturday afternoon program brings the North Georgia “Zoo to You” with some unusual animals from the Australian Outback.
There is a $5 entry fee for adults for the Friday evening event and $8 for all day on Saturday. Children are admitted free.
Mountain Wildlife Days is directed by John Edwards and sponsored by the Sapphire Valley Resort, area merchants and friends of wildlife. Proceeds from the Silent Auction are used to fund the Mountain Wildlife Days’ Western North Carolina Wildlife Outreach. This program provides wildlife and outdoor education opportunities throughout the year to schools and other organizations throughout Western North Carolina, last year touching some 1,400 people.
For additional info, visit mountainwildlifedays.com or call the Sapphire Resort Community Center at (828) 743-7663.
