The WNC Nature Center will reopen to the public on Monday, March 17, five and a half months after closing due to the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Helene, which caused significant flooding that destroyed roads and the main bridge to the Nature Center. Before opening to the general public, the Nature Center will open… The post Partner Update: WNC Nature Center – Asheville’s Wildlife Park Reopens to the Public first appeared on North Carolina Science Trail ..read more

Last week was Engineers Week. Also known as EWeek, this week of engineering celebration was established in 1951 by the National Society of Engineers with a goal of ensuring a “diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce.” Engineering is, of course, the “E” in STEM and it is still a goal to help create a diverse… The post Whirligigs and Innovation: NC State Engineering Students Bring Science to the Park first appeared on North Carolina Science Trail ..read more

Our most recent blog post for the Spotlight on Science Occupations series features an educator and STEM school co-founder who was inspired by her own love of science and her own path of learning. Dr. Crystal Howe of the G.O. B.I.G Stem Academy in Charlotte has helped to to create a beautiful experience for young… The post SPOTLIGHT ON SCIENCE OCCUPATIONS: Dr. Crystal Howe, STEM Educator/School Co-founder, G.O. B.I.G. STEM Academy first appeared on North Carolina Science Trail ..read more

What is a Hack-A-Thon? I thought you might ask. PARI’s Hack-A-Thon weekend is all about space exploration and helping others to understand space better while working as a team. This Hack-A-Thon is for teams who are ready to tackle big ideas in space exploration. If you believe you are up to the task of transforming… The post Join PARI’s Hack-A-Thon Weekend Challenge first appeared on North Carolina Science Trail ..read more

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s High Country, Grandfather Mountain State Park is a breathtaking destination celebrated for its rugged beauty and biological diversity. Towering at 5,946 feet, this iconic peak offers panoramic vistas, challenging trails, and a stunning array of natural communities that make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Spanning nearly 2,500… The post Exploring Grandfather Mountain State Park: A Mosaic of Natural Wonders first appeared on North Carolina Science Trail ..read more

Here on the Science Trail, we love to see our partners working together on an exciting project. This week the Carolina Raptor Center from Huntersville pulled together with the Schiele Museum from Gastonia at Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain for a beautiful moment. last Saturday. Read along as Robert Kock from the CRC… The post Partner Highlight: Merlin Release at Crowders Mountain State Park with Carolina Raptor Center and the Schiele Museum  first appeared on North Carolina Science Trail ..read more

Sometime around the New Year I was asked by a group of teens what I know about the beautiful crystal ball that drops in Times Square on New Years Eve each year. Well, I knew that it was made of Swarovkski crystal, which is the finest manmade crystal in the world, and that it comes… The post Crystals and Gems: What is “REAL”? first appeared on North Carolina Science Trail ..read more

Contributed by Michele Miller Houck On February 14-17, the NC Science Trail is going to the birds! 2025 marks the 28th anniversary of the Great Backyard Bird Count. In North Carolina, we celebrate by participating in the NC Bird Count – a citizen science program for all ages created by Science Across NC. During this event,… The post NC Bird Count – 28 Years and Counting! first appeared on North Carolina Science Trail ..read more

The Discovery Place museums in and around the Charlotte area are a treasure in our state. North Carolina is a better place just for having these amazing resources at our disposal for learning about every facet of science in the most fun ways. Discovery Place Nature has been under construction this year in preparation for… The post Partner Update: Discovery Place Nature Celebrates a Milestone first appeared on North Carolina Science Trail ..read more

Celebrate the New Year with fun, fresh air, and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike in one of North Carolina’s State Parks. These guided hikes are organized annually from Hawaii to Maine to encourage individuals and families to start the year on the right foot – by getting outside and connecting with… The post First Day Hikes in State Parks first appeared on North Carolina Science Trail ..read more