BREVARD, N.C. (July 29, 2013) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is offering numerous outdoor-related events, clinics and workshops this month through the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard in Transylvania County.

All events, clinics and workshops are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted, and may require pre-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Nature Nuts: Amphibians – Aug. 3, Aug. 13 and Aug. 24, 9-11 a.m. For ages 4-7. Spend the morning with staff and learn about amphibians. Activities will include story time, making a craft, and an outside hike in search of amphibians.
• Eco Explorers: Salamanders – Aug. 3 and Aug. 13, 1-3 p.m. For ages 8-13. Learn about these fascinating amphibians. Learn to identify local species of salamanders, their habitat requirements and why they are so important to ecosystems.
• Fly-Tying for the Beginner, Level II – Aug. 9, 9 a.m.-noon. For ages 12 and older. For those who know the basics and are ready to learn more advanced patterns. Equipment and materials provided.
• Archery – Aug. 10, 9-11 a.m. For ages 8 and older. Learn about archery with experienced staff. Topics will include: safety, variations in bows and arrows, and lots of time practice shooting at targets.
• A Week in the Woods – Aug. 5-9, 9 a.m.-noon. For ages 8-15. Young people join staff for a weeklong series of hands-on classes that focus on the tradition of hunting. Learn about equipment, tracking, firearm and bow safety. Spend time on the pellet gun and archery range.
• Gone Fishin’ – Aug. 10, 9-11 a.m. For ages 5-12. Enjoy a relaxing morning of fishing on Lake Dense. Learn fishing skills, water safety and fishing regulations. Equipment provided. Families will meet at High Falls parking area and enjoy a hayride to the lake. Registration limited to one “Gone Fishin’” program per summer. Limited to 25 participants.
• Fly-Fishing Skills: Wild Trout – Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For ages 12 and older. Practice fly-fishing skills in the Pisgah National Forest on Looking Glass Creek under the supervision of experienced fly-fishing instructors.  Equipment and materials provided. Meet at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education.
• Outdoor Photography for the Beginner – Aug. 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Ages 14 and older. This outdoor photography program teaches the basics, focusing on capturing images of wildlife and their habitats. Bring your camera and enjoy a morning of learning and picture-taking.
• Hunter Education Course – Aug. 20-22, 6-9:30 p.m. All ages. This course covers hunter responsibility, firearms and more. Course certification accepted in every state. Offered over a three-day period. Attendees must be present all three days to earn the course certificate.
• Fly-Fishing Skills: Casting for Beginners Level II – Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For ages 12 and older. For those who have mastered the basics of casting, spend a day at Lake Imaging in DuPont State Recreational Forest for more advanced casting techniques. All equipment and materials are provided. Bring a lunch.
• Fly-Tying for the Beginner – Aug. 31, 9-noon. For ages 12 and older. Spend a relaxing morning with experienced fly-tiers who teach the fundamentals. Work at your own pace. Equipment and materials provided. 

For events and workshops requiring pre-registration, call 828-877-4423 or sign up online.

For more information on these programs and activities, the four learning centers operated by the Wildlife Commission, and enjoying North Carolina’s wildlife and habitats, visit www.ncwildlife.org/enjoying.

The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is located near Brevard, just south of Asheville, alongside the Davidson River in Transylvania County. The center features nature trails and five large aquariums representing different aquatic habitats. Visitors to the center also can walk next door to the Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery, where trout are raised in 54 raceways. The center’s hours of operation through November are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m.