WREN Center

04/09/2026

♥️🌸😎

🌎Why not spend Earth Week Saturday learning about the diversity of life in our streams? 🌏

Anglers, boaters, landowners, students, and nature enthusiasts are invited to attend Life in Our Streams, an engaging event focused on the biodiversity and health of local waterways. Hosted by the WREN Center (WhiteRock Research Education and Nature Center) regional partners and conservation leaders, the 1-day event on Saturday April 25 offers a hands-on opportunity to explore life within creeks and rivers while learning how aquatic species and water quality indicators reflect overall stream health.

Learn more and register at www.lifeinourstreams.org

02/10/2026

Wildlife ~

02/09/2026

Join WREN Center for two Freshwaters Illustrated film events—Sun, March 1 (2–5 PM) at Mars Theatre Brewing Co., Mars Hill and Sun, March 22 (5–8 PM) at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, Asheville—featuring stunning short films and the documentary Hidden Rivers. Stay after each screening for a live expert-panel Q&A on biodiversity and local conservation, and register via the QR code or at WRENCENTER.ORG.

12/23/2025

Happy Holidays from the WREN Center!

10/02/2025

The WREN Center will host its Fall BioBlitz on Saturday, October 18, from 6 AM to 6 PM at the Laurel Community Center. This free, day-long event offers guided, expert-led explorations of the Laurel River watershed’s diverse plants, animals, fungi, birds and ecosystems. The day begins with birding at 6 AM, followed by a survey at Big Creek from 9 to 11:45 AM. At noon, participants will enjoy lunch and a keynote talk by biologist Jeremy Heath on the diversity of galling arthropods. Afternoon activities continue at Hickeys Fork from 1 to 3:45 PM, with the event wrapping up from 4 to 6 PM as participants process and document their findings. Lunch is provided, and all are welcome to join in discovering the remarkable biodiversity of this unique region!!

08/26/2025

Thank you to everyone who donated items, shared their talents, and joined us at our first fundraising auction held at Big Pillow Brewery this past Saturday. Together, we raised over $3,000 to support our environmental nonprofit serving the Laurel River Watershed and its Biodiversity!

08/22/2025

Check out some of our Auction Items for WREN Center Fundraiser @ Big Pillow Brewing tomorrow, Saturday, August 23 from 12-6pm! Here are some great art pieces and merchandise/gift cards from our local businesses in Madison County! Also enjoy live music playing from Local Bands & a Meet and Greet with our WREN Team!

08/03/2025

Join the WREN Center for an exciting afternoon of music, food, and community at Big Pillow Brewing. Bid on items from local artists and businesses in our silent & live auctions while enjoying live performances by 75 Singlewide, Meschiya Lake, and Paint Rock.
Explore the scientific significance and ecological insights revealed through our BioBlitz's and All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory. This benefit is raising funds to protect the unique natural heritage of the Laurel River Watershed!!

Saturday, August 23 | 12–6 PM | Hot Springs, NC See less