EARTHSHINE NATURE

1/1/13

As of the first of the year Earthshine Nature Programs moved most of it's operation to The Academy at Trails Carolina  in Dupont State Forest.  This has happened because Steve--the Executive Director--has left Earthshine as a full time employee and will now be working with Trails Carolina as a science teacher/naturalist.  Although Steve has left Earthshine as a full time employee he will continue to work at Earthshine on occasional weekends and evenings and lead guided hikes during the summer when his schedule allows.  He will also continue to work with Karen and the staff at Earthshine to keep the Earthshine Nature Center and turtle tracking programs up and running. 

Unfortunately, Earthshine will not be able to assist ENP very much in  in this endeavor so we must go this alone.  But then that is often the case with small non profits like Earthshine Nature Programs--we often attempt the impossible with very limited resources and so far,  with the help of a few caring nature loving folks, we have managed to make ENP happen.

Please help the new ENP continue and grow by considering a donation of supplies, equipment or funds. 

Visit us on facebook and follow our blog to learn more about our programs and missi0n.  

THANK YOU ALL!

October 30, 2012

The 2012 season has been our best ever and we could not have done it without all of you!  We started off in the spring with a wonderful fundraiser that enabled us to buy new transmitters for the study snakes and turtles as well as provide high quality food, vitimins, housing and the best veterinary care avalible in the area for our resident and rescue animals.  We have presented our wildlife, nature and didgeridoo outreach programs to thousands of people this year at  birthdays, schools, special events and to hundreds of campers at four local area summer camps.  Without all of our supporters we would not exist so thank you again for all you have done to help us make a difference in the way people view wildlife and nature.     

Event Date: May 12, 2012

Event Time: 11:00 am-5:00pm

Event Location: Earthshine Mountain Lodge in Lake Toxaway, NC

Bring the family and join us for an open house and benefit for Earthshine Nature Programs. Learn all about our in-house and outreach programs, wildlife rehabilitation efforts and unique reptile conservation education projects featuring Eastern box turtles and Timber rattlesnakes. 

Bring a picnick lunch to enjoy during the introduction by Naturalist Steve O'Neil.  Kids of all ages will enjoy creating a custom tie-dyed T-shirt to take home as a memento.  After lunch have some wonderful chocloatey deserts made by  Earthshine's Chef Marney and tastey Gelato from Kiwi Gelato in Brevard. 

Listen to some earth-shaking drones on the didgeridoo by local didgeridoo master John Vorus and Earthshine's Naturalist Steve O'Neil with Jason Alfrey on percussion.  Then the Naughty Pillows will introduce you to their unique and beautiful harmonies from the heart.   We will also have an open jam session after the event at 5:30pm so if you play an instrument feel free to being it along and jam with us.

Throughout the day the ole timey sounds of Benny and Shawn will be heard as the wandering misntrels stroll merrily about the mountaintop while pickin' and grinnin'.   

After lunch visit the nature center's animals and then take a short hike to meet one of our study animals in the field.

Participate in a silent auction of many unique wildlife/nature/outdoor themed items that have been created by local artists and donated by many local businesses to help us raise funds to support our work--all donations are tax deductible.  As of 3/10/12 artists that have donated their works include: Christina Ramsey, Jenny Geer-Hardwick and Jim Hardy.  Local businesses that have contributed to the auction include: Earthshine Lodge, Kiwi Gelato, Looking Glass Outfitters, Jets Pizza, O.P. Taylors, Local Color, Broad Street Wines...more soon!   

After the auction attend our special nature programs in the lodge hosted by regional experts to learn more about the wonderful wildlife and nature that we share our local world with. Programs include: ENP overview by Naturalist Steve (this program will be presented during the introduction at 11:00), local rocks and minerals presented by local expert Lee Kisselburg,  The Green Salamander by Alan Cameron and The "Snot Otter" (Hellbender) by NC Wildlife Resources Commission Field Biologist Lori Williams. 

Close out the day on the trail on a native wildflower/mushroom/rock and mineral/reptile and amphibian hike led by Naturalists Clint Calhoun, Steve O'Neil, Lee Kisselburg, Lori Williams, Alan Cameron and John Vorus.  We will be sure to uncover many interesting things on this wonderful moderate level hike guided by some of the most knowledgable naturalists in the area!

All events begin promplty on time.

Event happens rain or shine.

For more information please contact Earthshine Nature Programs Naturalist and Executive Director Steve O'Neil through the contact link on the right.

Updates and Scehdule will be posted on the ENP Blog  and here on this website.

Receive updates as they happen on the Earthshine Nature Blog at: www.earthshinenature.wordpress.com

If you are unable to attend but would still like to make a donation please follow the donate link on the right for more information.





May 28-29, 2011
Earthshine Nature Programs will be at the White Squirrel Festival in Brevard, NC.  We will have a booth set up with several of our animals for you to meet as well as ENP T-shirts for sale.  Come see us at the festival. 

November 2011

ENP now has a new blog!  Follow this link to go directly to our new blog where you can click the follow link on the right to recieve updates on the Nature Center and the Turtle Tracks, Snake Tracks projects and more!

Earthshine Nature has teamed up with Third World Tiendaand is now selling beautiful Tagua Nut carvings.  These works of natural art are produced by artisans in Ecuador in a sustainable and fair trade manner.  As stated on the Third World Tienda website:  "The Tagua nut, also known as Plant or Palm Ivory, is produced by the Tagua palm tree which is found throughout the coastal, humid forest of Ecuador.  Harvested after they fall to the ground, the Tagua nut produces carvings that are equal to the finest ivory in texture, color and density. Moreover, Tagua is classified as an organic gem. 

Tagua carvings provide an artistic and economic medium, thereby increasing the value of the Tagua palm. This discourages deforestation and offers a sustainable alternative to mammal ivory.

These carvings were produced under the principles of Fair Trade.

These principles include: a fair, living wage (set by the artisans), employing environmentally sustainable practices and democratic decision making which creates long term partnerships and humane working conditions.
Fair trade helps producers escape the cycle of exploitation and maintain their traditional lifestyles with dignity at a sustainable level."

To purchase a Tagua Nut carving from ENP just email us for more details.  Feel free to purchase a carving from Third World Tienda as your purchase from either of us helps to support each of our programs and the artists and their families who create them.



Check out our new Facebook page!

The 2011 Open House/Fundraiser event was a great success!  Thank you to everyone who visited with us, learned and donated to support ENP.