Thirst for Good Partner Spotlight: Highland Brewing and the WNC Nature Center
At Highland Brewing, community has long been part of who we are. One of our longest-standing relationships is with the WNC Nature Center, a beloved Asheville destination dedicated to connecting people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian region. As neighbors and longtime partners, we’ve been glad to support the Nature Center through donations, volunteer work, and community events like Brews & Bears. It’s a partnership rooted in shared care for wildlife education, conservation, and the Asheville community.
Neighbors, Partners, and Supporters of Wild WNC
Highland Brewing has partnered with the WNC Nature Center for more than a decade. Located just minutes from our Asheville brewery, the Nature Center is more than a community partner, it’s part of our neighborhood. From Highland’s campus and Rooftop, you can sometimes hear the calls of wolves and coyotes, a reminder of how closely connected we are to the wildlife and landscapes that make Western North Carolina so special.
Highland contributes community donations and in-kind beverages to Friends of the WNC Nature Center fundraisers, including Brews & Bears, the Nature Center’s popular after-hours summer event series. We also provide beer for the event, helping support an evening that brings together local drinks, wildlife education, and community fundraising.
Beyond sponsorships, Highland employees have also volunteered at the Nature Center by cleaning animal habitats and helping clear invasive species from the property. It’s one of the ways this partnership has extended beyond events and into ongoing care for a place that means a lot to the community.
A Partnership That Mattered During Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene impacted Asheville, the bridge that provided access to the WNC Nature Center washed out. For months, the only way to reach the Nature Center was through Highland Brewing’s driveway and property. In that period, our location helped preserve access to an important community resource during recovery.
That moment underscored what this relationship has long been about: being good neighbors. Whether through event support, volunteer work, or simply sharing space when needed, this partnership has reflected a shared commitment to the WNC Nature Center and the broader Asheville community.
About the WNC Nature Center
The WNC Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity. Home to more than 60 species of animals and hundreds of plant species, the Nature Center gives children and adults in Western North Carolina meaningful opportunities to learn about native wildlife, habitats, and conservation.
Brews & Bears: A Summer Tradition in Asheville
Brews & Bears takes place on the second Friday of the month from May through September at the WNC Nature Center. Guests can walk the wildlife park after hours with a beer, cider, or wine in hand while enjoying food trucks, live music, and animal education programs. Highland is glad to support an event that brings together Asheville community, Southern Appalachian wildlife, and summer evenings in Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re visiting Highland Brewing for a pint, heading to the Nature Center with family, or planning your next Asheville event, this partnership reflects what matters most to us: good beer, strong community, and lasting support for the places that make Western North Carolina feel like home.