Chimney Rock Park Ranger holding a a Hawk in a fourth grade classroom.

Fourth graders at North Buncombe Elementary got an unforgettable visit from Chimney Rock State Park rangers,  who brought Applachian wildlife to the school. Park officials introduced students to a variety of native animals, making science come alive in an exciting and hands-on way. 

Male park ranger holding picture and a student raising a hand to ask a question.

During the presentation, students explored key wildlife concepts such as predator versus prey, migration, toxins, and the importance of tails, teeth and talons. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, they gained a deeper understanding of how animals survive and thrive in our region. 

The highlight of the visit? Live animals! Students had the chance to observe these fascinating creatures up close, reinforcing what they had learned in a truly memorable way. 

This hands-on experience not only connected classroom learning to the real world, but also sparked curiosity and excitement about North Carolina’s diverse wildlife. A big thank you to Chimney Rock State Park for bringing this incredible learning opportunity to our students!

Park Ranger holding an opossum.