Gardner-Webb Honors Students Bring ‘Enchanted Forest’ to Life at Broad River Greenway

Free Event Introduces Children to the Nocturnal Animals who Live in North Carolina

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A community favorite for nearly two decades, the “Enchanted Forest” at Broad River Greenway, will be presented on Nov. 8 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The annual event was postponed by a week this year, because of downed trees caused by Hurricane Helene.

The Greenway’s Executive Director, Kim Duren, is happy to welcome Gardner-Webb University Honors students and the community to this fun and educational evening. “The park ranger and I look forward to seeing the (GWU) students interacting with children and how the children’s faces light up when the ‘animals’ talk to them,” she noted. “It is a great service project for the students and an absolute gem for the community. 

Duren continued, “The event is free and the last tour leaves at 8:45 p.m. This is not a scary event but a fun nature walk at night to learn about nocturnal animals of North Carolina.”

The talking “animals” are Gardner-Webb Honors Students, who are dressed in nocturnal animal costumes. The children are introduced to a rat, spider, bobcat, owl, bat, bear, opossum, luna moth, caterpillar, skunk, and firefly. They talk about the animal’s habitats and the importance of sustaining their woodland environment.   

In addition to tours, the program will also include face painting, a painting activity, and animal tracking activities for children while they wait for their tour to begin.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.