Lunar and Martian Geography, 3D Modeling & Printing What is the surface of other planets like? How do we find out and turn that information into a three dimensional model? Can we accurately recreate other places in the solar system with a 3D printer in a way that anyone can see and touch and gain an understanding of places beyond Earth? Campers will investigate these questions and delve into the processes of making science accessible to all. The PARI edition will feature a field trip to a unique mountain location to experience the beauty of the Land of Waterfalls. Unleash your curiousity of the unknown when you retreat to a dark sky oasis where the stars are innumerable and beckon overhead. Let the magnificence of space overwhelm you as you discover the mysteries that still confound scientists, it just might drive you to become tomorrow’s astronauts, physicists, and engineers. Ages 11 –... Read More
Above and Beyond is PARI’s signature camping experience designed to immerse high school students in the world of space science and research while building confidence and critical thinking skills. Originally developed in partnership with Duke University and refined for nearly two decades, this space camp explores the universe through astronomy, physics, and astrobiology, while also providing time for adventure and fun. The process followed by scientists and researchers who’ve made space science their career is modeled to show how new discoveries are made about the universe. Campers are provided the tools and guided through the process by professionals who have made space their life’s work. From determining the expansion speed of a super-nova remnant, to characterizing an exo-planet or finding evidence of dark matter; your data will reveal and your conclusions will add to humanity’s knowledge of the universe! Grades 9th –... Read More
Mission Control: Martian Frontier -Do you have what it takes to plan a mission to another planet? Gain confidence, learn space science, and strive to make it to a new world in this combination role-play—academic camp. The wide variety of topics makes this camp a good fit for a range of interests. You’ll tackle challenges in space craft and habitat design, astronaut health and well-being, and capturing public interest while swaying others to support your plan. Unleash your curiousity of the unknown when you retreat to a dark sky oasis where the stars are innumerable and beckon overhead. Let the magnificence of space overwhelm you as you discover the mysteries that still confound scientists, it just might drive you to become tomorrow’s astronauts, physicists, and engineers. Ages: Grades 7th –... Read More
Join PARI for a night all about meteors and meteorites. Enjoy our dark skies and mountain peaks for breathtaking views of the night sky. Our astronomers will guide your experience as you watch for blazing meteors and peek at distant celestial objects through big telescopes. It will be a cold night, but this meteor shower will make you feel warm inside. Choose from three ways to experience this brilliant display of shooting stars, guided by PARI astronomers. Cabin Stay Camping Viewing Only You must Register for this... Read More
Join us at the Cradle of Forestry any Tuesday throughout the 2023 season with FREE admission days for all! Walk the paved trails, pack a picnic lunch for your friends and family, explore the Discovery Center and make it a fun filled day at the Cradle deep in the heart of Pisgah National Forest. These complimentary admission days are made possible due to the generous support received from the North Carolina Museum of Natural... Read More
The Cradle of Forestry is excited to offer visitors their incredibly outdoor drama, “The Legend of Tommy Hodges,” on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28. Each evening, there will be two showings offered at 6:30pm and 8:00pm. Tickets are limited to a total of 75 participants per showing. During this unique and exciting outdoor performance, audiences will travel back in time to the year 1901 and hear yarns about the legendary Tommy Hodges, a fictional student of the Biltmore Forest School. Audiences will be led around the Biltmore Campus Trail by different characters from the play and watch as the story unfolds around them from all sides. In addition, audience members are invited to dress up in Biltmore Forest School-era clothing (early 1900’s) to fully immerse themselves in the event and take part in the story. The show is a one-mile-long experience, as the audience walks the well-lit trail to see the entire play and takes about an hour. The story is better suitable for ages six and up. Audience members are asked to dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a flashlight, and although we love our pets as much as you, we ask that you please leave them at home. Ponchos and other rain gear are welcome if the weather is drizzly, but please leave umbrellas at home so everyone has a chance to see the show unobstructed. The Legend of Tommy Hodges is a homegrown amateur production presented by FIND Team Members and our Cradle... Read More
Course Description: Ready to get into rock climbing or move from the gym to the crag? This course provides the foundational skill set you need to go rock climbing outside. The 101 course sets the stage for future courses with Pisgah Climbing School. Curriculum or Topics Covered: -climbing movement -belay techniques -essential gear -intro to basic anchor building -crag etiquette and “Leave No Trace” skills Duration: 2... Read More
Course Description: This course builds on rock 101 skills and teaches the basics of anchor building and focuses on gear placement. Students should be able to properly tie in and belay prior to the start of the course. Curriculum or Topics Covered: -anchor building – natural and artificial components -climbing equipment – what to buy for your first trad rack -cleaning anchors -belaying from the top anchor -crag etiquette and “Leave No Trace” skills Duration: 2... Read More
Evening at PARI Join us on September 22nd, 2023 and experience the wonders of the night sky. 🪐 As the Earth makes its journey around the Sun, our views of the sky change. Each season brings its own set of wonders to discover. From planets and moons to galaxies and nebulae, something unique and breathtaking is always ready to rise above the horizon. Enjoy our dark skies and mountain peaks for breathtaking views of the night sky. Our astronomers will guide your experience and point out the best of what each season has on display through big telescopes. There are three ways to attend this event: 1. Cabin Package – Overnight stay with Dinner and Breakfast included 2. Camping Package – Overnight stay with Dinner and Breakfast included 3. Evening Only Ticket – Viewing only PARI IS OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!! You must register to attend this... Read More
Join us Friday, Aug 4th and Saturday, Aug 5th for the Little River Valley Pro Rodeo, featuring clean family fun with food trucks, merchandise vendors, clown show by professional rodeo clown Keith Isley as well as 8 SRA sanctioned Events: Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Bare Back, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, and Break-A-Way Roping. This is an annual event that supports the local community by donating the proceeds to a local family or charity. Gates open at 6pm Rodeo begins at 7:30pm Tickets can be purchased at the gate only – no presales CASH ONLY Ages 13+ $20 Ages 6-12 $10 Ages 5 and under Free *For the safety of our riders and animals no pets allowed. *This event is at a personal residence, please respect their privacy and do not show up at location before event... Read More
Join us Friday, Aug 4th and Saturday, Aug 5th for the Little River Valley Pro Rodeo, featuring clean family fun with food trucks, merchandise vendors, clown show by professional rodeo clown Keith Isley as well as 8 SRA sanctioned Events: Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Bare Back, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, and Break-A-Way Roping. This is an annual event that supports the local community by donating the proceeds to a local family or charity. Gates open at 6pm Rodeo begins at 7:30pm Tickets can be purchased at the gate only – no presales CASH ONLY Ages 13+ $20 Ages 6-12 $10 Ages 5 and under Free *For the safety of our riders and animals no pets allowed. *This event is at a personal residence, please respect their privacy and do not show up at location before event... Read More
This year’s Space Day open house at PARI is free and open to the public. Come join us Saturday, May 6th from 10am to 4pm for a day of fun and STEM learning. Here are some things you can do: 📖Attend the signing of the newly released book all about PARI and talk to the author – “Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute: An Untold History of Spacemen & Spies” by Craig Gralley, at 11am and 2pm 🚀Hop on board our shuttle for outdoor site tours (*not a real space shuttle, just a ground one🚐) 💎Take in our museum galleries with NASA and space artifacts, minerals and gems, meteorites, and more, open with scientists to answer your questions☄️ 🔭Peek through a solar telescope to safely observe the Sun and look for sunspots☀️ 🪐Journey through our solar system on the Galaxy Walk, our scale model of our home in the universe 🖍️Visit the activity tables with fun stuff for kids 🎶Hear music played by DJ RaZor with 4 Dreamz Entertainment 🌌Immerse yourself in outer space with a planetarium show (requires a separate $5 ticket) 😋Enjoy a meal from local food vendor “Local Harvester” (food must be purchased)🥪 😃Visit booths and displays from some of PARI’s friends and partners. There will be books and robots and telescopes and more! ⛰️Hike to our observation deck for beautiful views 🎉Play games... Read More
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