Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary

The Sanctuary closed for improvements beginning Monday, April 23 and will remain closed for about one month.
Click here to read more about the closure and the planned improvements.

Campaign for the Birds is now underway and we need your help!

Our goal is to raise $200,000 for much-needed improvements at the bird sanctuary. You can learn more about the exciting changes that are coming by checking out our Campaign for the Birds brochure.

(To obtain a printed copy of the brochure, please see any EMAS board member.)

We're just over halfway there!

We appreciate your support.

fundraising thermometerSchool-Fundraisers.com

The following Sanctuary improvements are planned:

-An effective ecofilter pond that will trap contaminants channeled into Beaver Lake

-New boardwalks to replace the sand and gravel paths and to increase accessibility

-A new footpath around the Sanctuary allowing joggers and bikers to more easily get around the lake without traversing the sanctuary

-Expanded viewing platforms allowing us to better accommodate groups

To make your campaign contribution, you can either mail a check (written out to EMAS) to us at the address below, or donate using a credit card by clicking on the "Donate" link on the left side of this page.

Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society
PO Box 18711
Asheville, NC 28814

EMAS manages this 8-acre wetland in north Asheville. In 1988, after raising over $400,000, we acquired the property to protect it from commercial development. A boardwalk allows visitors to observe birds and other wildlife in several different habitat types. In addition to providing habitat for a multitude of bird species, the sanctuary is home to many species of butterflies and dragonflies/damselflies.

Map to the sanctuary

To read Tom Tribble's informative article, "A Year of Birding at Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary," click here.

Beaver Lake Bird Checklists:

List compiled by Simon Thompson

Tom Tribble's 2007-08 list

Bird walks are held at the sanctuary on the first Saturday of every month. From April to September, the walks begin at 8:00 am, and from October to March, they begin at 9:00 am. We meet at the gazebo on the south end of the lake.

Help us maintain the sanctuary! Bird sanctuary workdays are held on the third Saturday of every month (except in May and June). Meet at the gazebo in the sanctuary and bring gloves and hedge trimmers if you have them! Work days start at 9:00 for the months of September through April, and at 8:00 in July and August.

If you plan to visit the sanctuary, we ask that you follow a few rules in order to help us preserve the area for birds and visitors:

Do not jog or run in the sanctuary, as it disturbs the birds and birders.

Do not litter.

Do not walk dogs or other pets within the sanctuary.

Do not feed the wildlife.

Enjoy the scenery and wildlife around you, and allow others to do the same!