Whether you’re a North Carolina resident or just visiting the state, you likely have experienced some of the best it has to offer – from great homegrown food and spirits to exciting sports and entertainment opportunities. This month, Discovery Place Nature is providing Museum visitors with the opportunity to explore the wilder side of North Carolina, which happens to be home to many incredible plants, animals and fungi.

Every Wednesday and Saturday at 12:30 p.m., join us for special activities focused on North Carolina, including opportunities to meet some of the animals that are special in this state:

• Ophelia the Opossum: January 9 and January 12

Opossums are North Carolina’s only native marsupial. Get nose-to-nose the Museum’s beloved opossum, Ophelia, and learn more about how she came to live at Discovery Place Nature.

• Sherwin the Box Turtle: January 16 and January 19

Discovery Place Nature is home to four eastern box turtles, which are North Carolina’s State reptile. Get to know Sherwin the Box Turtle, see what he eats and learn about the box turtle program happening at the Museum.

Keep celebrating the North Carolina by joining us for story time every Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. We’ll be focusing our tales on exploring the seasons as well as the state’s native plants and animals.

Plus, don’t miss our Seasonal Stargazing program, taking place Tuesdays through Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Gaze up at the winter stars and constellations in this 15-minute guided tour of the night sky in the Discovery Place Nature planetarium.

As always, our Bird Walk on the first Saturday of the month and our Nature Walk on the fourth Saturday of the month also provide opportunities to get in touch with the outdoors.