In 1975, the Friends of Tryon Creek finished what has become one of the most notable features of the state natural area – the Nature Center.

The Center was designed by Curtis Finch of Fletcher Finch & Associates after completing a great deal of national research on nature and visitor center architecture. It was unique for its time, incorporating wonderful views of the forest through large picture windows with a rustic, Pacific Northwest feel. Remodeled in 2002 to add a much-needed classroom to serve our growing field trip program along with expanded operational and office space, the Center continues to act as the information and resource hub for park visitors as well as the base for many of OPRD's and the Friends' programs and activities. The Kraft Room houses changing exhibitions and the Friends' Nature Reference Library as well as serving as an all-purpose room for events and various educational programs.

Other interpretive exhibits and the large topographical relief map of the park fill the main space along with the Friends-operated Nature Store. Managed and manned by Friends' volunteers, the Store raises funds for the Friends' educational programs and is stocked with nature and hiking books, as well as nature-related gifts for adults and children. The Center's reception desk is manned with Friends' volunteers who are there to act as a resource and main public contact with our park visitors.

The Friends' Nature Reference Library

The Friends have long history of keeping a library of nature and science resources accessible to the public. Purchased and donated books, some rare volumes, resource compilations and natural resource studies about the park and other pertinent data make up its content. With its current home in the Kraft Room of the Nature Center, the library remains an accessible resource for visitors, teachers and their students, graduate students, naturalists and others from the scientific community. Donations to the library are always accepted. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you'd like more information on the library or donating materials.