Famous American poet, novelist and playwright Alfred Mercier once said, “What we learn with pleasure, we never forget.” Education and outreach are a critical part of what the N.C. Forest Service does to promote forestry across the state. From wildfire prevention...
N.C. Forest Service
N.C. Forest Service emergency response capabilities go beyond just wildfire
The N.C. Forest Service is known for promoting, managing and protecting forest resources for the citizens of North Carolina. This mission is carried out through a variety of programs and services that many are familiar with such as forest health, financial assistance,...
Ruby’s presence at the Capitol reflects the robust Christmas tree industry boasted by North Carolina
Around this time each year, people across the globe engage in one of the most heated debates of our time: Whether or not it’s okay to put Christmas decorations out before Thanksgiving. The spectrum seems to split right down the middle relative to when the exact...
Wildlife and nature have prospered at Pilot Mountain since the presence of fire
Devastating. A word meaning highly destructive, damaging, causing severe shock, distress or grief. It’s also a word that has commonly been associated with the Grindstone Fire that ignited Nov. 27, 2021, at Pilot Mountain State Park. It’s not difficult to see where...
‘We go where the seed is’; N.C. Forest Service announces winners of annual seed collection
Employees with the N.C. Forest Service are called upon to perform a plethora of tasks and responsibilities. Identifying invasive insects and tree diseases, responding to wildfires and assisting North Carolina landowners in a variety of ways relative to forestland...
The faces of wildfire response and training to answer the call
Now that we are well into the fall months, images of wildfire activity have begun to infiltrate media outlets and platforms across the country as several states are in the heart of fall wildfire season. Local, state and federal agencies are pushing public information...
Be sure to add the N.C. Forest Service exhibit to your list of things to do while visiting the N.C. State Fair
The N.C. State Fair is just days away from opening and is sure to be a treat for all ages. Whether you’re here for the thrilling rides, educational exhibits or to indulge yourself with a wide variety of delectable food options, this year’s fair will feature many of...
Fighting fire in the ‘third dimension’ and the road to recovery
Since 2010, more than 42,000 wildfires have taken place in North Carolina, burning well over 400,000 acres. The approach to fighting wildland fire is anything but “one size fits all” when considering the vast geographical differences throughout the state. The...
State Forest or State Park: Do you know the difference?
Rangers, fishing, educational programs and the use of prescribed fire are a few things that state parks and state forests have in common in North Carolina. Because of this, not being able to easily distinguish a state forest from a state park is a trap most people...
Invasive plants and pests are spreading faster, and they’re getting a lot of help
Now that the months have turned to summer, folks are spending more time outdoors. Whether that makes you an outdoor enthusiast, or simply puts you in the yard, in front of a grill or by the pool, you may notice new tree damage and unfamiliar insects. While many people associate tree damage with weather events, […]
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day by planting the right tree in the right place
Spring is more than just a season between March and mid-June. It’s also a verb that means “to rise, move or leap.” These words also describe human activity as they reemerge from the winter months and cold temperatures by partaking in more outdoor activities. Plants, trees and flowers are doing the same with new growth […]
Fighting fire with fire: why we need to burn the land
Many people associate fire with destruction, devastation and loss. Large clouds of smoke, burly orange blazes, tree limbs snapping and ash falling like snow are some of the images we’ve all seen that contribute to the “fire is bad” perception. While wildfires can reach a dangerous and destructive level quickly, not all fire is bad. […]