Forestry Files is information about forestry matters written by members of our N.C. Forest Service. Blog posts will include items of interest to foresters, landowners, botanists and others interested in environmental issues. A strong emphasis will be placed on forestry health matters and current pests.
Earlier this month, the N.C. Forest Service dedicated its Randolph County facilities in honor of longtime Randolph County ranger Walter Cross and renamed the site as the “Walter Cross Randolph County Headquarters.” Cross began his career with the N.C. Forest Service in 1988. He worked in Rockingham and Montgomery counties but returned to his native … Read more
Invasive species. It’s a term that often sparks debate. The meaning of ‘invasive’ can be subjective, which further muddies the water and often leads to misuse of the term. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines an invasive species as a nonnative species that, when introduced, causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental … Read more
The number of days left before the opening of the 2024 N.C. State Fair are in the single digits and this year is sure to offer traditional favorites blended with several new attractions. Whether you’re a foodie planning to stuff your face with enough “home grown happiness” to go around, a thrill seeker on the … Read more
The images that most likely come to people’s minds when they hear climate change or sea level rise are often of flooded city streets and buildings being lost to the sea. However, these dramatic images often overshadow the more subtle yet significant impact sea level rise is having along the Atlantic coastline. The change may … Read more
As we enter the dog days of summer, you may notice the lush green foliage of many trees and shrubs becoming marred by unsightly webs or seeming to have skipped over the bright reds and oranges of fall and have faded straight to brown, if not completely missing. This transformation may be alarming, although the … Read more
The health of North Carolina’s forests can be negatively impacted by a number of factors such as wildfire, insects and diseases. Elements such as these are a major threat to our forest resources with insects and diseases claiming more timber each year than any other forest menace. In many cases, these influences are driven, almost … Read more
North Carolina’s Got To Be NC (GTBNC) Festival is just days away and the annual event is sure to offer entertainment for all ages. Rides, exhibits, parades, action alley, career opportunities and of course, lots and lots of food. These are just a few of the many options that will be on display during the … Read more
More than a century ago, the American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was a common overstory tree across portions of eastern North American forests. These giants thrived on moist, well drained slopes and ridges across the Appalachians, towering more than 100 feet tall with an average diameter at breast height (DBH) of five to eight feet. Their … Read more
Insects are a natural part of the forest ecosystem. They play a pivotal role in discarding weak and inferior trees, breaking down and recycling littler on the forest floor and act as a food source for birds and other animals. However, certain insects pose a serious threat to tree and forest health. When these invasive … Read more
Nonnative invasive species are a hot topic these days, and rightfully so as they are considered one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. News headlines are filled with stories of emerald ash borer (EAB) causing widespread decline of ash trees, zebra mussels clogging waterways, Bradford pear and tree of heaven choking out forests and feral … Read more
