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
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
At roughly the halfway point from when allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy to embark on the liberation of Western Europe (June 6) and Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s successful reelection bid that made him the only U.S. President to serve a fourth term (Nov. 7), another iconic household name took shape in 1944. Smokey Bear … 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
Though the long nights, short days and dropping temperatures may tempt you to stay indoors, winter is an optimal time to accomplish some important things on your property. Many management practices can be implemented during this time of year that you’ll be thanking yourself for doing come spring. Winter is a preferred time to conduct … Read more
By Philip Jackson, Public Information Officer for the N.C. Forest Service In the more than two years that I’ve held the role of public information officer for the N.C Forest Service, I’ve yet to see or experience any form of free time, down period or boredom as others may occasionally encounter in their respective careers. … Read more
Each year, the N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) works to increase the beneficial use of prescribed fire and advocates for its statewide application to reduce wildfire risk, promote healthier forestland and improve wildlife habitat. Outlined as one of the main goals in the North Carolina Forest Action Plan, the NCFS has an important role to play … Read more
The N.C. Forest Service sustainably manages state forests across North Carolina. Many of them are open to the public and offer a variety of educational and recreational experiences. All state forests are managed for natural resource conservation with most providing the public access to expansive trail systems. With the N.C. Forest Service ushering in several … Read more
There are many types of forests in North Carolina, each representing a unique forest community with a distinct set of species, interactions and processes. A healthy forest is one that possesses the ability to sustain those unique species that exist within it, and the well-being of our forests must be managed, protected and conserved to … Read more
This article is the third in a series of three articles about financial assistance opportunities offered by the N.C. Forest Service. To read the previous article in this series, visit https://blog.ncagr.gov/2023/04/14/the-cost-share-helps-a-lot-nash-county-landowners-depend-on-financial-assistance-to-remain-good-stewards-of-forestland/ So far in this series we’ve heard from North Carolina private landowners who have been in the woodland management game for quite some … Read more
