N.C. Tree Farm Program, Inc.

Join a park ranger for a guided wildflower walk in Grandfather Mountain State Park. Grandfather Mountain produces an amazing variety of wildflowers, which change from week to week, so join us throughout the season to experience the changes! This hike is moderate and the pace will be slow - all experience levels welcome. We will see spring...

Take a short hike through the Pisgah National Forest as we learn to identify common bird species. This class is designed for the beginner birder. Good shoes, water & a snack are a must for this hike. Ages 12 & up.

Learn about the similarities and differences between the grizzly bear and the black bear. Learn their different behaviors, food sources and what to do if you see one. Start Location: Upper Summit Parking Lot

Native, non-native or invasive? Join our park naturalist for a hike on Buckquarter Creek Trail to identify invasive species that bloom, crawl, and creep in the park. Bring work gloves and closed toe shoes, sunscreen/a hat, and long sleeves/long pants to minimize ticks. This is a great opportunity for high school students to gain some...

Join a park ranger for a guided wildflower walk in Grandfather Mountain State Park. Grandfather Mountain produces an amazing variety of wildflowers, which change from week to week, so join us throughout the season to experience the changes! This hike is moderate and the pace will be slow - all experience levels welcome. We will see spring...

Join a ranger to learn how land managers use fire as a tool to benefit plant and animal communities. See some of the tools used and planning that takes place to safely prepare for using fire on the landscape. The program will conclude with a short walk to see the effects of recent fire.

This is a two-part program consisting of a 1.5 hr. classroom seminar followed by an optional field trip to a coastal pier on May 22nd, 2018. Topics include the bait, tackle and techniques needed to catch a variety of fish from the pier. You must attend the seminar to be eligible for the fishing trip....

This webinar will cover topics such as national ambient air quality standards, ozone, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nonattainment areas in the Southeast, regional haze and more. In addition, there will be presentations on state air quality planning and perspectives. Presenters are from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the North...

Investigate trees, the parts of trees and how they live. Study the trees of Occoneechee Mountain and their life cycle. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Start Location: Occoneechee Parking Lot  

Grandfather Mountain produces an amazing variety of wildflowers, which change from week to week, so join Grandfather Mountain rangers throughout the season to experience the changes! This hike is easy- all experience levels welcome. Perfect for someone who does not want a long hike and still see a lot of wildflowers. See spring wildflowers of rich and acidic...

Prepare to get wet, this free clinic is the second in a series of two designed to give anglers and paddlers the information and skills required to safely and successfully fish in sheltered waters from a kayak.  This clinic meets at the Lake Rim Boating Access area and features sessions with Commission staff and volunteers....

Join a Ranger to learn about North America’s biggest rodent, the beaver. Learn about beavers then paddle into Park Lake to find evidence of these tree-gnawing neighbors. Registration is required due to limited canoe space (10 participants). Call 704-528-6350 to register. Program is weather permitting. Start Location: Visitor Center

Walk with a ranger along the Beech Tree Trail to see the wildflowers and learn a bit about their nature. Meet at the trailhead parking lot.

Learn about the plants and animals to be cautious around at Falls Lake. Snakes, bugs and poison ivy are all part of the natural world, so make sure to be safe while sharing it. Start Location: Amphitheater at Holly Point

Bald Eagles learn to fly in the spring as other bird parents return to Jordan Lake to raise their own families. Learn about this large raptor  returning migrants that make the lake their home for the summer. Doc Ellen and Ranger McMurray will be on hand using both talk, photos and mounts to showcase the...

Join a ranger to learn about the diversity of life found here at Mount Michell State Park, what they eat and where you might be able to see these mysterious creatures. Start Location: Upper Summit Parking Lot

Join a ranger on a hike around the Beech Tree Trail to see some of the spring ephemerals in bloom. Meet at the trailhead parking lot.

Grandfather Mountain produces an amazing variety of wildflowers, which change from week to week, so join us throughout the season to experience the changes!  This hike is moderate and the pace will be slow - all experience levels welcome. We will see spring wildflowers of cove forest, northern hardwood forest, dry ridge, and early-mid succession forest environments....

This Critical Issues webinar explores recent trends in wildfires and changes in contributing factors and drivers of these hazards. The webinar will feature case studies of wildfire policy and management strategies in the western and southern United States. REGISTER HERE.

Fishing with soft plastics can be highly effective technique for landing lunkers on any fishing outing and there are 1000s of varieties and colors of plastic lures on the market to choose from. But what if you could make these lures affordably at home? In the Pechmann Fishing Education Center’s Soft Plastics Lure Making Class,...

Learn about common wild edibles found in Umstead State Park. This program will include a short walk through the woods and down by the lake. Reservations required. Contact the Visitor Center at 919-571-4170. Limit 20 people. Start Location: Crabtree Large Parking Lot (Located off Highway 70/Glenwood Ave, Raleigh)

Fishing is a great way to bring families together to create lifelong memories. Our workshop is designed to teach families with children 7 years old and older, the basic skills needed to go fishing. If you have never gone fishing before, this workshop will help get everyone started on the path to creating an outdoor...

Students must complete the online North American Trapper Education Program course prior to coming to class. Student must bring certificate of completion from online course to complete in-person portion. Online course is found at: conservationlearning.org

Learn to prepare a tasty meal over a wood fire and charcoal briquettes. Learn how to cook game, fish and other traditional dishes in a camp setting or at home. We’ll use traditional Dutch ovens and learn some novel methods, as well. Participants prepare and eat their outdoor meals. This is a hands on class.

  This workshop will focus on Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood. Please prepare to be outside for a portion of the workshop, and bring your lunch. Pre-registration is required. Register by May 14. Questions? Contact Phyllis Weatherly-Rosner at pweatherly-rosner@kaleideum.org  

Join a ranger for a one-hour guided nature hike through the woods and fields of Lake Norman State Park. During this off-trail romp, participants will look for and discuss the wildflowers that are blooming and insects that are active during the summer months in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Meet in the lobby of the...

It’s not every day you get to see an endangered species, but that’s our goal for this program! We’ll learn about the unique nature of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and why it became endangered, while we check out their cavity trees near the Visitor Center. If the timing is right, we might get to see adults...

Come out to the park and learn the art of cooking in a Dutch Oven, a handy skill for the next time you cook outside. This will be a hands-on experience and tasting! While we bake we will also discuss the history of the Dutch Oven and review Camping Safety. Start Location: Shelter 21 in...

What is the difference between birdwatching and birding? Birding with Vernon walk leader, Vernon Janke, will talk about the art of birding and the tools and techniques you need to improve your birding skills. Discover why birding is one of the most popular outdoor activities and use your new knowledge on a bird walk around...

This course is designed as a fun and easy way for beginning fly anglers to give fly-casting a try or for those with some experience who want to refine their fly-casting skills. There is no experience necessary for this course. Fly rods and other necessary equipment will be provided. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes, a...

The Fly-tying Forum provides tyers with an opportunity to increase their skills. Open to fly-tiers of all skill levels, the fly patterns change each month as a way to encourage learning various new tying techniques and development of tying skills. Tyers aged 10 years old and up are welcome, however participants 15 years old and...

This free clinic is the last in a series of three designed to give anglers and paddlers the information required to safely and successfully fish in sheltered waters from a kayak. This session features a hands on guided kayak fishing experience with Commission staff and volunteers. Destination to be decided. This course is suitable for...

Introduction to Kayaking Fishing is designed to give anglers and paddlers the information required to safely and successfully fish in sheltered waters from a kayak. The event includes class room time where you will learn how to choose a boat, know what equipment is needed, outfitting and rigging, tackle and gear selections and most importantly...

This kids' fishing derby for ages 17 and under awards prices for heaviest, longest and shortest fish in different age categories. A prize will be awarded to the adult who catches the heaviest fish of the day. This will be a special license-exempt day. All members of the family may participate without having a fishing...

Ever hear about Dutch Ovens and want to know what they're all about? Come see how it's done as we set one up and cook two recipes. You don't have to survive on trail mix or canned food while camping. Meet at the park office.

Grandfather Mountain produces an amazing variety of wildflowers, which change from week to week, so join us throughout the season to experience the changes! This hike is moderate and the pace will be slow - all experience levels welcome. We will see spring wildflowers of rich and acidic cove forest, and northern hardwood forest environments. Start Location:...

Join a ranger to learn about the diversity of life found here at Mount Michell State Park and what they eat and where you might be able to see these mysterious creatures. Start Location: Upper Summit Parking Lot

Come to Medoc Mountain State Park and enjoy a leisurely hike through the woods by the light of the full moon. Hike various park trails and enjoy the sights and sounds of the night. This is fun for the whole family. Be sure to dress for the weather, and bring a bottle of water and...

The N.C. Tree Farm Program is an offering Inspector Training Workshop for forestry professionals who are interested in volunteering with the program. CFE credits will be provided. Prior to registering to attend, please review the ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS for the academic and/or experience credentials required to be a Tree Farm Inspector.   REGISTER by May 25

Have you considered planning a Fire Festival in your region? This webinar will talk about lessons learned from coordinating and hosting public Fire Festivals. Brian Wiebler and Angie Carl both have experience leading highly successful Fire Festival events in North Florida (Red Hills Fire Festival) and North Carolina (Fire in the Pines Festival), respectively. In...

Herbicides are an important tool in both forest and wildlife management in the south and particularly in southern pine management. The common practice of heavy chemical site prep prescriptions in forest management may not be appropriate in stands where restoration and wildlife habitat is the objective. The webinar will address herbicide uses in longleaf restoration...

Whether you are new or experienced in growing longleaf pine, there is more to learn and people who can help! The Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association invites you to an evening workshop where natural resource professionals will discuss: Converting from loblolly to longleaf pine The benefits of growing-season burns Best management practices for pinestraw raking Beetle...

Prepare to get wet, this free clinic is the second in a series of two designed to give anglers and paddlers the information and skills required to safely and successfully fish in sheltered waters from a kayak.  This clinic meets at the Lake Rim Boating Access area and features sessions with Commission staff and volunteers....

Join bird enthusiast, Vernon, for an easy walk while looking and listening for our feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats.​ Meet at the Waterwise Garden (first parking lot on right). No preregistration required.

This workshop is designed to provide anglers with some fundamental skills in taking their catch from the stream to the table. In this hands-on course you will learn best practices for handling fish at the time of the catch to ensure its best possible taste. Participants will practice various methods of fish cleaning to include:...

Take a hike with a park ranger and learn about the fascinating world of carnivorous plants that grow at Carolina Beach State Park. See plants that “bite back" such as sundews, bladderworts, butterworts, pitcher plants, and the Venus fly trap.  Meet at the end of Nature Trail Lane.