Join the celebration for the oldest known living longleaf pine, learn how prescribed fire keeps the longleaf forest healthy and appreciate the natural beauty of the Sandhills of North Carolina. Explore an Old Growth Forest, speak with local educators and conservationists, eat food, listen to live music, and so much more! Birthday Cake Guided Hikes...
Forest landowners suffered a tremendous loss of investment when Hurricane Helene leveled 822,000 acres of forestland. Many have been scrambling to determine what options are available to restore their forests to something desirable and manageable. In this workshop, N.C. State Extension Forestry will present information on the following topics to help landowners more successfully recover:...
Batrachology or bust! It’s not easy being green, but frogs sure love it! In this program you will learn about some of the frogs we get to see and hear around the park, their life cycles, and some of their natural features that make them so unique. We will experiment with different objects to recreate...
Learn all about the nocturnal animals in Gorges State Park! We will be exploring the trail after dark with flashlights to look for animal eye-shine and to listen for sounds in the night. Stay at the Park Visitor Center after the hike for a small campfire and smores. We will be meeting at the Outdoor...
Join a Ranger on a one mile hike around the site of a prescribed burn at Occoneechee Mountain to learn about prescribed fire, how we use it to improve the ecosystem, and how it can make future wildfires less dangerous. Meet at the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area parking lot. Wear hiking shoes and bring water;...
Mushroom science, or mycology, is a fascinating subject with a dab of mystery, beauty, and… slime? These hardy forest dwellers aren’t animals, plants, or molds—so what are they? Whether you like mushrooms on your pizza or have been spooked by a fairy ring, kids of all ages will enjoy learning more about fungal science at...
Yancey and Mitchell County Landowners: Are you still wondering what to do with your damaged forest? Come learn from agencies, non-profits and businesses about what resources are available to landowners. Topics Include: • Wildfire Mitigation • Debris Removal and Forest Mulching • Forest Restoration • Non-native Invasive Species Control • Stream Restoration • Landslide Seeding...
Join a Ranger on a one and a half mile hike along Pump Station trail to look for some of the mushrooms that may be springing up around the park. We may find a common one, or something you have never seen before, but either way, this hike will make you more of a fungi!...
Learn about the biology and management of the invasive spotted lanternfly, debunk common myths and gain updates on how human-mediated transport is driving its spread. Experts will share the latest findings on cold tolerance thresholds and their role in assessing the risk of northward expansion.
Join a Park Technician on a guided hike around the Piper Cox House and Buckquarter Creek trail during spring bird migration to look for migratory birds and year-round residents of Eno River. Meet at the Piper-Cox House parking lot, second right past the entry gate. Wear hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Spaces are...
