F.L.A.M.E. Week Friends and Family Day
2024-02-10 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest, 4803 Sweet Home Church Road, Elizabethtown, NC, 28337, United States
Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest is hosting a fun and free event for all ages. For kids enrolled in the ecoEXPLORE program, a bird identification hike celebrating the February Ornithology badge will advance your skills for bird watching. We’ll have a presentation from Longleaf Alliance staff at 11:15 a.m. for those interested in learning more about longleaf ecosystems and how they flourish thanks to fire. Want to snap a selfie with Smokey Bear or Burner Bob? Join them for a picnic and story time at 12:15 p.m.! There will also be stations for crafts, games and much more! Prizes too! Bring a bagged lunch, water bottle and a lawn chair for the picnic. Participants in the ecoEXPLORE program from 10-11 a.m. must register in advance.
For more information, call the TCESF office at 910-588-4161.

Exploring Succession and Estate Planning: A Panel Discussion
2024-02-27 08:00 - 17:00 | virtual via Zoom
During Exploring Succession and Estate Planning: A Panel Discussion, participants will learn about the issues associated with heirs’ properties and land succession planning (also called estate or legacy planning). Participants will learn some strategies for succession planning and successfully transitioning landownership to maintain forest health landownership and minimize family conflict.
Join a two-hour webinar to gain insights into challenges related to heir’s properties and land succession planning. There will be three short presentations introducing concepts associated with succession planning followed by time for participants to ask questions to the panel of experts.
*Including NCSU Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Dr. Kurt Smith.
Participants are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time for experts to answer; questions will also be taken during the webinar.
Registration is FREE. However, registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar. Registrants will also receive access to the webinar recording.

Webinar: Native Plants and Pollinators--Creating Pollinator and Insect Friendly Habitat
2024-03-05 11:00 - 12:00 | NC
Join the Lower Cape Fear Wildlife Chapter as they welcome Amy Mead for a lunch & learn webinar. Amy is an Extension Agent, Natural Resource & Environmental Education for New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender County. Amy provides research based solutions and advice for stormwater issues to help manage and improve our coastal water quality through workshops, classes, and site visits. Areas of interest include retrofits, restoration, and installation of stormwater control measures, erosion control, native plants, pollinator gardening, and stream bank and habitat restoration. This is a great opportunity to learn and ask questions!
REGISTER

Silvopasture Producers Share Their Stories and Answer Questions: A Webinar Panel Discussion
2024-03-05 13:00 - 14:00 | NC
Learn from the experiences of various silvopasture producers in this final webinar of the 6-part series. This panel discussion will be a question-and-answer format, where participants can ask their burning questions. Each producer in this series will have presented their story in an earlier webinar, and in this webinar discussion, follow up with your questions. This is the sixth webinar in a 6-part series targeted towards landowners, farmers, producers and natural resource professionals.

Heirs Property Summit
2024-03-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Halifax County Cooperative Extension Center, 359 Ferrell Lane, Halifax, NC, United States
N.C. A&T and N.C. State Cooperative Extension are working together to educate the public about heirs property! We are hosting six heirs property summits across the state. Join us for hands-on training sessions that will provide valuable materials and guidance to avoid involuntary property loss, and protect and preserve family land for generations to come.
Attend our hands-on, practical workshop about heirs property! Learn about the origin and history of heirs property and estate planning and legal strategies to secure their land. Come to connect with resources and other technical assistance including some potential opportunities to listen from a panel who are dealing with heir’s issues.
Using an heirs property curriculum developed by Alcorn State University and SRDC in Mississippi, and utilizing the resources obtained through Train-the-trainer training by HPP project partners we are committed to delivering these educational training and materials for North Carolinians.
Registration is Free, lunch included

Carnivorous Plant Hike
2024-03-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC, 28428, United States
Join a park ranger at the Flytrap Trail for a hike along the trails. We will learn about different habitats that exist within Carolina Beach State Park and how each habitat affects the plants and animals that call the park home.
No registration required. Meet at the Flytrap Trail parking area at the end of Nature Trail Lane. The trail is wheelchair accessible.

Turtle Talk: Native Turtles of Wake County
2024-03-07 19:00 - 20:30 | NC
From the VIPs (Very Important Pond-dwellers) to the troublemaking invasive species, join the South Wake Conservationists as they navigate through the shell-tastic landscape that is Wake County. Don’t miss the conservation scoop on how to ensure a bright future for these slow and steady locals. It’s a shell of a ride you won’t want to miss!

Unveiling the secrets of Wake County’s turtles is Sarah Goldsmith. Drawing from her background in environmental education and her role at Wake County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces, Sarah brings a perfect blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the world of turtles. Join us for an immersive exploration into the lives of these shelled wonders that call Wake County home.
REGISTER

Bears
2024-03-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Jones Lake State Park, 4117 N Carolina 242, Elizabethtown, NC, 28337, United States
Join a park ranger for a discussion on Jones Lake State Park’s largest mammal: the black bear. Learn about the biology and habits of the king of the forest.
No registration required. Participants should meet at the visitor center at 2 p.m.

NC Arbor Day Celebration
2024-03-12 - 2024-03-17 | NC
Join us in celebrating Arbor Day all week long, Sunday, March 12 through Friday, March 17! We’re teaming up with the NC Forest Service, NC Forestry Association, NC Project Learning Tree, and NC Urban Forest Council on Facebook and X (formally Twitter) to give you all the tree-loving resources you need. Each day we’ve selected a different theme highlighting key parts of trees and forestry:

Monday – Introduction to Arbor Day
Tuesday – Human Health Benefits from Trees
Wednesday – Environmental Benefits
Thursday – Economic Benefits
Friday – Celebrate Trees! Plant a Tree!

Guide to Herbicide Application Windows During a Southern Pine Rotation to Improve Productivity
2024-03-13 13:00 - 14:00 | NC
Pine stands play an important economic role across the southeastern United States and are responsible for bringing in tens of billions of dollars every year through timber and pulpwood products. Increasing and maximizing pine productivity is therefore crucial. The use of herbicides is one way to increase productivity by managing competition from herbaceous species and promoting desired species. But what specific herbicide should be used, when should they be used, and how do you use herbicides properly for the most effective outcome in pine stands? In this webinar, Dr. David Clabo is going to answer all this and more as he covers herbicide use in pine stands from site preparation through midrotation.

Women’s Chainsaw Operation Workshop
2024-03-16 09:00 - 16:00 | 608 Water Tank Rd., Fleetwood, NC 28626
Fleetwood, NC
Join Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, the Forest Stewards Guild and the Sustainable Development Teaching and Research Farm for a hands-on workshop all about chainsaw operating basics! This is a safe space to learn a new skill or deepen your existing saw knowledge. Our programming is offered to marginalized genders including women-identifying individuals, non-binary and gender non-conforming people, and those who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women forest stewards.
This workshop will cover the following topics:

Chainsaw safety and sawing form
Using a saw for land management and wildfire risk reduction around the home
Starting the saw, maintenance, and cleaning
Cutting wood cookies, limbing, and bucking

Carolina Bay Hike
2024-03-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Jones Lake State Park, 4117 N Carolina 242, Elizabethtown, NC, 28337, United States
Discover the secrets of the bay forest at Jones Lake State Park by joining a park ranger for an invigorating hike. Learn about the flora and fauna of the forest while understanding the significance of Carolina bays.
Bring bug spray, water, and hiking shoes.
No registration required. Meet at the park visitor center.

Pittsboro Pesticide Safety School
2024-03-19 - 2024-03-20 | Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 U.S. 64 Business, Pittsboro, NC, 27312, United States
This 1.5-day school is in person. School hours are 8:30 AM-5:00 PM on day one and 8:30-11:30 AM on day two. Only one category session may be chosen since the sessions happen at the same time.
For Pesticide Safety School details and additional info, please visit here: https://pesticidesafety.ces.ncsu.edu/event/2220596832/pittsboro-pesticide-safety-school/

Pittsboro Pesticide Safety School Online Registration Link

Pesticide Safety School
2024-03-19 - 2024-03-20 | Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 U.S. 64 Business, Pittsboro, NC, 27312, United States
This 1.5-day school is in person. School hours are 8:30 AM-5:00 PM on day one and 8:30-11:30 AM on day two. Only one category session may be chosen since the sessions happen at the same time.
For Pesticide Safety School details and additional info, please visit here:
https://pesticidesafety.ces.ncsu.edu/event/2220596832/pittsboro-pesticide-safety-school/

Webinar: An Update on N.C. Forest Product Markets
2024-03-21 12:00 - 13:00 | NC
North Carolina timber markets have seen a number of changes in recent months that impact woodland owners’ ability to sell their wood. In this webinar, you’ll learn about the current, emerging and future timber markets, new products and market trends that may impact your forest management decisions.

Snakes
2024-03-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Jones Lake State Park, 4117 N Carolina 242, Elizabethtown, NC, 28337, United States
Ever wonder what snakes species are at home in eastern North Carolina? Which ones are venomous?
Join a park ranger to explore the various snakes in this area and the other unique species found throughout our great state.
No registration required. Meet at the park visitor center.

Identification of Invasive Plants
2024-03-26 13:00 - 15:00 | virtual via Zoom
Our online workshop will provide an introduction to invasive plants and will help you to identify different species for the spring and summer. This session will take place via Zoom and will include a Q&A period with PRISM experts.
Cost: $10
This virtual session will be recorded. Those who register will receive access to the recording.

Registration begins on February 10, 2024. Register via eventbrite HERE.

Management and Control of Invasive Plants
2024-03-27 13:00 - 15:00 | virtual via Zoom
During our online workshop, you will learn how to best manage invasive plants during the spring and summer seasons. This workshop will take place via Zoom and will include a Q&A period with PRISM experts.
Topics covered in this session include:

Best seasonal practices for specific invasive plants
The right tools
Using manual & mechanical control methods
Methods for controlling invasive plants with careful use of herbicides
Planning a work schedule with best timings for multiple plants

Cost: $10
This virtual session will be recorded. Those who register will receive access to the recording.
Registration begins on February 10, 2024. Register via eventbrite HERE.

Nature's Innovation: Mountain Biomes and Native Plants
2024-04-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Grandfather Mountain State Park, 9872 Hwy 105 S (Suite #6), Banner Elk, NC, 28604, United States
At Nature’s Innovation: Mountain Biomes and Native Plants, you’ll embark on a journey into the heart of ecological wonder at Grandfather Mountain State Park! Join us for a captivating event that delves into the intricate tapestry of nature, unveiling the secrets behind the breathtaking diversity that makes this mountain a living testament to the brilliance of the natural world. We will have plant experts on hand to talk about native species that grow on the mountain, native wildflowers that you can plant, and the best native plants for attracting and feeding birds. Local food, hands-on activities, and an afternoon ranger-guided hike will be available, so come prepared with a refillable water bottle, hiking boots, and a thirst for native plant knowledge.
This event is hosted by the NC Science Trail at Grandfather Mountain State Park.

Bears for Beginners
2024-04-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Morrow Mountain State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park – Office Lawn 49104 Morrow Mountain RoadAlbemarleNC 28001, Albemarle, NC, 28001
Its the Year of the Bear for North Carolina State Parks. Learn the basics of bear biology, some fun facts and tips for staying safe.
All ages are welcome!
Meet on the Office Lawn.

Paddlefest 2024
2024-04-10 - 2024-04-12 | Merchant’s Millpond State Park, 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC, 27938, United States
Come celebrate PaddleFest at Merchants Millpond State Park! From Wednesday, April 10 to Friday, April 12 we will host a series of programs including canoe tours, American Canoe Association kayak lessons, nature walks, history programs, bear talks, and s’mores-making.
Camping packages are available for each of the three nights. Each package includes a t-shirt, overnight camping, lunch for the day, and first access for program sign up. Packages are a great way to ensure that you have your choice of programs throughout PaddleFest. All water-based programs require reservations.
Registration can be done by calling our Visitor Center at 252-357-1191. Signups for the programs become available on April 1 for those interested in taking part without getting a package. Pricings are listed below:

$50 + tax for 1 night
$75 + tax for 2 nights
$100 + tax for 3 nights.

More information can be found by contacting our email at merchants.millpond@ncparks.gov or calling our Visitor Center at 252-357-1191.

Heirs Property Summit
2024-04-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Caswell County Cooperative Extension Center, 126 Court Square #211, Yanceyville, NC, United States

The Importance of Oppossums
2024-04-11 18:30 - 20:00 | NC
Join Union County Chapter as we hear from Mrs. Beda Trenning-Helms as she shares the importance of the opossum and why we all should respect this essential animal. Mrs. Beda has been a Master Gardener since 1997. She became a small animal rehabber in 2005. She is an active member of the Monroe Garden Club. In 2012, she published “Gods colors in entomology, flora, fauna, marine, and ornithology”. Her knowledge and experiences have allowed her to contribute greatly to the natural world.
Learn more and register here.

Carnivorous Plant Hile
2024-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC, 28428, United States
Join a park ranger at the Flytrap Trail for a hike along the trails. We will learn about different habitats that exist within Carolina Beach State Park and how each habitat affects the plants and animals that call the park home.
Meet at the Flytrap Trail parking area at the end of Nature Trail Lane. The trail is wheelchair accessible.

Sassafras at an Impasse? An Update on Laurel Wilt in Southern Forests
2024-04-17 13:00 - 14:00 | NC
Laurel wilt is a vascular tree disease complex that was first detected in the United States in 2002 near Savannah, Georgia. It has since spread to several states across the southeast as far west as Texas and north to Virginia and Kentucky. Laurel wilt is caused by the pathogenic fungus Harringtonia lauricola (formerly Raffaelea lauricola) and primarily vectored by the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB; Xyleborus glabratus). Although first observed in redbay trees, any member of the lauraceae family is a potential host for this disease that produces discolored, wilting foliage, and potential host mortality. Since its introduction to the United States, laurel wilt has been responsible for the death of millions of redbay trees plus a large number of sassafras trees. In this webinar, Dr. Bud Mayfield will give an update on laurel wilts progression across the southeast, its impact, and potential management strategies.

North Carolina Bird Atlas
2024-04-18 19:00 - 20:15 | virtual via WebEx
Calling all bird lovers, bird watchers, bird experts, and bird newbies! The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) has been leading the charge for the past three years in collecting data on bird species all over the state with the help of community partners and individuals, but with much ground still left to cover, they need YOU! Interested in becoming part of this giant community science opportunity but don’t know where to start? This is a webinar you won’t want to miss.

Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: I Love it When a Plan Comes Together
2024-04-19 12:15 - 12:30 | NC
Join Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Adam Downing to watch as a field of cool season grasses becomes a field of native warm season grasses – and a haven for wildlife.
Simply visit the Facebook or YouTube page at 12:15 on March 22nd to watch the video and participate in a live chat.

Party for the Pine
2024-04-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Ft. Bragg Road, Southern Pines, NC, 28387, United States
Celebrate (with free cake) the oldest known living longleaf pine. Learn about the importance of prescribed fire and participate in a ton of fun events at this year’s Party for the Pine.
See the list of planned activities and schedule of events at Party for the Pine 2024 — Friends of Weymouth Woods (friendsofwewo.org).

Learn About Native Rattlesnakes
2024-04-22 18:30 - 20:00 | NC
Please join MARSH, a local chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, to learn about our region’s native Rattlesnakes, the important role they play in our ecosystem, and how we can peacefully coexist with them. Participants will have the opportunity to observe live, captive snakes! Our speaker is Eric Bitler. Eric serves as the lead coordinator of venomous training programs for The Rattlesnake Conservancy.
