N.C. Tree Farm Program, Inc.

Preserving Pollinators and Native Grasses with Fire
2020-03-04 12:00 (America/New_York) | Pilot Mountain State Park, 1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle, NC, 27043, United States
Join Park Rangers and Staff at Pilot Mountain State Park as we celebrate 2020 the ‘Burning to Conserve North Carolina State Parks – 2020, the Year of Fire!” What is prescribed fire? Why use fire in the landscape? How is burning beneficial to wildlife and public lands? What precautions are taken to control and maintain these fires? Learn the answers to all these questions and more, as we demonstrate with an active prescribed fire! Meet at Pilot Creek Access Parking Lot – 370 Boyd Nelson Rd., Pinnacle, NC 27043.
Demonstrations maybe cancelled due to adverse weather. Check the website on the day prior to the event for an ALERT notifying cancellations (https://www.ncparks.gov/pilot-mountain-state-park/home).

Turkey Hunting Seminar
2020-03-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Forsyth County Center, 1450 Fairchild Rd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27105, United States
Turkey hunting seminars are provided through cooperative efforts between the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and NC Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Although open to all skill levels, this “all in one” Turkey Hunting Seminar is specifically geared for those who are interested in turkey hunting, but don’t know how to get started especially those lacking an existing hunting mentor.
Topics include: biology, hunting tactics, calling and decoys including tips and strategies for dealing with stubborn, hard to hunt gobblers. A question and answer session will follow. Hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) efforts will also be briefly discussed including how to get involved.

On-line pre-registration is required and space is limited.

RX Fire Hike
2020-03-01 13:00 - 17:00 | Falls Lake State Recreation Area, 13304 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC, 27587, United States
Join a Ranger to walk through areas of the forest that have seen controlled fire reintroduced to help native vegetation. We will talk about the role of fire in the ecosystem, the history of fire in NC State Parks, and how staff safely uses fire. There will be a variety of fire tools and equipment on hand for visitors to check out. Please wear closed toed shoes and be ready for a brisk hike to explore this unique landscape.

Start location: Duck Cove Trailhead in Beaverdam State Recreation Area

Invasive Plants and Animals
2020-03-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Pilot Mountain State Park, 1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle, NC, 27043, United States
Meet with a Park Ranger to learn more about invasive species in Pilot Mountain State Park. We will explore how invasive species arrive, their impact on native communities, and what is being done to control these species. Meet at Corridor Lot – Hauser Road Parking Area – North River Section.

Hunter Education Course
2020-03-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Neuse Sport Shop of Cedar Point, 1021 Cedar Point Blvd., Cedar Point, NC, 28584, United States
The Hunter Education Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides free hunter education courses throughout the year in every county. More than a firearm safety course, instruction includes ethics and responsibility, conservation and wildlife management, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, specialty hunting and tree stand safety.
There are no minimum age requirements, however, classes are taught at a sixth grade level and tests must be completed without assistance. Courses are a minimum of 6 hours, taught by wildlife officers, hunter education specialists and certified volunteer instructors, and certification is accepted in every state and province in North America.
Due to hunter education, hunting accidents have decreased by over 50% during the last twenty years making hunting one of the safest recreational activities.
Hunter Education Courses are offered at different locations throughout the month. You can see all the course offerings HERE

Striped Bass Season Opens on Roanoke River
2020-03-01 - 2020-04-30 | NC
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open the entire Roanoke River Management Area to striped bass harvest from March 1 through April 30, unless closed or extended through proclamation. The Roanoke River Management Area includes the Roanoke River and tributaries from Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to Albemarle Sound, including the Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers.
The daily creel limit within the Roanoke River Management Area is two striped bass per angler. The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no striped bass between 22 and 27 inches can be possessed at any time. Only one striped bass larger than 27 inches can be included in the daily creel limit.
Anglers are required to use a single barbless hook or a lure with a single barbless hook when fishing in the upper Roanoke River from April 1 through June 30. The upper Roanoke River is defined as the main river channel and all tributaries, upstream from the U.S. Highway 258 Bridge near Scotland Neck to Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam.
Additionally, anglers cannot possess river herring (blueback herring and alewife) greater than six inches, regardless of origin, while fishing in or boating on the Roanoke River downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam, its tributaries and the Albemarle Sound.

Wildflower Hike
2020-02-29 13:30 - 15:00 | Eno River State Park, 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC, 27705, United States
Join the Naturalist for a hike to check for early spring wildflowers including Trout Lilys, Spring Beauties, and Hepaticas. Please call 919-383-1686 to register! (Limit 20 participants)

Woodland Stewards Webinar Series
2020-02-27 19:00 - 20:30 | NC
Join other woodland landowners throughout the region to learn about how you can take better care of your woodlands. This is a regional Extension course being offered in four sessions at your local Extension center on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning February 6.

February 27: Launching your Woodland Legacy: Intact, In Forest and In Family Ownership. Most woodland owners cite legacy as one of their main reasons for owning land, and a large majority express concern over their ability to keep the land intact. This session is designed to help you find the best way to pass this legacy intact to your heirs.

Registration information is available HERE.

Fly-tying Forum
2020-02-27 18:30 - 20:30 | John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, 7489 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC, 28304, United States
This is our regularly scheduled fly-tying program that takes place on the 4th Thursday of each month. 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. In February we will tie two early season Mayflies. We are going to tie the Quill Gordon in a dry fly and a wet fly to add some versatility so you will able to target fish who are feeding on the surface and subsurface.
Tyers aged 10 years old and up are welcome, however participants 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Intended to be an extension of our Beginning Fly-tying Course, we provide each tyer with a handout for each pattern that includes the materials list and tying instructions. These instructional guides may be added to the fly-tying hand book that beginning students received in the Beginning Fly-tying course.
Participants are encouraged to use their own equipment, however, equipment and materials may be provided upon request. There of the limited availability of tying equipment. Preregistration is required.

Project Learning Tree Workshop for K-8 Educators
2020-02-27 09:00 - 15:30 | Sylvan Heights Bird Park, 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck, NC, United States
Join other K-8 classroom and nonformal educators as they explore activities in the Project Learning Tree K-8 Curriculum Guide. Every participant will leave the workshop with the PLT K-8 Activity Guide which includes 96 activities correlated to the NC Standard Course of Study and Essential Standards. CEU renewal credits are available. This workshop qualifies for Criteria I in the EE Certification Program (K-8).
Register by February 21 at http://go.ncsu.edu/ncplt_sylvanheights

Certified Burner Training
2020-02-27 08:30 - 2020-02-28 17:00 | Pender County Cooperative Extenstion Center, 801 S Walker Street, Burgaw, NC, 28425, United States

Night Hike
2020-02-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Ft. Bragg Road, Southern Pines, NC, 28387, United States
Come experience the dark side of Weymouth Woods, that is, on a night hike. Enjoy the trails by starlight and learn how nocturnal animals of all shapes and sizes navigate their dark world, and how human senses compare. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Year of the Fire
2020-02-23 14:30 - 15:30 | Merchant’s Millpond State Park, 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC, 27938, United States
Come join us for a short lecture on the importance of fire in an ecosystem. We will also discuss the safety aspects of a control burn and if conditions allow preform a small control burn. It may get smokey so dress appropriately. For more information call park staff at 252 357 1191.

History Hike: Fire on the Mountain
2020-02-23 10:30 - 12:00 | Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, 625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
It’s the Year of Fire in NC State Parks! Join the Naturalist for this history hike along the Chestnut Oak Trail to learn about the history of controlled burns at Occoneechee Mountain. Please call 919-383-1686 to register! (Limit 20 participants)

Year of Fire- Fire in the Park
2020-02-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, 240 Park Entrance Road, Seven Springs, NC, 28578, United States
NC State Park’s annual theme is “Year of Fire”. Join a ranger to learn about how fire is beneficial to the park and its ecosystems. We will take a look at some of the tools used in safe fire management and end the program with a short hike to see the effects of fire in the landscape. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Winter Plant ID Hike
2020-02-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Gorges State Park, 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC, 28774, United States
Come join Rick Stoner on a winter hike adventure to identify common plant species during the cold winter season. Even in the winter there are many plants with leaves by which we can identify them, but we can also identify trees and plants by bark, winter twigs, and various growth characteristics. On our Winter Walk In The Woods we’ll learn to identify a number of trees and plants as well as discuss many interesting facts about them. This will be a 2 mile hike. All participants must be prepared for cold temperatures and a strenuous hike. Bring food and water.

Winter Edibles
2020-02-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Elk Knob State Park, 5564 Meat Camp Road, Todd, NC, 28684, United States
Come learn about some of the edible plants you can find in the mountains in winter.
Meet at the park office.

Environmental Education for K-8 Educators: Project Learning Tree
2020-02-22 09:00 - 15:00 | Union County Agriculture BuildingMonroe, NC, Monroe, NC, United States
Join other K-8 classroom and nonformal educators as we explore activities in the Project Learning Tree K-8 Curriculum Guide. Every participant will leave the workshop with the PLT K-8 Activity Guide which includes 96 activities correlated to the N.C. Standard Course of Study and Essential Standards. CEU renewal credits are available. This workshop qualifies for Criteria I in the EE Certification Program (K-8).
Register by February 17 at go.ncsu.edu/ncplt_unionswcd

National Wildlife Day Hike
2020-02-22 09:00 - 10:00 | Carvers Creek State Park, 2505 Long Valley Road, Spring Lake, NC, 28390, United States
Join us for a 3-mile wildlife walk to see and hear our local inhabitants. We will show you where our federally endangered Red-cockaded woodpeckers are located and let you know how they are doing. We will meet in Front of the Welcome Center.

The Fire Triangle
2020-02-21 13:30 - 14:30 | Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, 625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Much like you, fire requires elements to survive and grow! Join a Ranger to learn what these things are. We will talk about the fire triangle and take a small hike around to talk about how controlled burns can be helpful to the environment. Please call 919-383-1686 to register! (Limit 15 participants)

Woodland Stewards Webinar Series
2020-02-20 19:00 - 20:30 | NC
Join other woodland landowners throughout the region to learn about how you can take better care of your woodlands. This is a regional Extension course being offered in four sessions at your local Extension center on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning February 6.

February 20: More than Timber: Income Opportunities from Non-timber Forest Products. There are a range of possibilities to generate income from your woodlands that depend on your location, forest type and more, that are compatible with timber management too. In this session, learn more about the opportunities to generate income from your woodlands.

Registration information is available HERE.

Morning Bird Walk
2020-02-20 08:00 - 10:00 | Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, 625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Bring your binoculars and join the Naturalist on a 2 mile leisurely walk to see what birds we can find at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. All birding levels are welcome! Please call 919-383-1686 to register! (Limit 20 participants)

Basic Orienteering
2020-02-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Ft. Bragg Road, Southern Pines, NC, 28387, United States
Join a ranger to learn the basics of finding your way with a compass. Courses will be off-trail. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Winter Woods Walk
2020-02-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Grandfather Mountain State Park, 9872 Hwy 105 S (Suite #6), Banner Elk, NC, 28604, United States
Grandfather Mountain’s forests are fascinating and ever changing based on the season. Join a Park Ranger for a guided winter walk in the woods. We will hike along the lower Profile Trail for about 1 mile and return the same route. The time required is weather dependent but will be a minimum of two hours. This program is suitable for all ages but participants must be prepared for winter hiking conditions. The trail is likely to be icy, muddy, snow covered or all three.
Hiking boots are recommended.
All ages welcome; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no pets.

Mama Bald Eagle Has Laid Her Eggs. What happens next?
2020-02-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, 280 State Park Road, Apex, NC, 27523, United States
Explore bald eagle nest life and learn about proper Eagle Observation Etiquette so you can spot one of Jordan Lake’s many bald eagles without disturbing it. Join Ranger McMurray and Doc Ellen for a bald eagle slide show presentation followed by a trek outdoors to look for bald eagles and other winter birds. First part will be indoors rain or shine and second portion will be outdoors, please dress for the weather. Visitor Center is located at 280 State Park Rd, Apex NC 27523. For any questions, contact steve.mcmurray@ncparks.gov

Amazing Amphibians
2020-02-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Goose Creek State Park, 2190 Camp Leach Road, Washington, NC, 27889, United States
Meet at the visitor center and come prepared for a short hike. Discover the amphibians that live in our back yard and find out how these amazing animals survive the North Carolina winters.
Start location: Visitor Center

Intermediate Fly-tying Workshop
2020-02-15 09:00 - 15:00 | John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, 7489 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC, 28304, United States
This clinic will take students beyond the basics and introduce them using the line-hand, false casting, casting on all planes, and shooting line. Our trained cadre of volunteers provide students with instruction based on the Joan Wulff method of instruction. Students will also participate in exercises to develop proper power application and casting accuracy.

Because, this course is based on the Wulff method used in our basic classes, students for this clinic must have completed our Level I Fishing Course or the Beginning Fly-casting Workshop to register.

This course is suitable for participants 13 years old and older. However, students 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration for classes at the Pechmann Fishing Education Center will begin 20 days prior to the event date. There is course is free of charge and will be limited to the first 20 people. Check-in will begin at 8:30am with instruction beginning at 9:00am.

If you have any questions about this course, please contact Tom Carpenter at thomas.carpenter@ncwildlife.org or 910.868.5003 ext. 11

Morning Bird Walk
2020-02-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Eno River State Park, 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC, 27705, United States
Join us to count and identify birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count (which takes place February 14-17). Bring your binoculars for a 2-mile leisurely walk with the Naturalist to see what birds we can find at the Eno River State Park. All birding levels are welcome! Please call 919-383-1686 to register! (Limit 25 participants)

Woodland Stewards Webinar Series
2020-02-13 19:00 - 20:30 | NC
Join other woodland landowners throughout the region to learn about how you can take better care of your woodlands. This is a regional Extension course being offered in four sessions at your local Extension center on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning February 6.

February 13, 2020: 7-8:30 PM. Understanding the Financial Aspects of Woodland Management. This session provides an overview of financial factors that affect your woodland management such as when to re-plant, when to thin, when to harvest, when to use cost-share programs and more.

Registration information is available HERE.

Environmental Education for K-8 Educators: Project Learning Tree
2020-02-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Eastern 4-H Center, 100 N Clover Way, Columbia, NC, 27925, United States
Join other K-8 classroom and nonformal educators as they explore activities in the Project Learning Tree K-8 Curriculum Guide. Every participant will leave the workshop with the PLT K-8 Activity Guide which includes 96 activities correlated to the N.C. Standard Course of Study and Essential Standards. CEU renewal credits are available. This workshop qualifies for Criteria I or II in the EE Certification Program (K-8).
This workshop is part of a week-long EE professional development event hosted by the Eastern 4-H Center including Project WET, Project WILD, Food, Land & People, Project Learning Tree and Don’t Waste It. Meals and lodging will be provided for an additional fee.
Register by February 1 HERE.
