N.C. Tree Farm Program, Inc.

Women's Chainsaw Workshop - Advanced Beginner
2024-05-16 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Lake James State Park, 7321 NC Hwy 126, Nebo, NC, 28761, United States
This course is designed to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for women who have some experience using chainsaws and would like to get more hands-on instruction and practice. Participants are required to have had training in basic chainsaw use and safety. In this class we will dive deeper into cutting techniques such as how to get out of common binds, more advanced limbing and basic felling.

Pond Management Webinar
2024-05-16 12:00 - 13:00
Register now for the N.C. Tree Farm Program’s webinar on Pond Management and learn about:

Pond design and construction considerations
Stocking ponds and harvesting Maintaining balanced fish populations
Common pond management problems and how to solve them

Insects: You'll Miss Them When They're Gone!
2024-05-16 18:00 - 19:00
Did you know that insects play a crucial role in maintaining life on our planet? Dive into the world of insects with us! From pollination to decomposition, they are the unsung heroes of ecosystems worldwide. But many insect populations are declining rapidly. Join the Neuse River Hawks Conservationists as we uncover the importance of insects and discuss ways to reverse their declines. Whether it’s understanding the vital role of a dung beetle or appreciating the beauty of a butterfly, every insect has its place in the intricate web of life. Let’s work together to protect these tiny but mighty creatures for the health of our planet and future generations.

Public Forum About Chronic Wasting Disease
2024-05-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Cumberland County Extension Center, 301 East Mountain Dr., Fayetteville, NC, 28306, United States
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will host a community question-and-answer forum about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and North Carolina’s response to CWD on Tuesday, May 16 in Cumberland County. The public forum follows the state’s first detection of CWD in a hunter-harvested white-tailed deer in Cumberland County and recent Emergency Powers enacted by the agency’s Executive Director Cameron Ingram. Those who hunt deer in Bladen, Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, Robeson, Sampson or surrounding counties are encouraged to attend. Co-host, Carolina Sportsman Magazine, will stream the event through Facebook Live and the agency will also share the live feed on its Facebook page for anyone unable to attend.
Registration is not required.

N.C. Mountains Songbird Identification Workshop
2024-05-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Oak Hill Community Park and Forest, 820 NC-126, Morganton, NC, 28655, United States
Led by Grant Buckner from Cawtaba Riverkeepers, this workshop will teach you how to identify different types of songbirds and manage your land to provide invaluable habitats for them. Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast or just starting out, this workshop is perfect for all levels of experience.

Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: A Forest Smorgasborg
2024-05-17 12:15 - 12:30
Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Neil Clark takes a walk in the woods looking at tasty native plants.
Simply visit the Facebook or YouTube page at 12:15 on May 17th to watch the video and participate in a live chat.

Guided Wildflower Hike
2024-05-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Holmes Educational State Forest, 1299 Crab Creek Road, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States
Join N.C. Forest Service rangers for a moderate, ¾-mile hike to observe and identify spring wildflowers! This unique forest ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of plant life and different wildflowers can be observed each month. Each hike is limited to 10 participants and will meet near the main kiosk in the parking area. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes, a water bottle, a camera and a wildflower field guide if you have one.
The program is free, but you MUST SIGN UP to participate. Call now (828 692-0100) or email (holmesesf.ncfs@ncagr.gov) to reserve your spot! The guided hikes will only last a few hours, but there is so much more at Holmes Educational State Forest to learn about and explore on your own time! We offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and a variety of educational exhibits. Category II, III NC EE certification and CEU credit are available upon request.

Avery & Mitchell Counties Forestry Field Tour
2024-05-23 09:30 - 15:30 | Mitchell County Extension Office, 10 South Mitchell Avenue, Bakersville, NC, 28705, United States
Join N.C. State Extension Forestry as we examine forest management being conducted in Avery and Mitchell counties and see what practices you can employ on your property to generate a beautiful and profitable stand. Natural resource professionals from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, Roughed Grouse Society and landowner Jim Phillips will provide a walking panel discussion on managing quality hardwood sawtimber in the Appalachian Mountains.

N.C. Tree Farm Program Annual Meeting
2024-06-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Wake County Wildlife Club, 1313 Coley Rd., Durham, NC, 27703, United States
The N.C. Tree Farm Program will host its 2024 Annual Meeting at the Wake County Wildlife Club in Durham on June 15. The event will include a field tour focused on hunter safety, prescribed burning, timber management and enhancing wildlife habitat. An awards ceremony will recognize Tree Farm anniversaries, the Inspector of the Year and the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year.
Register by June 5.

Heirs Property Summit
2024-07-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Union County Cooperative Extension Center, 3230-D Presson Road, Monroe, NC, 28112, 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
2024-08-03 10:00 | 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. 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. This is an outside program. The trail is wheelchair accessible.

Birdwatching Hike - Cypress Point Trail
2024-08-03 10:30 | Merchant’s Millpond State Park, 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC, 27938, United States
This is a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to get into birding, improve upon existing bird knowledge, or anyone who just enjoys being outdoors. We will scout out some of the bird species we have around the boat ramp and see how many different species we can find. Merchants Millpond is known for its great bird diversity, which is partly due to its varying ecosystem types.
This event is open to the public and for all ages. Please dress for the weather. Binoculars are available on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions, please call the visitor center at 252-357-1191.

Raccoons: Behind the Mask
2024-08-03 15:00 | Lake James State Park, 7321 NC Hwy 126, Nebo, NC, 28761, United States
Behind his mask are hidden qualities that few animals can achieve. They are cunning and intelligent. Come and learn more about resourceful raccoon life.

Raccoons: Behind the Mask
2024-08-04 15:00 - 15:45 | Lake James State Park, 7321 NC Hwy 126, Nebo, NC, 28761, United States
Behind his mask are hidden qualities that few animals can achieve. They are cunning and intelligent. Come and learn more about resourceful raccoon life. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Visitor Center Classroom.

Agricultural Conservation Easements and Military Partnership Easements (Webinar)
2024-08-15 12:00 - 13:00
An agricultural conservation easement is the best tool for the long-term protection of working farms and forests. Discover the restrictions of the agricultural conservation easement, what rights are retained and how to start the process of enrolling your land in farmland preservation programs.

Dutch Elm Disease and Resistance: Webinar
2024-08-21 14:00 - 15:00
For nearly 10 decades, the invasive DED pathogen Ophiostoma novo-ulmi has been decimating American elms (Ulmus americana) and other native elm species in Minnesota and across the country. The American elm once lined streets across Minnesota, and for good reason. Its elegant form and tolerance to the harsh urban environment made it one of two premier canopy species. American, along with red (U. rubra) and rock (U. thomasii) elm, also provide critical benefits to ecosystem functioning, wildlife, and insects. Control measures so far have relied on sanitation and chemical control, both of which are expensive methods considering the large numbers of trees affected. Varied disease resistance has been identified in a small number of elms; however, additional genetic diversity is needed to combat a pathogen that has a changing virulence. Our elm selection program is aimed at identifying, propagating, and screening survivor elms for DED tolerance from across the state of Minnesota. In addition, our reintroduction planting program will also return much needed DED resistant genotypes back into the landscape in both urban and natural forested landscapes.

Forest Farming: American Ginseng and Seed Saving (Webinar)
2024-08-22 18:30 - 20:00
The agroforestry practice of forest farming is the production of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in forests to produce edible and medicinal crops for personal use and/or income. In this session, you will explore the nutritional and medicinal properties of American Ginseng. Ideal for forest landowners, foragers, natural resource professionals and gardeners.

Discovery Hike
2024-08-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 State Highway 128, Burnsville, NC, 28714, United States
Discover the diversity found where the northern hardwood forest meets the spruce -fir forest on this hike along the Commissary Ridge Trail. We will look for birds, butterflies, flowers etc on this one-to-two-mile hike. Be aware that from the park office the trail is downhill and it’s a moderate climb/walk back. to the office. Bring water, wear appropriate footwear/clothing. Meet at the park office at 2 p.m.

Forestry Landowner Summit
2024-09-07 08:30 | Kanuga Conference Center, 130 Kanuga Chapel Dr., Hendersonville, NC, United States
Gain essential knowledge on a variety of forestry and wildlife topics that you can apply to your forest. Learn about current issues impacting our forests and practices you can implement to improve and keep your forest for generations. Choose from a wide selection of topics including forest farming, basic forestry terms, wildlife, forest succession and private land recreation. If you own forested property or are interested in forest ownership in the mountains of North Carolina, this workshop will provide you with essential knowledge on a variety of forestry and wildlife topics that you can apply to your forest.

Birdwatching Hike
2024-09-24 10:30 - 11:30 | Merchant’s Millpond State Park, 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC, 27938, United States
This is a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to get into birding, improve upon existing bird knowledge or anyone who just enjoys being outdoors. We will scout out some of the bird species we have around the picnic area and see how many different species we can find. Merchants Millpond is known for its great bird diversity, which is partly due to its varying ecosystem types. This event is open to the public and for all ages. Please dress for the weather. Binoculars are available on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions, please call the visitor center at 252-357-1191.

Coastal Forests as Sentinels of Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
2024-09-28 08:00 - 17:00
Along the southeastern U.S. coast, it is becoming more and more common to see large patches of dead or dying trees where healthy forests used to be. These areas are called ghost forests, and they have been recorded since at least the 1920’s. Ghost forests can be found on the Atlantic coast from New Jersey to Texas and as climate change persists, ghost forests are expected to become a more prevalent sight. But what causes this mass death of once healthy forests? What are the ecosystem impacts and can anything be done to save the trees? In this webinar, Dr. Marcelo Ardón of N.C. State University will answer all these questions and more as he explains ghost forests and what causes them.

Carnivorous Plant Hike
2024-10-01 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. This is an outside program. The trail is wheelchair accessible.

Firescaping: Managing Your Landscape to Reduce Vulnerability to Wildfire
2024-10-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 U.S. 64 Business, Pittsboro, NC, 27312, United States
Join the N.C. State Extension Master Gardener volunteers of Chatham County for a workshop on how to reduce the risk of fires in your land

Landowner Resource Workshop
2024-10-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Columbus County Government Complex, 45 Government Complex Rd, Suite A, Whiteville, NC, United States
Topics: Prescribed Burn Associations, Taxes, NRCS Farm Bill (EQIP & CSP), Partners for Fish and Wildlife, Cooperative Extension, Turkey Ecology, CWD update and the Forest Development Program.
Event is free, and supper is provided. Space is limited.
Register by September 27th by calling or emailing Benjy.Strope@ncwildlife.org 910-874-5562.

Sandhills Game Lands Field Tour & Longleaf Understory Workshop
2024-10-04 10:00 - 14:30
No matter your acreage or experience level, managing habitat for wildlife can be challenging, especially in the Sandhills.
Join us for this FREE workshop sponsored by the N.C. Tree Farm Program and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to learn about the benefits of prescribed fire, native plants, beneficial insects and herpetofauna in your landscape. You will have the opportunity to speak with experts to learn about habitat management to improve your property and make it inviting for wildlife.
Meet at the Sandhills Depot, 2995 U.S. Highway 1, Hoffman.
Lunch will be provided. Space is limited.
REGISTER BY OCT. 2.
For more information, email gabriela.garrison@ncwildlife.org

Fire in the Pines Festival
2024-10-05 10:00 - 15:00 | Halyburton Park, 4099 S 17th St., Wilmington, 28412, United States
Kids activities including crafts, games and educational opportunities
Fire equipment, including an antique fire engine
Hay-rides throughout the park
Fire, nature and other conservation-related tables and displays
Live music by Folkstone Stringband
Food trucks
Entertainment including jugglers and raptor shows
And for the finale, a live fire demonstration!

International Oak Symposium
2024-10-07 - 2024-10-10 | The Hilton, Knoxville, Tennessee, 501 W Church Ave., Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
The University of Tennessee’s School of Natural Resources is proud to host an International Oak Symposium in 2024 to provide a platform to exchange information and build collaborations around the best available science and technology on oak ecology and management for a global audience. Field trip(s) will be offered that showcase multi-disciplinary research of the USDA Forest Service and other partners.
The overall goal of this symposium is to cultivate and promote synergy among natural resource managers and researchers working towards practical applications to sustain or restore oak ecosystems around the world. The symposium will address the most current issues and complexities related to science-based management of oak species and forests at global, regional, and local scales. The four-day program seeks to engage a diverse audience of managers and scientists in a forum that fosters innovation in silviculture and management for sustainability of oak forests.
Our specific objectives are to provide platforms, products, and opportunities for:

technology transfer and dialogue between researchers and managers
scientific exchanges among researchers
fostering collaborations between managers and researchers
production of peer-reviewed research papers
Contribute towards professional development of students and early-career scientists

Current Research in Hurricane Disturbed Forests
2024-10-07 12:00 - 13:30
Join experts from silviculture, economics, and geospatial disciplines as they present results from recent research exploring the dynamics of hurricane-impacted forests. These include how stand and tree characteristics influence damage severity after a catastrophic hurricane disturbance, how those characteristics interact with silvicultural regimes, as well as new tools that will aid decision-makers with damage assessment and salvage efforts.

This webinar is the first of two webinars. The second webinar, Future Research Directions and Needs for Hurricane Disturbed Forests, will discuss challenges and opportunities present in this important area of study and answer questions from the audience. The second webinar is scheduled for October 21, 2024, at noon Eastern

Webinar: Managing the Right Species on the Right Site: Part 1 - Site Selection
2024-10-10 12:00 - 13:00
This webinar will review the influence of site characteristics on species composition. Understanding which trees grow best in each area on the property is the first step in deciding how to harvest and regenerate a forest. This webinar will highlight examples from North Carolina from the coastal plain to the mountains, focused on commonly managed commercial species. The presenter will identify sites that work across the state for managing different species for forestry use.
Since North Carolina markets have changed and landowners’ interests and objectives change over time, a careful look into sites that work for particular timber species is needed. This webinar is for landowners interested in either doing site restoration or reforestation work and for professionals that work with forest systems. This webinar is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Part 2 of the series is October 17, 2024, at noon Eastern.

Continuing Education Credit:
Society of American Foresters – Certified Forester Education (SAF-CFE) – 1-hour Category 1 Credit [Applied For]
The Wildlife Society – Certified Wildlife Biologist®/Professional Development Certificate Program – 1 hour TWS Category 1 Credit [credits applied for]
Register HERE
