Native foliage consuming pests cause damage that is mainly unsightly but usually have little impact on healthy trees in the long run. Bagworms and forest tent caterpillars are common defoliators in North Carolina. In addition, needle cast on conifers is often seen this time of year as a result of various fungi affecting tree needles and causing them to turn brown.
Learn More About Common DefoliatorsInsects are a natural part of the forest ecosystem. They play a pivotal role in discarding weak and inferior trees, breaking down and recycling littler on the forest floor and act as a food source for birds and other animals. However, certain insects pose a serious threat to tree and forest health. Emerald ash borer is one of them. EAB has punctured and tunneled through ash trees in 72 North Carolina counties. What's the outlook?
Blog ArticleEach summer, the N.C. Forest Service offers educators a chance to explore the environment with innovative learning activities suitable for integration into any school curriculum. In “Investigating Your Environment” workshops, teachers become the students; collecting, recording and interpreting information about the environment. This workshop is eligible for 3 CEUs.
Read More / RegisterThrough a variety of diverse career opportunities from the mountain ranges of the west to the sandy soils of the east, the 650 men and women of the N.C. Forest Service work to protect, manage and promote forest resources for the citizens of North Carolina. Become a member of our highly trained workforce. The forest is calling. Will you answer?
Learn MoreThe N.C. Forest Service manages several state forests across North Carolina. Many of them are open to the public and offer a variety of educational and recreational experiences. Select the State Forests dropdown above to learn more about a state forest near you.
News ReleaseNorth Carolina's forestland is one of the greatest influences in the state, providing economic value and adding immeasurably to the quality of life for its residents. The forest products industry is the largest manufacturing business sector in the state, contributing approximately $35.3 billion annually to the state's economy and providing around 139,700 jobs for North Carolinians. The N.C. Forest Service's primary purpose is to ensure adequate and quality forest resources for the state to meet its present and future needs.