Nonnative invasive species are a hot topic these days, and rightfully so as they are considered one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. News headlines are filled with stories of emerald ash borer (EAB) causing widespread decline of ash trees, zebra mussels clogging waterways, Bradford pear and tree of heaven choking out forests and feral hogs plowing through an area consuming anything in their path.

Each 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.

April is Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month. This month focuses on teaching the public how important these pests and diseases can be and what can be done to help prevent the spread of them. Each year, invasive pests cost the U.S. about $40 billion in damages and expensive eradication and control efforts. Emerald ash borer, laurel wilt and spotted lanternfly are just a few of the invasives that are easily spread due to human activity.

Through 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?

The 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.