The N.C. Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program has announced that 71 communities, 12 campuses and two utilities have been awarded Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education and Tree Line USA designations for 2023. Communities of Gastonia, Hendersonville and Southern Pines earned the Tree City USA Growth Award for 2023.
News ReleaseNonnative 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.
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 / RegisterApril 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.
Learn More About InvasivesThrough 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.