LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

The Cradle of Forestry in America - The Birthplace of Forest Conservation in America

The rich history of the Biltmore Forest School combined with the diverse Pisgah National Forest offers students a unique educational experience at the Cradle of Forestry.

Preview your trip on the web: The Cradle of Forestry in America - The Birthplace of Forest Conservation in America

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  • Paper University Learn about the history of paper, how paper is made, and everything you ever wanted to know about paper towels! Other topics include careers, recycling, and the environment. Also find science experiments, art projects, and puzzles.
  • National Forests in North Carolina Find out where you can fish in NC national forests, ride the trails on horses, and set up camp. Includes information on outdoor recreation, forest facts and figures, forest planning and more.
  • Lesson plan: Tree-ring dating In their study of dendrochronology, students use activity sheets and a discussion to apply principles of dendrochronology to determine a tree's age and to recognize climatic variation. They will also analyze and experience how archaeologists can sometimes use tree rings to date archaeological evidence and study past climates.
  • Lesson plan: Trees in Your Own Backyard This activity lets students discover the benefits of urban forests by looking at trees on the schoolyard. Students will read a synopsis of the 400-year history of communal forests, survey their schoolyard trees, and draft a schoolyard tree ordinance.
  • Lesson plan: If a tree falls in the forest... Students will explore the role that forests play in their own lives by listing everyday products made from trees. Then students will research and categorize less common products that may be less familiar to them.

Related pages

  • Jordan Lake Educational State Forest: Students will learn about the ecosystems which make up a forest and the animals that inhabit it.
  • Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest: North Carolina's system of Educational State Forests has been developed to "teach children and adults about the complex, interdependent ecosystems which make up a forest and which can be managed for a multitude of uses."
  • YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly: Learn about the wildlife of the mountains and practice using a compass at this conference center located outside of Asheville, NC.

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This is the site of the first forestry school in America. It was founded by Dr. Carl Schenck, chief forester for George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate is 1898.

The Forest Discovery Center has 15 hands-on exhibits. The displays show forest history and forest management practices. Programs for school groups are based on North Carolina curriculum standards and provide exciting hands-on activities that are educational. For more information see the Field Trips webpage.

Call (828)877-3130 to make reservations for a class field trip. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more students.

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