On Saturday, April 9th, there is a special opening day and that is for the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. Before going into some details of this opening day, we will first explore some of the history!
The Cradle of Forestry is known as the birthplace of forest conservation in America. Dr. Carl Schenck was George Vanderbilt’s chief forester for the Biltmore Estate from 1895 to 1909. Dr. Schenck was the one to have the first forestry school in this nation! For Vanderbilt, Dr. Schenck spent his time transforming the wooded areas of the estate into what is now known and enjoyed as Pisgah National Forest. Then, in 1898 Dr. Schenck founded the forestry school in this same area. Today, the historic site sites on 6,500 acres within the Pisgah National Forest. Being only a few minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, this site is a wonderful place to explore and learn more.
Now that you know a little of the history, come and join the Opening Day for the Cradle of Forestry on April 9th! You get to step back into time as the homesteaders are busy at work with their horses, tilling and working the heritage garden. You may even get a chance to take control of the reins!
There are many restored buildings that give visitors a feel for what it was like at the school during the early 1900s. Many trails, some paved for easy of walking, let you get up close with the forest and appreciate the beauty. You may climb aboard a logging locomotive on the NC Birding Trail, which also happens to be a wonderful spot for any bird watchers. Inside the discovery center, there are numerous exhibits that give insight and details of this wonderful area and the school. Don’t forget about the Giving Tree gift shop!
The 2016 season (April 9th through November 6th) has many special events for this wonderful place so be sure to come and enjoy this stunning location and its rich history!
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