The Cradle of Forestry

Woodsy Owl is the USDA Forest Service’s conservation symbol whose motto is, “Lend a hand, care for the land!”. These nature education programs are designed for children ages 4 to 7 with an accompanying caregiver. Programs run weekly on Wednesday and Thursdays between June 12 and August 8. Programs are from 10:30am to 12:00pm and invite children to explore the nature world with their trusted caregiver and the guidance of a Cradle naturalist. Come to one or all eight programs, great for…

The Junior Forest Ranger (JFR) program is an exciting way for young people to explore their national forests and grasslands.  The Cradle of Forestry in America heritage site is nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains and is a great place to enjoy nature education, hiking trails, and a day of family fun! The JFR program uses Forest Service science and practices to encourage girls and boys ages 8 to 12 to enjoy and appreciate nature. Programs run weekly on Thursdays between June 13 and August…

Songcatchers Summer Music Series The 17th annual Songcatchers Music Series, presented by Gaia Herbs, showcases music with its roots in the Southern Appalachians and the musicians who nurture the tradition of passing this heritage on to others. This event is an official part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Blue Ridge Music Trail. Featured Artists: Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth     Laura Boosinger has won glowing reviews wherever she appears and is blessed with an ‘essence of the mountains’…

Woodsy Owl is the USDA Forest Service’s conservation symbol whose motto is, “Lend a hand, care for the land!”. These nature education programs are designed for children ages 4 to 7 with an accompanying caregiver. Programs run weekly on Wednesday and Thursdays between June 12 and August 8. Programs are from 10:30am to 12:00pm and invite children to explore the nature world with their trusted caregiver and the guidance of a Cradle naturalist. Come to one or all eight programs, great for…

Woodsy Owl is the USDA Forest Service’s conservation symbol whose motto is, “Lend a hand, care for the land!”. These nature education programs are designed for children ages 4 to 7 with an accompanying caregiver. Programs run weekly on Wednesday and Thursdays between June 12 and August 8. Programs are from 10:30am to 12:00pm and invite children to explore the nature world with their trusted caregiver and the guidance of a Cradle naturalist. Come to one or all eight programs, great for…

The Junior Forest Ranger (JFR) program is an exciting way for young people to explore their national forests and grasslands.  The Cradle of Forestry in America heritage site is nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains and is a great place to enjoy nature education, hiking trails, and a day of family fun! The JFR program uses Forest Service science and practices to encourage girls and boys ages 8 to 12 to enjoy and appreciate nature. Programs run weekly on Thursdays between June 13 and August…

Appalachian Folkways Series Come join us in celebration of the craft and skill of the Southern Appalachian mountains. Set a spell on the porch of Commissary just as it was in 1902 or maybe throw some horseshoes in the shade of the King House as you listen to the gentle strum of the banjo. Stroll down to the garden and touch the plants growing there that provide food and medicine. Watch as local crafts people extract the dyes from our…

Songcatchers Summer Music Series The 17th annual Songcatchers Music Series, presented by Gaia Herbs, showcases music with its roots in the Southern Appalachians and the musicians who nurture the tradition of passing this heritage on to others. This event is an official part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Blue Ridge Music Trail. Featured Artist: Sarah Siskind Sarah Siskind continues to be one of today’s most respected and covered songwriters as well as a stand-out independent artist, who Spin…

Woodsy Owl is the USDA Forest Service’s conservation symbol whose motto is, “Lend a hand, care for the land!”. These nature education programs are designed for children ages 4 to 7 with an accompanying caregiver. Programs run weekly on Wednesday and Thursdays between June 12 and August 8. Programs are from 10:30am to 12:00pm and invite children to explore the nature world with their trusted caregiver and the guidance of a Cradle naturalist. Come to one or all eight programs, great for…

Woodsy Owl is the USDA Forest Service’s conservation symbol whose motto is, “Lend a hand, care for the land!”. These nature education programs are designed for children ages 4 to 7 with an accompanying caregiver. Programs run weekly on Wednesday and Thursdays between June 12 and August 8. Programs are from 10:30am to 12:00pm and invite children to explore the nature world with their trusted caregiver and the guidance of a Cradle naturalist. Come to one or all eight programs, great for…

The Junior Forest Ranger (JFR) program is an exciting way for young people to explore their national forests and grasslands.  The Cradle of Forestry in America heritage site is nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains and is a great place to enjoy nature education, hiking trails, and a day of family fun! The JFR program uses Forest Service science and practices to encourage girls and boys ages 8 to 12 to enjoy and appreciate nature. Programs run weekly on Thursdays between June 13 and August…

Woodsy Owl is the USDA Forest Service’s conservation symbol whose motto is, “Lend a hand, care for the land!”. These nature education programs are designed for children ages 4 to 7 with an accompanying caregiver. Programs run weekly on Wednesday and Thursdays between June 12 and August 8. Programs are from 10:30am to 12:00pm and invite children to explore the nature world with their trusted caregiver and the guidance of a Cradle naturalist. Come to one or all eight programs, great for…

Woodsy Owl is the USDA Forest Service’s conservation symbol whose motto is, “Lend a hand, care for the land!”. These nature education programs are designed for children ages 4 to 7 with an accompanying caregiver. Programs run weekly on Wednesday and Thursdays between June 12 and August 8. Programs are from 10:30am to 12:00pm and invite children to explore the nature world with their trusted caregiver and the guidance of a Cradle naturalist. Come to one or all eight programs, great for…

The Junior Forest Ranger (JFR) program is an exciting way for young people to explore their national forests and grasslands.  The Cradle of Forestry in America heritage site is nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains and is a great place to enjoy nature education, hiking trails, and a day of family fun! The JFR program uses Forest Service science and practices to encourage girls and boys ages 8 to 12 to enjoy and appreciate nature. Programs run weekly on Thursdays between June 13 and August…

Smokey Bear, the US Forest Service symbol of wildland fire prevention, turns 75 this year! Bring the family and celebrate this American icon’s 75th birthday on the red carpet at The Cradle of Forestry in America.

Appalachian Folkways Series Come join us in celebration of the craft and skill of the Southern Appalachian mountains. Set a spell on the porch of Commissary just as it was in 1902 or maybe throw some horseshoes in the shade of the King House as you listen to the gentle strum of the banjo. Stroll down to the garden and touch the plants growing there that provide food and medicine. Watch as local crafts people extract the dyes from our…

Guided walks, gardening for biodiversity and service projects celebrate our national forests, conservation and the outdoors. Admission is free on this special day.

Meet traditional craftsmen, exhibitors, forestry students, and entertainers as they gather at the Cradle of Forestry to celebrate our forests and forest heritage.

Appalachian Folkways Series Come join us in celebration of the craft and skill of the Southern Appalachian mountains. Set a spell on the porch of Commissary just as it was in 1902 or maybe throw some horseshoes in the shade of the King House as you listen to the gentle strum of the banjo. Stroll down to the garden and touch the plants growing there that provide food and medicine. Watch as local crafts people extract the dyes from our…

Appalachian Folkways Series Come join us in celebration of the craft and skill of the Southern Appalachian mountains. Set a spell on the porch of Commissary just as it was in 1902 or maybe throw some horseshoes in the shade of the King House as you listen to the gentle strum of the banjo. Stroll down to the garden and touch the plants growing there that provide food and medicine. Watch as local crafts people extract the dyes from our…