About The Songcatchers Music Series, now in its 15th year, showcases acoustic music with roots in the Southern Appalachians and the musicians who nurture the tradition of passing this heritage on to others. The Songcatchers Music series is an official part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Blue Ridge Music Trail. Schedule 3:00 p.m.·      Local musicians are often on site to jam before the concert 4:00 p.m.·      Concert begins with a warm-up. After a short break the…

When Wednesdays, June 14- August 9; 10:30am – 12:30pm. Junior Foresters are invited to any number of the themed weeks. The program is designed for boys and girls ages 8-12. Please register ahead of time by calling 828-877-3130. Program Info Forestry goes beyond studying trees and there are forest scientists who study just about everything between plants and animals. Junior Foresters will explore what a scientist needs to know when studying insects, reptiles, or water quality, and the skills they need…

    Woodsy Owl is the USDA Forest Service’s conservation symbol whose motto is, “Lend a hand, care for the land!”     Program Info: Each Thursday an outdoor-oriented activity explores a different forest related theme. Designed to engage 4-7 year olds in the natural world around them. Blends investigation and creativity. Each child leaves with the colorful book,Woodsy’s ABCs, a Woodsy pin and a craft they create; repeat children receive other Woodsy gifts. Two programs available- 10:30am-12:00 OR 1:30-3:00pm…

Smokey Bear, the symbol of wildland fire prevention, turns 73 this year. The Cradle of Forestry hosts this special bear’s birthday party each year. Smokey will help cut his birthday cake then meet and greet with his friends during the celebration. Party Details: Party time is from  11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Afterward a live animal program follows the party behind the Forest Discovery Center. During the party there are activities and games, such as firefighting equipment, Smokey Bingo, pin the pail on the…

When Wednesdays, June 14- August 9; 10:30am – 12:30pm. Junior Foresters are invited to any number of the themed weeks. The program is designed for boys and girls ages 8-12. Please register ahead of time by calling 828-877-3130. Program Info Forestry goes beyond studying trees and there are forest scientists who study just about everything between plants and animals. Junior Foresters will explore what a scientist needs to know when studying insects, reptiles, or water quality, and the skills they need…

One of our newer events that celebrates forest resources use of past and present. Local artisans will be joining the Cradle in demonstrating Appalachian cultural and modern uses of forest products. Crafters will have their locally handmade items available for purchase. Presented By: This year’s sponsor is the Appalachian Woodlands Alliance: “Bringing Landowners, Forest Product Companies, Best Practices and Tools Together for the Health and Productivity of our Southeastern Forests.” http://www.appwoodlands.com/

Fact: In 15 minutes, the sun radiates as much energy as people use in all forms in a year. Event Info: A heat source, energy source, navigational tool, driver of climate and weather: the sun’s power is measurable yet intangible for all life and processes on Earth. If you are looking for a way to enjoy your “Great American Solar Eclipse” weekend in Western North Carolina, the Cradle will be celebrating the many ways forests and ecosystems rely on the…

Migratory monarch butterflies are heading south this time of year. You can learn how to help them survive through their big journey. Event times TBD Event Details: This afternoon program begins with an inside presentation by conservation specialist, Joyce Pearsall. Joyce has several years of experience in monitoring monarch larvae and educating the public. Learn milkweed growing tips and natural predators of monarch caterpillars. The program continues with a walk through the Cradle’s lawn-to-meadow conversion areas. In some years this program aligns…

Meet these fascinating pack animals, each with their own “personality.” Presented by Challenge Adventures. Learn about the special adaptations llamas have for the trail. Take turns leading a llama on a 2 mile trail walk. Llamas carry your lunch & snacks. Ice tea will be provided.

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. Forest Festival Day: In 1908 Dr. Carl A. Schenck hosted the Forest Fair at the Biltmore Estate. This event honored the 10th year of the Biltmore Forest School, America’s first school of forestry. Over 400 people were invited to this celebration of the beginnings of American forestry. Today we commemorate Schenck’s Forest Fair along the 1-mile Forest Festival Trail…

Visit with the Acorn Patrol, a small group of classic campers in a re-created campsite of the early 1900’s.  At this time in history the Pisgah National Forest was in its infancy, and city folk were discovering the joys of outdoor recreation. Camping in the Old Style Details: The Acorn Patrol demonstrates early methods of camping at the turn of the 20th century. See bushcraft techniques of the NC mountains such as fire by flint, steel, and friction, and old style campfire cookery.…

A mystery over time becomes a legend, and a legend grows in the telling . . . It was Halloween night 1906 in the Blue Ridge mountains when one of the students from the Biltmore Forest School disappeared. His name was Tommy Hodges. Show Times: Friday, October 20 @6:30pm, 7:45pm, and 9:00pm Saturday, October 21@6:30pm, 7:45pm, and 9:00pm Outdoor Drama Details: Outdoor drama along a paved, wheelchair accessible one-mile Biltmore Campus Trail. New storyline written each year. Audience walks the trail from…