The Cradle of Forestry

Once a year for a short duration, blue ghost fireflies hover the forest floor with a lingering bluish glow. Seek alongside naturalists on paved trails as to why this small firefly has been the focus of generations worth of folklore and myths.

Once a year for a short duration, blue ghost fireflies hover the forest floor with a lingering bluish glow. Seek alongside naturalists on paved trails as to why this small firefly has been the focus of generations worth of folklore and myths.

Once a year for a short duration, blue ghost fireflies hover the forest floor with a lingering bluish glow. Seek alongside naturalists on paved trails as to why this small firefly has been the focus of generations worth of folklore and myths.

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…

Once a year for a short duration, blue ghost fireflies hover the forest floor with a lingering bluish glow. Seek alongside naturalists on paved trails as to why this small firefly has been the focus of generations worth of folklore and myths.

Once a year for a short duration, blue ghost fireflies hover the forest floor with a lingering bluish glow. Seek alongside naturalists on paved trails as to why this small firefly has been the focus of generations worth of folklore and myths.

Once a year for a short duration, blue ghost fireflies hover the forest floor with a lingering bluish glow. Seek alongside naturalists on paved trails as to why this small firefly has been the focus of generations worth of folklore and myths.

Once a year for a short duration, blue ghost fireflies hover the forest floor with a lingering bluish glow. Seek alongside naturalists on paved trails as to why this small firefly has been the focus of generations worth of folklore and myths.

Once a year for a short duration, blue ghost fireflies hover the forest floor with a lingering bluish glow. Seek alongside naturalists on paved trails as to why this small firefly has been the focus of generations worth of folklore and myths.

Once a year for a short duration, blue ghost fireflies hover the forest floor with a lingering bluish glow. Seek alongside naturalists on paved trails as to why this small firefly has been the focus of generations worth of folklore and myths.

Come and learn about all the incredible ways we can enjoy the great outdoors. Admission to the site is free on this national event day.

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…

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…

The Cradle of Forestry invites the curious of all ages to learn about and celebrate local pollinators. This one-day event will be held in and around the Forest Discovery Center at the Cradle of Forestry and commemorates National Pollinator Week. Pollinator themed information and activities will be available from 10am to 3pm.   Schedule of events: TBD Lunch is available in the Café at the Cradle from 11:00am-3:00pm. Regular admission applies to this event.

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…

Macro Magic in the Forest One-day Macro Photography Workshop at the Cradle of Forestry Saturday, June 29, 2019 Capture the magic of macro photography with one of the Southeast’s best-known macro photographers and macro teachers, Les Saucier. Les and Janet Saucier will lead participants through a day in the forest at the Cradle of Forestry to photograph summer flowers, mountain ferns, carpets of moss and seasonal insects, all up-close and personal through your macro lens. Macro photography involves small subjects,…

Songcatchers 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: John Doyle Considered one of the world’s best acoustic guitarists, John Doyle’s concerts transport an audience to another place and time. From a musical family in…

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…

Come learn about the 1914 Climax logging locomotive on display at the Cradle of Forestry and how it and other old logging trains wound their way through the forest coves of western North Carolina.

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: Chatham Rabbits Sarah and Austin McCombie — Chatham Rabbits — a husband and wife duo from Bynum, North Carolina have both been playing music…

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…

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…