Moths, bats, owls- these are just some animals active at night when many of us are settled in our shelters. Enjoy the Cradle of Forestry during a magical time and learn about natural nightlife.    Program begins with a talk in the Cradle’s outdoor amphitheater.   Children can make a night creature craft to take home.   A […]

When the gates are locked for the night, who knows what nocturnal creatures call the Cradle of Forestry home? Join us for a night of exploration as our team of Naturalists talk about who comes out when the sun goes down, then leads a night hike along the paved trails of the Cradle in search […]

You’re in the mountains! Who wouldn’t want the perfect picture? Professional photographer and Blue Moon Gallery owner, Rob Travis, will spend the day with a small intimate group to introduce the concept of still life photography in an outdoor setting. Rob will discuss everything from macrophotography to digital SLR to taking the perfect picture on […]

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky…and wondered? We’ll be meeting up with our friends from Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) to learn about star-gazing equipment, telescope use and what constellations you might see during a summer in the mountains. In the event of cloudy or rainy weather, PARI Educators will move the […]

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky…and wondered? We’ll be meeting up with our friends from Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) to learn about star-gazing equipment, telescope use and what constellations you might see during a summer in the mountains. In the event of cloudy or rainy weather, PARI Educators will move the […]

The Cradle of Forestry celebrates National Get Outdoors Day, established in 2008 by the USDA Forest Service to encourage Americans, especially youth, to seek out healthy, active outdoor lifestyles, connect with nature, and embrace public lands. The day includes skill teaching and demonstrations by the area’s outdoor recreation community. Admission to the site is free […]

Foresters continually work to protect plants, animals and water quality of our western North Carolina forests. What can we do whenever we are exploring the forests to do the same? This summer we are exploring themes inspired by Leave No Trace, highlighting each one of their principles to minimize our impacts in the outdoors. Each […]

Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club Summer Nature Series: Wednesday or Thursdays from June 13 to August 2,   10:30 a.m. – noon. Woodsy Owl is the USDA Forest Service’s conservation symbol whose motto is “Lend a hand, care for the land!” * Each day an outdoor-oriented activity explores a different forest related theme. * Designed to engage […]