NC State Extension Forestry

We enjoyed a fantastic day at the Fire in the Pines Festival at Halyburton Park in Wilmington, NC! It was a beautiful day to highlight the longleaf pine's unique ecosystem and the critical role prescribed fire plays, while also getting to chat about all things forestry! Remember, #RxFire is #GoodFire!

As we've seen, the southeastern U.S. has a highly variable climate that includes droughts, floods, tropical systems, and extreme temperatures that can affect planted pine forests -- emphasizing the importance of resiliency. Healthy forests are #resilient, meaning they will eventually return to their original state even after a severe disturbance causes a short-term change. Learn how to manage your forest for resiliency: https://lnkd.in/eTUbf3y2

Happening next month, sign up for this free NC Tree Farm webinar on Options for Managing Beaver Damage. #Beavers are an ecologically and economically important species, but their behaviors have been known to cause significant damage to timber and infrastructure. In this webinar, you’ll learn a variety of situation-specific methods for protecting your property from beaver-related damage. Sign up now! https://lnkd.in/diP56EMJ

We've asked you to help us track the spread of the non-native joro spider in NC on iNaturalist.org. But, it's easy to confuse the joro spider with several native lookalikes like the black and yellow garden spider (writing spider), golden silk spider (banana spider), orchard spider, and basilica orbweaver. This link from the NC State Extension Plant Disease and Insect Clinic is helpful for distinguishing between these spiders: https://lnkd.in/eJ33tisX 📸 In the top left corner is an image of a mature female Joro spider. In the top center is an image of a female golden silk spider. In the top right is an image of a female black and yellow garden spider. In the bottom left is an image of an orchard spider. In the bottom right is an image of a basilica orbweaver.

Leaves are changing colors, and it's beginning to look a bit like fall across NC! 🍂🍁 Listen to this WRAL feature on fall foliage with Dr. Robert Bardon. Learn how temperature and moisture affect the vibrancy of foliage color, and how this year's dry and warm weather might mute some fall colors. https://lnkd.in/esNn5QfC

Our forest health team was at BugFest in Raleigh, NC, a few weekends ago! 🐛🐜🪲 What a fun time engaging in all things arthropods. Of course, the forest health team answered questions about what's bugging your forest, highlighted key invasive forest pests to look out for, and enjoyed chatting with fellow bug lovers!

Forest landowners, contractors, realtors, and land managers wanting to understand NRCS services and funding opportunities are invited to join this free NRCS Forestry Field Day at the Wake County Wildlife Club! Happening next Saturday, October 18th! Discover NRCS cost-share programs & conservation practices at this hands-on field day featuring expert demos and funding guidance. Sign up now! https://lnkd.in/e-6g7jR5

Wildfire risk is on the rise in NC. Current outlooks indicate above normal potential for the NC mountains this fall. With NC historically a state with some of the largest numbers of wildfires, our high wildland-urban interface, and excess debris as a result of Hurricane Helene, it is extremely important to be aware and lower your wildfire risk. Contact your local Extension office if you have questions or concerns. See a list of valuable resources: https://lnkd.in/d27H2gEC

This #WildlifeWednesday, let's highlight the ruffed grouse! This game bird is one of 12 species of grouse native to North America and is only found in the mountains, usually above 2,000 feet, in NC. Population densities for this bird are consistently low in our state. Learn how to manage your woodlands for the ruffed grouse: https://lnkd.in/dktzzxBF

Do you know why leaves change color in the fall? 🍁🍂 Before leaves drop and leave trees bare, chemical changes occur, resulting in the characteristic vibrant yellow, orange, and red colors of fall. We expect to see foliage colors peak through mid-October to early-November, going west to east in NC! Learn more about the miracle of fall colors! https://lnkd.in/gucSkSfg