Near Canton in Haywood County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Cradle of Forestry

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2018

1. Cradle of Forestry Marker

Inscription. Nestled in the valley below is the Cradle of Forestry in America, the birthplace of science-based forest management and a living legacy made possible by George and Edith Vanderbilt of the nearby Biltmore Estate. Some 87,000 acres of the Vanderbilt's “Pisgah Forest” tract viewed from this point became the nucleus of the Pisgah National Forest, established in 1916.

This 6,500-acre historic site was created by Congress in 1968 to “preserve, develop, and make available to this and future generations the birthplace of forestry and forestry education in America.”

Today, the Cradle of Forestry is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is open to visitors from mid-April to early November. As you enter the main gate (4 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 412), you will be rewarded with the opportunity to explore the past, present, and future of environmental sustainability and stewardship - brought to visitors through paved interpretive trails, interactive exhibits, film, music, drama, guided tours, nature programs, craft demonstrations, and special events. A sustainably designed Forest Discovery Center with its gift shop and café welcomes visitors to the historic structures and to a relaxing walk through the woods or neighboring Pink Beds Valley. www.cradleofforestry.com • (828)

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877-3130 The North Carolina mountains and foothills were designated the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in recognition of their natural beauty and living traditions of music, craft, agriculture, and Cherokee culture. This location is part of a regional trail of distinctive heritage sites. Ask for information at area visitor centers.
More information online at: www.blueridgeheritage.com

Erected by Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association in America.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Blue Ridge Parkway series list.

Location. 35° 22.857′ N, 82° 46.871′ W. Marker is near Canton, North Carolina, in Haywood County. Marker is on Blue Ridge Parkway (at milepost 411), 0.9 miles north of U.S. 276, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the Cradle of Forestry Overlook. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canton NC 28716, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Blacksmith (approx. 2 miles away); Rock House Creek Lodge (approx. 2 miles away); Schenck's Office (approx. 2 miles away);

Marker detail: The one-room community school and church became the forestry school’s classroom. image. Click for full size.

National Forests of North Carolina Photographs, D.H. Ramsey Library, Special Collections

2. Marker detail: The one-room community school and church became the forestry school’s classroom.

The Cradle of Forestry preserves many original structures associated with Pisgah Forest and the Biltmore Forest School (1898-1913), first in the U.S. to train professional foresters.

Ranger's Dwelling (approx. 2 miles away); Commissary (approx. 2 miles away); Hell Hole (approx. 2 miles away); Wash Place (approx. 2 miles away); Draw Road (approx. 2.1 miles away).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Blue Ridge Heritage Trail

Also see . . .
1. Cradle of Forestry Overlook. In the late 1800s George Vanderbilt bought a very large portion of the Pisgah wilderness. Vanderbilt was an early conservationist who wanted to preserve the natural beauty of the area and create a vast game preserve. Dr. Carl Alwin Schenck, a German forestry professor, was hired by Vanderbilt to manage his property and start a forestry school. The first School of American Forestry was operated from 1898 to 1913. Schenck trained 300 foresters. The U.S. Forest Service has recognized the importance of the early pioneering conservation effort and has made a considerable investment in replicating the school and providing exhibits to show early forestry practices. (Submitted on September 11, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Biltmore Forest School. The Biltmore Forest School was the first school of forestry in North America. The school of "practical

Marker detail: Hands-on nature programs image. Click for full size.

Photo by Arlon Harris

3. Marker detail: Hands-on nature programs

Hands-on nature programs and tours are offered from April to November.

forestry" was founded by Carl A. Schenck in 1898 on George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate near Asheville, North Carolina. The school grounds are now part of Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County, North Carolina (Submitted on September 11, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: Special events celebrate forest heritage image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner

4. Marker detail: Special events celebrate forest heritage

Volunteers bring history to life at the Cradle of Forestry and the neighboring Pink Beds Valley.

Cradle of Forestry Marker (<i>wide view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2018

5. Cradle of Forestry Marker (wide view)

Cradle of Forestry Overlook Sign (<i>located a few steps from this marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2018

6. Cradle of Forestry Overlook Sign (located a few steps from this marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 470 times since then and 61 times this year. Last updated on September 13, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 11, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.