Asheville in Buncombe County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Birthplace of American Forestry

August 10, 2012

1. Birthplace of American Forestry Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

George W. Vanderbilt, following the recommendation of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, was the first American landowner to implement scientific forestry, the management and conservation of forest lands, on a large scale. He hired Gifford Pinchot, founder of The Society of American Foresters, to develop a management plan for the surrounding forest. Biltmore's forest management plan improved the health of the forest while protecting sustainable wood resources.

The Biltmore Forest School (1898 - 1913), located nearby, was the country's first to provide professional training for foresters. Today, many American colleges and universities offer curricula in forestry and natural resource management.

Erected by Society of American Foresters.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.

Location. 35° 32.413′ N, 82° 33.2′ W. Marker is in Asheville, North Carolina, in Buncombe County. Marker can be reached from One Biltmore Plaza. On Biltmore

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Estate. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Asheville NC 28803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Frederick Law Olmsted (here, next to this marker); Stoneman's Raid (approx. 1.3 miles away); Rutherford Trace (approx. 1.8 miles away); Biltmore House (approx. 1.9 miles away); The County of Buncombe (approx. 2 miles away); Flood of 1916 (approx. 2.1 miles away); Smith-McDowell House (approx. 2.2 miles away); St. Genevieve ~ Of ~ The ~ Pines (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Asheville.

More about this marker. On a porch facing the South Terrace.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2012. This page has been viewed 365 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 17, 2012. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.