What to do if you encounter a marijuana cultivation site

The U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina seeks to provide a safe environment for the public, its employees, and natural resources. So while only a fraction of National Forest System lands are affected by illegal marijuana cultivation, the Forest Service believes that safety risks are real and visitors and employees should be informed about them.

“The safety of forest visitors and our employees is our top priority in the Croatan, Nantahala, Pisgah, and Uwharrie National Forests in North Carolina,” said Marisue Hilliard, forest supervisor. “Marijuana cultivation occurs on some National Forests and it’s important for visitors and employees to be aware of their surroundings.”

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is seeking volunteers to participate in two invasive exotic plant workshops on Friday, June 3, and Saturday, June 4. The second workshop coincides with 2011 National Trails Day, which encourages all Americans to get outside, experience, appreciate, and help to protect our valuable natural resources and recreational opportunities.

The workshops, hosted by ATC and the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Weed Management Partnership (SACWMP), will educate hikers and the general public about the threats of invasive exotic (IE) plants, how to identify and inventory IE species, and how to remove these plants, protecting native biodiversity along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is planning a special event Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to noon at the center.

The title of the program is “The Ecology of Southern Appalachian Wildflowers” with Dr. Tim Spira, a 45-minute presentation followed by questions and discussion, and then a book signing and wildflower walk.

Tim Spira is a plant ecologist, photographer, native plant gardener, and professor of botany at Clemson University where he teaches courses in field botany, plant ecology, and the natural history of wildflowers.

The Zahner Lecture Series, held every summer, has been a tradition of the Highlands Biological Station for decades. This summer, the Highlands Biological Foundation is introducing new events and programs to the Thursday series in addition to our traditional Zahner Lectures – such as workshops, family events, and guided interpretive hikes - that focus on the beauty and biodiversity of the Highlands Plateau.

“Think About Thursdays” will kick-off on June 2, at 6 p.m. with “Salamander Soiree.” The event will feature a reception and games, followed by a brief lecture about salamanders.

Read more...