Pisgah Elementary School (PES) fourth graders soaked in beautiful fall colors and learned some surprising local history during a field trip to the Cradle of Forestry.

While strolling through the woods, they identified trees by their leaves and bark, and they stopped to hear about past and present forestry techniques through reading trail signs and by listening to Cradle of Forestry staff. Soon, they realized they were doing what the first American forestry students did at that very site - understanding the forest by spending time in it.

“This is where we learned to design, plant, and preserve forests for future generations,” said PES fourth grade teacher JB Halpin, who joined fellow fourth grade teacher Clay Stroupe to lead the field trip. “I think it’s important for our students to learn about the rocks, fauna, flora, and to learn to respect, admire, and preserve this wonderful place.”

From the late 1800s into the early 20th century, students at the Biltmore Forest School - the first of its kind in the United States - learned forestry from the trees themselves. They studied nature where they stood, took part in surveys, road and trail planning, cutting, and milling lumber. And they began to see the forest not just as a source of lumber, but as a resource that could be carefully managed and sustained for future generations. Their work helped shape modern forestry practices and contributed to a conservation movement whose legacy can still be seen in the forests of Western North Carolina today.

“It feels like I’m home,” said Magnolia, one of the fourth grade students. “I love exploring everything and seeing the fall colors. I feel like I learned a lot.”