Visit the North Carolina Forest Service exhibit area to learn about our state’s rich history in forestry and how our forestland is a significant influence in the state, providing economic value and adding immeasurably to the quality of life for residents. Learn about the many programs and services the N.C. Forest Service provides for the citizens of North Carolina – and beyond! Meet forest rangers, see and touch forest service equipment, and learn how you can prevent wildfires. Just follow the path behind Heritage Circle and head up the hill to the Stanfield Natural Resources Center, or enter the Fairgrounds through Gate 7 and follow the paved path up the hill to be greeted by Big Smokey.
Outside exhibits and the Firewise Building in the N.C. Forest Service area are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Inside exhibits in the Stanfield Natural Resources Center are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Note that exhibits do not open until noon on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Learn About Your N.C. Forest Service
In the exhibit area, staff members will be available to share information about the many programs and services the N.C. Forest Service provides, including how to improve your forested property with a woodland plan and how you can help keep invasive insects and plants from affecting our state. Tour the Firewise building to learn how to create a fire-resistant landscape around your home and property. Enjoy interactive environmental education activities and games. |
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Meet Smokey Bear
Be sure to stop and meet Smokey Bear! “Big Smokey” has been entertaining and educating fairgoers since 1983. He stands 21 feet tall, weighs more than 1,200 pounds and can talk! |
See Forest Service Aircraft and Equipment
Children of all ages can see and take pictures of real N.C. Forest Service equipment, such as an airplane, bulldozer and Type 6 fire engine! Climb inside and fly our interactive helicopter, and step into a fire tower cab. N.C. Forest Service personnel will provide fairgoers with a touch-a-truck experience featuring engines and heavy equipment. Touch-a-truck sessions will be available daily but are subject to change based on staff availability. |
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N.C. Forest Service Ranger Talks
Don't miss a variety of scheduled programs designed to teach people of all ages about wildfire prevention, forest resources in our state and the importance of conservation. |
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| Thursday, October 12 | 4 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear |
| Friday, October 13 | 1:45 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear |
| 4 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear | |
| Saturday, October 14 | 10 a.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear |
| 4 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear | |
| Sunday, October 15 | 10 a.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear |
| 4 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear | |
| Monday, October 16 | 9:45 a.m. | New Forests for Wildlife |
| 11 a.m. | New Forests for Wildlife | |
| 4 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear | |
| Tuesday, October 17 | 12 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear |
| 5:15 p.m. | Naval Stores | |
| Wednesday, October 18 | 12 p.m. | Naval Stores |
| 4 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear | |
| Thursday, October 19 | 10 a.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear |
| 12 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear | |
| 4 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear | |
| Friday, October 20 | 9:45 a.m. | Living with Fire |
| 12 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear | |
| 1:45 p.m. | Living with Fire | |
| Saturday, October 21 | 10 a.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear |
| 4 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear | |
| Sunday, October 22 | 10 a.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear |
| 4 p.m. | The Story of Smokey Bear | |
The Birdman: World Class Bird Shows
Head up to the N.C. Forest Service area, located behind Heritage Circle, and you'll find The Birdman World Class Bird Show! Joe Krathwohl and his team use creative, positive-reinforcement-based training to produce moving free-flight experiences so you can emotionally connect to their birds and learn more about avian wildlife and conservation. |
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