Imagine that you step back in time to the date when wealthy lumber owners were buying huge parcels of land in western North Carolina. There were many thousands of acres of chestnut, oak, poplar, spruce and hemlock As the population grew and people farmed, the soil eroded. and trees were cut and destroyed. Then one of the railroad barons decided to build a country estate near Asheville, North Carolina. Thus begins the story of forestry in America. Catch a glimpse of the past as Gifford Pinchot, America's First Forester, takes you on a virtual tour of the historic site, The Cradle of Forestry in America. Meet three of the important people who influenced conservation and learn their role in preserving forests for all of us to enjoy. Learn about the structure of forests, wildflowers, trees, and animals. Climb a tree and play some games with us!