Asian Garden to Get Makeover...

Students in the Landscape Design I class recently began taking measurements of the HCC Asian Garden located behind the greenhouses at the Nix Horticulture Complex. The data will be utilized in the development of a planting plan for the area that will serve as the students’ final project for the fall 2009 semester. A donation of $750 from the Haywood County Master Gardener Volunteer Association has made the project possible. The funds will be utilized to allow upgrades to the pond liner and pump system, increases in the diversity of plant materials in the area, and placement of additional plant identification signage in the area. Students in the spring semester Landscape Management I class will install the selected design and complete the garden improvement. Many thanks are extended to the Master Gardener Association for their generous support of the garden upgrade. Additional thanks goes to the Waynesville Garden Club which has expressed an interest in helping with completion of the project. Updates will be posted as improvements are completed.(post by John Sherman)

Silvics and Silviculture Tour of Bent Creek

Sophomores in the Forest Management Technology program recently visited Bent Creek Experimental Forest to study the application upland hardwood silvicultural treatments used throughout the Southern Appalachians. Bent Creek Experimental Forest is the oldest federal experimental forest east of the Mississippi river and was established in 1925 for the purpose of conducting research on silvicultural practices that would aid in the rehabilitation of cutover, abused lands and promote sustainable forestry, and also to provide a field demonstration of forest management practices.

... About Our Fish and Wildlife Program

The Fish and Wildlife Management Program in the Department of Natural Resources Management at Haywood Community College is proud to announce that its new and improved Curriculum has been approved and is up and running strong. Use the link, Fish and Wildlife Management, under the Technology Programs section at the right side of this page to view the courses currently offered at the College. Also, we have included a slide presentation for your enjoyment! (post by Chris Graves)

Dendrology and Local History Collide....

One of the favorite classes both Wildlife and Forestry students take at HCC is dendrology. To learn the over one hundred species of trees and plants that we require, many hours of field trips are needed so students see the forest types that all of the plants occupy. We get the students out to many areas and expose all of the ones not from the area to many historic and recreational opportunities that this region offers. Last week all of the 6 sections of labs were taken to Cataloochee Valley to be tested and see new species that are in the valley.

They are now learning how to identify all the trees by twigs and buds, winter tree ID. The 3.5 mile hike took them to the Woody house, a historic home of one of the original settlers in the valley before it became a National Park. Here are a few pictures of one of the six sections of lab that were on the house porch, sitting on a log bridge crossing a stream, and as we left they got to see some of the elk that have been reintroduced into the valley.

This is at the end of rut season, but some of the bulls are still bugling for females. This is just one of the awesome filed trips this class offers to all freshmen in Natural Resource Management class that has become a favorite of the two years spent here. (post by Bob Pinkston)

Catch of the Day, "Mottled sculpin"

Fish and Wildlife Management student, Danielle Crocker, took third place in the pumpkin carving contest held on the HCC campus October 29, with her Mottled sculpin entry. Natural Resources applauds her creativity and ability to portray her education through master pumpkin carving techniques. Congratulations Danielle!

Happy Halloween from the Horticulture Program

(images provided by John Sherman)

Followup on Horticulture Club Service Project

Taking advantage of some rare, sunny fall weather, horticulture club members continued their hard work at the Waynesville VFW Post yesterday by planting shrubs. These plants were grown from cuttings by students in plant propagation (HOR168) and cared for by the nursery operations students (HOR124). Additional work will include mulching and planting perennials this spring.