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THE PISGAH CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATIONis open from 8:00AM to 4:45PM Monday–Saturday from Aprilthrough November and Monday–Friday December throughMarch. The Center and its activities are programs of theN.C.Wildlife Resources Commission and are supportedthrough fees collected from hunters and anglers andthrough partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program,and business and community groups. Admission is free,and all exhibits are universally accessible. Visit the Commission online at ncwildlife.org. The Center isclosed on most state holidays.

To register for a program, arrang e group programs or receive additional information, please contact the program coordinator or register online atwww.ncwildlife.org/pisgah/signup.

PISGAH CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATIONMailing Address: Physical Address:P.O. Box 1600 1401 Fish Hatchery RoadPisgah Forest, NC 28768 Pisgah Forest, NC 28768Fax: 828-877-4792 Phone: 828-877-4423

All photography by Melissa McGaw/NCWRC unless noted.

The N.C.Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all wild -life programs are administered for the benefit of all North Carolina citizens without preju-dice toward age, sex, race, religion or national origin. Violations of this pledge may be re-ported to the N.C.Wildlife Resources Commission, Equal Employment Officer, PersonnelOffice, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606. Telephone 919-707-0101.

15,000 copies of this document were on printed recycled paperat a total cost of $2,830 or $0.188/copy.

Get N.C.Wildlife Update—news including season dates, bag limits, legislativeupdates and more—delivered to your Inbox from the N.C.Wildlife ResourcesCommission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.

JANUARY–JUNE 2017

2017 Programs for the public are free unless a registration fee is listed; however, donations are gladly accepted. Pre-registration is required for all programs. Please register online at www.ncwildlife.org/pisgah/signupor call 828-877-4423.

PROGRAMS FOR THE PUBLIC

JanuaryLeader BuildingJanuary 20 F 9am to 12pmLearn why different leaders make your flyfishing more effective. Participants willconstruct both furled leaders and hand-tiedleaders. Ages 12 and up.

FebruaryFly Tying for the BeginnerFebruary 6 M 9am to 12pmLearn the basics of fly tying during this in-troductory level class. Work at your ownpace to tie a basic pattern. Equipment andmaterials provided. Ages 12 and up.

Advanced Fly Tying: Tying NymphsFebruary 8 W 9am to 12pmNymph fishing is an effective tactic whenthere are no fish rising. This course willteach you how to tie a variety of mayfly,caddis and stonefly patterns for subsurfacefishing techniques. Ages 12 and up.

Fly Selection 101February 10 F 9am to 12pmLearn the basics of various fly patterns,includ ing when and how to use them.Discus sion will include nymph, emerger,dry fly and terrestrials. Ages 12 and up.

MarchIntroduction to Fly FishingMarch 7 T 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

On the Water: Little RiverMarch 9 TH 9am to 2pmPractice your fly fishing skills on the LittleRiver in DuPont State Recreational Forest.Meet at the Hooker Falls Parking Area.Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

Nature Nuts: Canids March 10 F 9am to 11amMarch 20 M 9am to 11amCanids are more than just your pet dog athome. This group includes wolves, coy-otes, and foxes. Find out about teeth,paws, claws, and other qualities that makethis group great. Ages 4–7.

Eco Explorers: TrackingMarch 10 F 1pm to 3pmMarch 20 M 1pm to 3pmWho made those tracks? What is scat?What bird left that feather? Learn the an-swers to these questions and more as weexplore the exciting world of animal track-ing. Ages 8–13.

Fly Tying for the BeginnerMarch 13 M 9am to 12pmLearn the basics of fly tying during thisintro ductory level class. Work at your ownpace to tie a basic pattern. Equipment andmaterials provided. Ages 12 and up.

Advanced Fly Tying: Dry FliesMarch 14 T 9am to 12pmTake your fly tying skills to the next levelas we learn to tie common dry flies. In thiscourse you will learn what material to use,how to create a variety of patterns usingsimilar techniques and create a few pat-terns for your fly box. Ages 12 and up. Allmaterials are provided.

Hunter Education CourseMarch 14 T 6pm to 9pmMarch 15 W 6pm to 9pmEveryone must successfully complete ahunter education course before hunting in N.C. This course covers hunter respon-sibility and firearms and is accepted inevery state in the U.S. No minimum age.This course is offered over a two day period.Attendees must be present both days.

Identifying WoodpeckersMarch 17 F 9am to 12pmLearn how to identify woodpeckers throughsight and sound. We’ll spend an hour in theclassroom honing our skills followed by alight birding hike. Ages 10 and up. Noyounger siblings please because silence andpatience is imperative when birding by ear.

Introduction to Fly FishingMarch 21 T 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

Backyard Birding by Ear: For BeginnersMarch 22 W 9am to 12pmLearn how to identify common backyardbirds by their calls and songs. Start in theclassroom with some listening quiz gamesand be prepared for light hiking. Ages 10and up.No younger siblings please becausesilence and patience is imperative when bird-ing by ear.

Casting for Beginners: Level IMarch 23 TH 10am to 3pm

Learn various casting techniques at LakeImaging in DuPont State Recreational For-est. All equipment and materials are pro-vided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

Kid’s Introduction to Fly FishingMarch 27 M 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 8 to 15.

Reading the WaterMarch 28 T 9am to 1pmLearn where to stand in the river, when tomend your line, when to pick up your line,water hydrology and much more. Ages 12and up.

AprilTalkin’ TurkeyApril 1 SA 9am to 3pmBeginner or experienced hunters are in-vited to attend this pre-turkey seasoncourse that will help you to be a more effi-cient and effective hunter. Ages 12 and up.

Beginner Outdoor PhotographyApril 1 SA 9am to 1pmBrush up on the basics of photography andcomposition while focusing on wildlife andtheir habitats. Wear sturdy shoes and bringyour camera, questions, and extra batter-ies. Ages 14 and up.

Advance Fly Tying: MidgesApril 3 M 9am to 12pmLearn to create simple, but extremely effec-tive patterns for “midging” and create a fewpatterns for your fly box. Ages 12 and up.

Introduction to Fly FishingApril 4 T 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

On the Water: East Fork French BroadApril 6 TH 9am to 2pmPractice your fly-fishing skills on the EastFork French Broad River and learn aboutDelayed Harvest regulations, reading thewater, fly selection, presentation, and cast-ing. Equipment and materials provided.Meet at the Exxon/Kountry Mart store inRosman, N.C. Ages 12 and up.

Nature Nuts: AmphibiansApril 7 F 9am to 11amApril 17 M 9am to 11amWhat’s the difference between a frog and atoad? What do they like to eat? How arethey important to our ecosystems? Learnthe answers to these and many more ques-tions as we explore the fascinating world offrogs and toads. Ages 4–7.

Eco Explorers: Birding by EarApril 7 F 1pm to 3pmApril 17 M 1pm to 3pmLearn how to identify common backyardbirds by their calls and songs. Start in theclassroom with some listening quiz gamesand tbe prepared for light hiking. Ages 8–13.

Birdhouse Basics April 8 SA 2pm to 3:30pmBuild a birdhouse to take home, and learnsome basics about birds and bird habitatrequirements. All materials provided. Forages 7 and up. Limited to 12 families withone birdhouse per family.

Introduction to TenkaraApril 8 SA 10am to 1pmJason Sparks of Appalachian Tenkara intro-duces the newly popular form of traditionalJapanese fly fishing, Tenkara. Topics coveredwill include history of angling style, equip-ment orientation, a unique perspective onJapanese flies (Kebari), and the ways andmethods to use Tenkara in our local waters.Bring your own lunch, and afterwards therewill be a hands-on learning session. Limitedto 15 participants. Ages 14 and up.

John Rock HikeApril 14 TH 9am to 2pmLearn about area wildlife and the habitatsthey call home in the Pisgah National For-est as we hike John Rock. Good shoes,water and a snack are a must for this hike.Ages 14 and up.

Kid’s Introduction to Fly FishingApril 18 T 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 8–15.

TrackingApril 19 W 9am to 11amWho made those tracks? What is scat? Whatbird left that feather? Learn the answers tothese questions and more as we explore theexciting world of animal tracking. Ages 8–15.

Pisgah HikeApril 20 TH 9am to 12pmLearn about area wildlife and the habitatsthey call home in the Pisgah National For-est as we take a hike through the forest.Good shoes, water and a snack are a mustfor this hike. Ages 8–13.

Family Fly Fishing Day April 21 F 9am to 12pmLearn the basics of fly fishing. Equipmentand materials provided. Limited to 12 par-ticipants. Ages 8 and up.

Introduction to Fly FishingApril 24 M 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

Casting for Beginners: Level IApril 25 T 10am to 3pmLearn various casting techniques at LakeImaging in DuPont State Recreational For-est. All equipment and materials are pro-vided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

Fly Tying for the BeginnerApril 29 SA 9am to 12pmLearn the basics of fly tying during this in-troductory level class. Work at your ownpace to tie a basic pattern. Equipment andmaterials provided. Ages 12 and up.

Close-up Outdoor PhotographyApril 29 SA 9am to 1pmInvestigate the settings and techniquesneeded for getting the closest, sharpestimage of the fascinating world of tinyplants and animals. Wear sturdy shoes andbring your camera, questions, and extrabatteries. Ages 14 and up.

CURTIS FRY/FLICKR

MayIntroduction to Fly FishingMay 4 TH 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

Nature Nuts: Stream InvestigationMay 6 SA 9am to 11amMay 15 M 9am to 11amExplore the Davidson River looking foraquatic macroinvertebrates. Based on whatwe find, we can determine the water qual-ity of the river and will discuss how theselittle critters play such an important role inthe ecosystem. Ages 4–7.

Eco Explorers: Stream StatsMay 6 SA 1pm to 3pmMay 15 M 1pm to 3pmLearn about water quality in the DavidsonRiver and the importance of good waterquality for aquatic organisms like ourmountain trout. Plan on getting wet as weanalyze flow rates, dissolved oxygen levels,pH levels, and more. Ages 8–13.

Introduction to TenkaraMay 6 SA 10am to 1pmJason Sparks of Appalachian Tenkara intro-duces the newly popular form of traditionalJapanese fly fishing, Tenkara. Topics coveredwill include history of angling style, equip-ment orientation, a unique perspective onJapanese flies (Kebari), and the ways andmethods to use Tenkara in our local waters.Bring your own lunch, and afterwards therewill be a hands-on learning session. Limitedto 15 participants. Ages 14 and up.

On the Water: North Fork Mills RiverMay 9 T 9am to 2pmPractice your fly-fishing skills on the NorthFork Mills River under the supervision andexperienced eyes of our fly-fishing instruc-tors. Learn about Delayed Harvest regula-tions, wading, reading the water, fly selection,pres entation, casting, knots and stream ento-mology during a fun and relaxed morning offishing. Equipment and materials provided.Meet at the public parking area, next to thecampground on the river. Ages 12 and up.

On the Water: Little RiverMay 11 TH 9am to 2pmPractice your fly-fishing skills on the LittleRiver in DuPont State Recreational Forestunder the supervision and experiencedeyes of our fly-fishing instructors. Learnabout Delayed Harvest regulations, readingthe water, fly selection, presentation, cast-ing, during a fun and relaxed morning offishing. Equipment and materials provided.Meet at the Hooker Falls Parking Area.Ages 12 and up.

Birding HikeMay 12 F 9am to 12pmTake a short hike through Pisgah NationalForest as we learn to identify common birdspecies. This class is designed for the begin-ner birder. Bring water and good hikingshoes. Ages 12 and up.

Backyard Birding by Ear: For BeginnersMay 13 SA 9am to 12pmLearn how to identify common backyardbirds by their calls and songs. We’ll start in the classroom with some listening quizgames. Come prepared for light hiking outside. Ages 10 and up.

Fly Tying for the BeginnerMay 20 SA 9am to 12pmLearn the basics of fly tying during this in-troductory level class. Work at your ownpace to tie a basic pattern. Equipment andmaterials provided. Ages 12 and up.

Outdoor Smart Phone PhotographyMay 20 SA 9am to 1pmLearn the basics of photography and compo-sition while focusing on wildlife and theirhabitats using your mobile device. Wearsturdy shoes and bring your smart phone,tablet, or other mobile device. Ages 12 andup.

Introduction to Fly FishingMay 22 M 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

Casting for Beginners: Level IMay 24 W 10am to 3pmLearn various casting techniques at LakeImaging in DuPont State Recreational For-est. All equipment and materials are pro-vided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

Introduction to Fly Fishing: Lake FishingMay 26 F 8am to 1pmLearn the basics of fly fishing on a locallake. Equipment and materials provided.Bring a lunch and meet at High Falls park-ing area in DuPont State Recreational For-est. Must have completed Intro to FlyFishing or have equivalent experience be-fore taking this class. Ages 12 and up.

On the Water: Davidson RiverMay 30 T 9am to noonPractice your fly fishing skills and learn about wading, reading the water, fly selection,presentation, casting, knots and stream en-tomology. Bring non-slip wading shoes orwaders. Equipment and materials provided.Limit 6 participants. Ages 12 and up.

Register online at www.ncwildlife.org/pisgah/signup or call 828-877-4423.

JuneKid’s Introduction to Fly FishingJune 2 F 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 8–15.

Women’s Introduction to Fly FishingJune 3 SA 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

Introduction to TenkaraJune 3 SA 10am to 1pmJason Sparks of Appalachian Tenkara intro-duces the newly popular form of traditionalJapanese fly fishing, Tenkara. Topics coveredwill include history of angling style, equip-ment orientation, a unique perspective onJapanese flies (Kebari), and the ways andmethods to use Tenkara in our local waters.Bring your own lunch, and afterwards therewill be a hands-on learning session. Limitedto 15 participants. Ages 14 and up.

Advance Fly Tying: TerrestrialsJune 5 M 9am to 12pmAs the warmer weather approaches, learnwhat it takes to tie very effective terrestrialpatterns like inch worms, ants and beetles.In this course you will learn what materialto use, how to create a variety of patternsusing similar techniques and create a fewpatterns for your fly box. Ages 12 and up.

Nature Nuts: SnakesJune 5 M 9am to 11amJune 17 SA 9am to 11amLearn about local snake species and theimportant role they play in the ecosystem.Activities include story time, crafts, and ahike thru the forest! Ages 4 –7.

Eco Explorers: Stream InvestigationJune 5 M 1pm to 3pmJune 17 SA 1pm to 3pmExplore the Davidson River in search ofaquatic macroinvertebrates. Based on ourfindings, we can determine the water qual-ity of the river and learn how these littlecritters play such an important role in theecosystem and to our beloved mountaintrout. Ages 8–13.

Introduction to Fly FishingJune 6 T 9am to 3pmLearn the basics of fly fishing: equipment,knots, casting, and spend a couple of hoursfishing the Davidson River. All materialsprovided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

Casting for Beginners: Level IJune 9 F 10am to 3pmLearn various casting techniques at LakeImaging in DuPont State Recreational For-est. All equipment and materials are pro-vided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and up.

A Week in the WaterJune 12–16 M –F 9am to 12pm, dailyJune 19–23 M –F 9am to 12pm, dailyYoung people join us for a weeklong seriesof hands-on classes that focus on the artand skill of fly fishing. Participants learnabout equipment, knots, casting tech-niques and more. Ages 10–15.

Snorkeling in the StreamJune 21 W 9am to 12pmExplore the Davidson River in search ofaquatic macroinvertebrates. Based on ourfindings, we can determine the water qual-ity of the river and learn how these little critters play such an important role inthe ecosystem and to our beloved mountain trout. We’ll have snorkels and masks available, so come prepared to get wet! Swim ming clothing and a towel is recommended. Ages 8 and up.

A Week in the CreekJune 26–30 M –F 9am to 12pm, dailyYoung people join us for a weeklong seriesof hands-on classes that focus on waterquality and the fish and wildlife that de-pend on our local water systems. Ages 6–10.

Introduction to Fly Fishing: Lake FishingJune 28 W 8am to 1pmLearn the basics of fly fishing on a locallake. Equipment and materials provided.Bring a lunch and meet at High Falls park-ing area in DuPont State Recreational For-est. Must have completed Intro to FlyFishing or have equivalent experience be-fore taking this class. Ages 12 and up.

On Your VisitTrout Hatchery: A visit to the Center starts with a walkaround the hatchery raceways. Once trout reach fingerlingsize, they feed and grow in a series of 54 outdoor raceways,which channel 3,500 gallons per minute of cold mountainwater from nearby Davidson River and Grogan Creek. You’llenjoy watching and even feeding the brook, rainbow andbrown trout that supply the Commission’s hatchery-supported streams.

Outdoor Trails: Check out what spring brings to the modelbackyard wildlife garden. From the garden, a univer sallyacces sible interpretive trail winds through a hardwoodforest habitat providing a glimpse of native wildlife.

Mountain Animals and Habitats: Next stop is the Center’smountain wildlife exhibit where you can get a close look atlive animals. Large aquariums representing five aquatichabitats hold colorful fish, toads, salamanders and snakes.Then, view an award-winning documentary on the naturalhistory of the mountains and the ways that the Commissionworks with you to conserve our wildlife diversity.

Take a ClassPrograms for the Public: Individuals can register for pro-grams listed in this brochure. Special programs for adultsand youth provide a variety of outdoor learning experi-ences. The Nature Nuts series offers activities and topics forchildren ages 4–7. Eco-Explorers engages youth ages 8–13in natural history exploration.

Programs for Groups/Schools: The Center offers classes forgroups of 10 or more. Call the Program Coordinator at 828-877-4423 to arrange a group program. Many classes giveparticipants a chance to learn a par tic ular skill, such astracking, orienteering or biological water sampling. Allgroup programs are hands-on and most are conductedoutdoors. These programs are scheduled at each group’sconvenience and generally last one to three hours dependingon the topic.

Programs for Educators: The Center’s outreach educatorleads Project WILD, Aquatic WILD and CATCH workshopsfor educators and youth leaders. Programs are offered at theCenter and offsite. For more infor mation, visit ncwildlife.org,or contact the outreach educator at 828-329-3472.

Distance Learning: Too far from a wildlife education center tomanage a field trip? Videoconferencing connects groups of 10 or more with a wildlife specialist at the CentennialCampus Center for Wild life Education in Raleigh. Interactiveprograms span a variety of wildlife themes correlated withthe N.C. Department of Public Instruction Essential Stan-dards. Materials for hands-on activities are shipped to yoursite prior to the program date. Contact the distance learn-ing coor dinator at 919-707-0205 for information, or clickon Learning/Workshops at ncwildlife.org.

Outdoor Skills: Participants receive hands-on train ing fromexperts in activities such as archery, fishing and tracking in theCommission’s Outdoor Skills workshops. The Becoming anOutdoors-Woman® program offers women a day-long or overnight experience with activities such as fly-fishing,archery, shooting and boating. Youth Hunts teach responsi-ble hunting for youth, ages 13–15, accompanied by a parentor guardian. For more information on Outdoor Skills programs, visit ncwildlife.org or call 919-218-3638.

THE PISGAH CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATIONMountain habitats are the theme of this education center, ded icated to exploringNorth Caro lina’s wildlife. A part of the N.C.Wildlife Resources Commission, thePisgah Center for Wildlife Education is located in Pisgah National Forest next to thestate’s largest trout hatchery—the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery.

Visit ncwildlife.org for details on all programs offered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Mountain streams, where water and life begin