Shortleaf Pine illustration with NCFS Shield Holmes Educational State Forest

Shortleaf Pine illustration with NCFS Shield Holmes Educational State Forest

Holmes Educational State Forest Favorite Moments 2020

We would like to thank everyone for another year and are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve our surrounding communities. These six pictures represent a couple of our favorite moments while working in 2020. (Click image for larger view)

  • Photo of echinacea blooms

    One of my favorite spots on the forest. Visit the pollinator garden and observe the many plants that help our forest pollinators. Special thanks to the NC Cooperative Extension, Henderson County Master Gardeners who have done a fantastic job maintaining and providing new plants to the garden.

    Photo By: Susan Fay

  • Photo of tree bud

    It’s a fun challenge to try and figure out what tree you are observing without leaves. What tree do you think this bud belongs to? Want to know more about tree identification in the winter? Check our website for any upcoming programs.

    Photo By: Susan Fay

  • Photo of Amy Kinsella filming video on tree rings

    The making "Tree Growth Rings" educational video for 1st-5th grade. Amy enjoyed the process of filming and compiling the video content for the public to enjoy.

    Photo By: Amy Kinsella

  • Photo of Amy Kinsella with other wildland firefighters in Texas

    Western Texas Initial Attack Crew Dispatch in late August/early September: Amy was part of a Type II crew staged for Initial Attack on a western fire dispatch.

    Photo By: Jason Noble, NCFS BRIDGE

  • Photo of crab spider

    Crab Spider: Unlike spiders that spin webs, crab spiders are ambush predators. They camouflage themselves and hide inside flowers waiting for their prey to land. These spiders can almost always be found in our pollinator garden during the warmer months.

    Photo By: EJ Dwigans

  • Photo of lion's mane mushroom

    Lion’s Mane Mushroom: In addition to being an excellent fall edible species, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are considered to be medicinal and contain promising neuro-regenerative compounds that could one day be used to treat Alzheimer’s patients.

    Photo By: EJ Dwigans


Be sure to visit and find your own favorite moment.