Schenck Forest
Sunlight turns the pines’
bark into gold, wind rustles through the leaves, and
time stands still as Richland
Creek flows aimlessly
in the 245 acre Carl Alwin Schenck Forest accessed from
Reedy Creek Road. Established in 1936 by North Carolina
State University, this forest facilitates research and
experiments in botany, lumber harvesting, hydrology,
erosion, and ecology for the students of the College
of Forest Resources. The forest is named after Carl
Alwin Schenck, born in 1868 in Darmstadt, Germany. After
extensively studying forestry, he came  to
the United States where he headed the first forestry
school in the nation, Biltmore Forest School, on the
Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Schenck
is credited with being a pioneer in European and American
forestry. For his contributions, several forests have
been named in honor of him.
Schenck Forest is not only a
great asset to the university; it is also very valuable
for citizens seeking a breath of fresh air. While students
are exploring the intricacies of the oaks, pines, and
maples, walkers and joggers are exploring diverse tree
species and wildlife found along the foot trails that
transverse the park. The City of Raleigh’s Loblolly
Trail runs through the forest, connecting it to the
RBC Center, Richland
Lake, and Umstead
State Park. Picnic
tables and a covered shelter allow for great picnics
and gatherings. The forest is open to the public (no
dogs, bikes, or geocaching allowed), and is a convenient
oasis from work, congestion, and the suburbs. |
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