Birthplace of American Forestry

George W. Vanderbilt, following the recommendation of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, was the first American landowner to implement scientific forestry, the management and conservation of forest lands, on a large scale. He hired Gifford Pinchot, founder of The Society of American Foresters, to develop a management plan for the surrounding forest. Biltmore's forest management plan improved the health of the forest while protecting sustainable wood resources.

The Biltmore Forest School (1898 - 1913), located nearby, was the country's first to provide professional training for foresters. Today, many American colleges and universities offer curricula in forestry and natural resource management.

Marker can be reached from One Biltmore Plaza.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources:

HMDB