BearWise and FireWise: Coexistence with Nature in the Southern Appalachians

BearWise and FireWise: Coexistence with Nature in the Southern Appalachians $0.00

Saturday, April 11 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Meet at the ABG Visitor's Center (indoor class)

Join us for this double class on bear safety and fire safety, taught by Ashley Hobbs and Troy Harrison.

Ashley Hobbs, a Bear Biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, will discuss the natural history of black bears in western North Carolina and how you can use that information to safely coexist with these North Carolina treasures. Ashley will cover several topics including: bear behavior and biology in North Carolina, the BearWise initiative, which provides ways to prevent conflicts, provides resources to resolve problems, and encourages community initiatives to keep bears wild, and what to do in a bear encounter.

Living in close proximity to nature can also carry a risk of damage or loss from wildfire. Troy Harrison, the Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator for Mountain Valleys Resource, Conservation & Development District, will explore a brief history of wildfire suppression in our area, along with specific mitigation measures anyone can take to reduce risk of property damage or loss.

Ashely graduated from the University of GA in 2015 with a degree in Forestry Resources. She has worked with the University of GA and the USDA before joining the NC Wildlife Resources Commission in 2019. As a Special Projects Biologist, she is responsible for the management of human-wildlife interactions in Buncombe County, and the implementation of the North Carolina's BearWise Program statewide.

Troy Harrison has over 30 years experience in environmental regulations, forest inventory and fire control. Before retirement in 2022, He worked in the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, US Forest Service, and NC Forest Service. He was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine in 2022 for excellence in service to the state of North Carolina, He is the Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator for Mountain Valleys Resource,Conservation & Development District. Troy graduated from Warren Wilson College in 1988 with a BA in Environmental Studies and Business/Economics. Troy is also recognized as a traditional musician by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

This is a free class! Registration is required.

CLASS SIZE : 35