Are you a landowner or manager seeking to protect the health of your woods from the threat of invasive plants? Do you desire to enhance the value of your land with native plants, trees and water management strategies? Want to learn the benefits or proper care for your landscape plants and trees?

Then the place to be on April 23 and 24 is the N.C. Zoo in Asheboro. “Native Landscaping and Water Management” is the second in a series of four workshops in the Biltmore Forest School Piedmont Woodland Steward Series. The series is designed to equip participants with the tools and resources needed to manage land, with information presented by experts from public and private agencies. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 23, and from 9 a.m. to noon April 24.

Participants will learn the basics of landscape designing with native plants, with a guided tour of native plants at the zoo.

“You’ll also learn to recognize and combat nonnative invasive plant species common to your region,” says a spokesman. “Increasing the value and enjoyment of your property by proper protection, care and planting of landscape trees will be discussed, including topics such as pruning, mulching and hazard trees. Instructors will also present information on restoring grassland habitat and managing stormwater.”

The cost is $40 per person per workshop, with spouse or other family member at $20. Registration includes lunch and snacks on the first day of each workshop as well as workshop-related materials, including a resource notebook full of detailed information on the topics covered. Registration for this workshop will be accepted through April 16.

Credit toward N.C. Environmental Education Certification is available, as well as forester CFE and educator CEU credits. Workshops also count as electives toward the Asheville Board of Realtors ECO Certification.

Advance registration is required. For more information and registration materials on this opportunity that you cannot afford to miss, visit www.cradleofforestry.org or contact Amy Garascia, program coordinator, at amysworkshopinfo@aol.com or (828) 884-5713, extension 26.