Educator Trek: Backbone of North Carolina

This professional development workshop invites educators to deepen their understanding of North Carolina's mountain landscape. Over the course of a weekend, you'll travel along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visiting sites like Linville Gorge and Grandfather Mountain while learning geology firsthand. Participants get hands-on practice identifying rocks and minerals using samples and natural outcrops, plus insight into the geological processes that created the mountains we see today. The program is designed for teachers, administrators, and other education professionals working toward Environmental Education Certification. Your $170 registration covers lodging for two nights at the NC Forest Service Mountain Training Facility in Crossnore, most meals, transportation from Raleigh, and classroom materials. The workshop earns 20 contact hours toward your CEUs or certification requirements. Group transportation departs Raleigh at 2pm on Friday, though you're welcome to meet the group at the lodging that evening instead. Note that this trek is currently full, but interested educators can join the waiting list for potential openings.