Cradle of Forestry in America: The Biltmore Forest School of 1893-1913

by Carl A. Schenck

Book by Schenck, Carl A., Butler, Ovid

244 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[Larry Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone who practices forestry, or has a interest in the history of the forests in western North Carolina. I was not excited when I was given this book, because I thought it was about Carl Alwin Schenck and not by him. After reading his work, this book will never leave my shelf and I plan to read it multiple times through my lifetime. I’m grateful that someone saw this book, thought of me, and knew better than myself how much I would enjoy it.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will give this a five star rating because it is very informative and written in a very heart warming manner by a German "Professor of Forestry" who really introduced the United States to the science and practice of forestry management.
However, do not think that this book is about a man dedicated to preserving large tracts of trees for generations. Schenck was a serious capitalist and his vision was to gain access to desirable trees and sell them to the lumbermen. His conservation efforts were in cutting the forest in such a way as to leave enough of the mother trees as to seed the forest for a regeneration so as to have trees to cut again later.
Trees are a renewable resource, and who of us chooses to live without wood? What else would you choose, yet even more plastic in your life?
This book covers very well the scene of forestry throughout the U.S. from 1890-1920, as Schenck was very mobile, had many contacts, and loved touring and teaching his students on the road. There is also much history here on George Vanderbilt and the construction of his massive home at Biltmore.

[Rebecca Schrupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book while touring the Biltmore Estate in Fall 2019. I was hoping to find work in Forestry and Fire Management in the Appalachians for the 2020 season and this book seemed to be an interesting way to learn the history of the area. I was totally right. Having never studied Forestry, I had to Google some things, but I learned so much about the history of Forestry and was shown a much different perspective on the argument of ‘Conservation vs Preservation’. It was really refreshing to hear from someone who wasn’t John Muir or Gifford Pinchot! There is a lot of history and personal perspective (obviously, it’s a memoir, of sorts) which was also very interesting, and the maps and pictures included truly allowed the history to resonate with me.

[Eli Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent primer for the history of forestry in America. Carl Schenck pioneered forestry education in America but is not recognized as one of the fathers of American forestry like his peers Pinchot, Muir, Roosevelt. Schenck experiences many obstacles that would continue to plague forestry in America. His key idea is that for conservative lumbering, or sustainable forestry as we would call it today, to be possible, it must be practical and profitable.

[Carrie Highley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked learning about forestry and behind the scenes at Biltmore Estate.

[Don Goforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting about Schenk and how forestry began in the US. The way he tells his story and his humor in telling parts of it are great. It's well worth reading.

[Sharon Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good background information to Biltmore and the mountains of WNC.

[Hope Ascher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This autobiographical book on Carl Alvin Schenck's time at the Biltmore Forestry School is priceless. Schenck provides significant insights into the intrigue of working with one of America's wealthiest families and the birth of US Forest Service. It is a delightful read.

[Samuel Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great back story of old Biltmore