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Warming Temperatures Could Help Invasive Species Spread in North Carolina

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Aerial view of a large industrial facility with one completed building and another under construction, surrounded by roads, vehicles, and cranes at sunset.

Sep 3, 2026

America’s Data Center Boom Puts New Pressure on Local Water Resources

With data center construction rapidly expanding across the United States, NC State professor Matthias Sprenger warns that this growth could strain local water resources that communities rely on.
Close-up of a black insect with glossy, segmented body and yellowish-green legs against a white background.

Sep 1, 2026

Elm Zigzag Sawfly: An Expert Guide to Identification, Damage and Management

Professor Kelly Oten explains how to identify the elm zigzag sawfly, recognize signs of infestation and manage this invasive pest.
Several white toilet paper rolls are arranged closely together, with one roll partially unrolled to reveal the embossed pattern on the sheet.

Aug 28, 2026

New Tariffs Could Make Toilet Paper More Expensive, Less Soft

With the United States imposing new tariffs on select Canadian exports, North Carolina State University experts warn that the escalating trade war could raise the price and reduce the quality of toilet paper and other tissue products. 
Aerial view of Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina during autumn - Fall Foliage in North Carolina: What to Expect This Year - College of Natural Resources News at NC State

Aug 26, 2026

North Carolina Fall Foliage: Expert Forecast and Guide for 2026

Fall foliage can begin as early as late September in the upper mountain elevations, but weather conditions like drought and warm temperatures could delay the onset of color or cause leaves to drop early.
A close-up of several maple leaves turning from green to orange and red, hanging from a branch against a blurred background of blue sky and green foliage.

Aug 26, 2026

North Carolina’s Fall Foliage May Be Patchy, Muted and Shorter This Year

Professor Robert Bardon explains how drought, heat and rain could shape North Carolina’s fall foliage, with some areas seeing more vibrant colors than others.
Clock tower with a blue sky backdrop and the North Carolina state flag in the foreground, partially framed by green leaves.

Aug 24, 2026

NC State Joins $160M NSF Initiative to Advance Biobased Manufacturing

A team of researchers from the Department of Forest Biomaterials will assess the affordability and sustainability of biobased products developed through the initiative.
Green maple leaves with some brown, dried patches in the foreground; more green foliage is blurred in the background under a bright sky.

Aug 18, 2026

Drought Stress in Trees: What to Expect and What to Do

Global droughts are worsening, putting trees at risk. NC State forest health expert Kelly Oten explains the impact and how homeowners can protect their trees.

Aug 17, 2026

A Raleigh Salamander Exists Nowhere Else on Earth. Development is Killing It.

The News & Observer
Krishna Pacifici, a professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, explains the challenges facing the Neuse River waterdog in North Carolina.

Aug 15, 2026

North Carolina Heat Could Speed the Spread of Spotted Lanternflies, Other Invasive Insects

The Cool Down
Kelly Oten, an assistant professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, highlights how rising temperatures can accelerate the development and spread of invasive insects such as spotted lanternflies.

Aug 10, 2026

Warming Temperatures Could Help Invasive Species Spread in North Carolina

WWAYTV3
Kelly Oten, an assistant professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, discusses how climate change is contributing to the spread of invasive pests and expanding their potential range.