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Vineyard at sunset with rows of grapevines and rolling hills in the background.

Mar 16, 2026

Agritourism Boosts Rural Livelihoods While Connecting Visitors to Farm Life

Farms around the world are offering hands-on experiences that support rural livelihoods, preserve agricultural traditions and educate visitors about farming practices and rural life, according to NC State expert Carla Barbieri.
Curling stones on ice

Feb 20, 2026

Beyond the Olympics: How Curling Promotes Active, Social Lifestyles

Curling isn’t just for world-class athletes. Research finds it helps adults of all ages stay active, hit thousands of steps and build lasting friendships.
Half Dome at Yosemite is bathed in warm sunset light, creating a striking orange glow on the granite. Foreground features tall evergreen trees.

Oct 13, 2025

What a Government Shutdown Means for National Parks

A government shutdown can limit park access and staff, threatening resources and local economies — highlighting the need for reliable funding to keep parks open and protected.

Aug 26, 2024

Wake County Announces Winners of the Sheila B. Jones Environmental Education Scholarship

Addisu Serba, a senior at North Carolina State University, and Dae Borg, a sophomore at Appalachian State University, have been named the first recipients of the Sheila B. Jones Environmental Education Scholarship. Each received $1,000 to support their studies and future careers in environmental education. The scholarship, established this year by Friends of the Wake…
Alumni Spotlight AG Osborne - Alum AG Osborne Wins Anderson Award from REI - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Jun 12, 2023

Alum AG Osborne Wins Anderson Award from REI

AG Osborne earned his online masters of recreation (MPRTSM) degree and graduated with distinction in 2022, all while working at Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). Osborne received the company’s Anderson Award, a peer-nominated award given to less than 1 percent of the company’s 16,000 employees. “The Anderson Award celebrates the co-op’s culture and values, recognizing the…
NC Cooperative Extension display board - Connecting in North Carolina Tour Showcases University Outreach and Parks, Recreation and Tourism - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Jun 12, 2023

Connecting in North Carolina Tour Showcases University Outreach and Engagement in Parks, Recreation and Tourism

The Connecting in North Carolina (CINC) Tour is an opportunity for new faculty/staff to gain a better understanding of the University’s outreach across counties and the impacts of those efforts, and put a face to the people doing the work and making an impact on their county and region. “The creation of this university was…
Alumni Spotlight Diquan Edmonds - Alumni Spotlight: Diquan Edmonds Continues Mission to Make Outdoors Accessible for All - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

May 23, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: Diquan Edmonds Continues Mission to Make Outdoors Accessible for All

Diquan Edmonds graduated with a master’s degree in parks, recreation and tourism management in 2019. Today, he is the education and outreach manager at Triangle Land Conservancy (tlc), an organization dedicated to saving places and land by working to safeguard clean water, protect natural habitats, support local farms and food, and connect people with nature.…
North Carolina bench - North Carolina Tourism Numbers Rise along with Industry Employment - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

May 22, 2023

North Carolina Tourism Numbers Rise along with Industry Employment

VisitNC recently released the 2022 economic impact measures for the state’s tourism industry. Travelers spent more than $33.3 billion on trips to and within the state, topping the previous record of $29.22 billion set in pre-pandemic 2019. “The record setting level of visitor spending in NC points to a need to continually evaluate and advance…
Alumni Spotlight Kat Deutsch - Kat Deutsch is Blazing New Trails for North Carolina State Parks - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

May 16, 2023

Kat Deutsch is Blazing New Trails for North Carolina State Parks

In May 2023, Kat Deutsch graduated with a master’s degree in parks, recreation and tourism management (PRTM) while working as a state trails planner for NC State Parks. As one of only two of trail planners in the state, Deutsch works on developing trails for 12 state trails located throughout North Carolina. She joined the…
Pionner in Parks & Recreation Jack Swede Frauson February 10, 1936 - December 18, 2022 - The Lasting Legacy of Jack "Swede" Frauson - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Apr 25, 2023

The Lasting Legacy of Jack “Swede” Frauson

There are not many people in the park and recreation profession in North Carolina and the U.S. who haven’t been affected by the work of Jack “Swede” Frauson. Frauson helped establish more than 25 parks and recreation departments in NC and nurtured and provided consulting services for most of the departments across the entire state.…