The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has a wide variety of programs and services to help protect the environment and endangered plant species. From agronomic services to helping local governments preserve open space, NCDA&CS is helping to conserve North Carolina's landscape for future generations. In addtion, NCDA&CS:

• Analyzes soil samples to help farmers and homeowners fine-tune nutrient applications and prevent overuse of fertilizers.   
  Agronomic Services Division  
   
• Protects threatened and endangered native plant species.   
  Plant Industry Division  
   
• Conducts controlled burns to stimulate forest growth and reduce the risk of wildfires.   
  N.C. Forest Service  
   
• Administers the Pesticide Container Recycling Program, which has kept more than 3 million pounds of pesticide containers out of landfills since 1995.   
  Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division  
   
• Assists local governments and nonprofit groups with the conservation of open space.   
  Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, Division of Soil and Water Conservation  
   
• Inspects logging sites for compliance with water quality rules.   
  N.C. Forest Service  
   
• Protects natural resources from destructive and invasive insects, diseases and plants.   
  Plant Industry Division  
   
• Works with landowners to identify ways to develop and protect water resources.   
  Division of Soil and Water Conservation  
   
• Grows 18 million tree seedlings each year for re-forestation efforts.   
  N.C. Forest Service