The first series of the collection, the Diaries, records personal notes, schedules, and appointments made by Schenck between 1890 and 1954. Most diaries include notations made in both English and German and often reflect a system of shorthand devised by Schenck and used throughout the journals. With the exception of a few lapses, this series contains a journal for almost every year of Schenck's professional life. Therefore, information pertaining to Schenck's tenure at the Biltmore Estate and Forest, his administration of the Biltmore Forest School, and his numerous personal and professional travels are included in these journals. One notable lapse in the diaries occurs between 1914 and 1920, during which time Schenck participated in World War I. For detailed information on Schenck's experiences during the war, the third series, Writings, contains a monograph authored by Schenck on the subject.

The Correspondence series includes all letters addressed both to and from Schenck. Written between 1895 and 1955, the letters are written in both English and German. The series is divided into four primary subseries: professional correspondence, letters to and from forestry colleagues, correspondence with former students from the Biltmore Forest School, and general correspondence. Within the subseries of professional correspondence, letters pertain either to the Biltmore Estate and Forest or the Biltmore Forest School. These letters roughly date from 1895, the year in which Schenck assumed his leadership role at the Biltmore Estate, to 1914, the year the Biltmore Forest School closed. For most of his professional life, Schenck continued to correspond with many of his colleagues, many of whom are considered to be the founders of the profession of forestry. Letters from Sir Dietrich Brandis, Frederick Law Olmstead, Gifford Pinchot, Overton Price, and Sir William Schlich are all highlighted in this series. A large portion of Schenck's correspondence is dedicated to his former students at the Biltmore Forest School. These letters, extending far past the students' graduation from the school, demonstrate the close relationship between Dr. Schenck and "his boys." A number of student letters accompanied care packages that were sent to Schenck in Germany in the wake of World War II. Schenck carefully recorded the contents of each package in letters back to students, which reflect the extreme poverty and economic shortages experienced by Germans. Finally, any general correspondence received or sent by Schenck is arranged at the end of the series in chronological order.

The third series, Writings, is divided into two primary subseries: English Language Materials and German Language Materials. The first of these subseries includes Schenck's field notes of logging operations throughout Europe and the United States. Among these notes is one volume containing notes completed with Sir Dietrich Brandis and Sir William Schlich between 1890 and 1893. Also included in the English Language Materials are several manuscripts of monographs, texts, articles, speeches, and poetry written by Schenck. Within the second subseries, the bulk of the materials are assorted notes made by Schenck between 1912 and 1954. Also included are Schenck's technical reports on various European forests and arboretums, his doctoral dissertation, several articles and publications, and a collection of legends and fairy tales compiled by Schenck.

The fourth series provides a detailed look into the personal and professional life of Dr. Schenck. Information regarding Schenck's political and economic troubles with the United States government is provided in the subseries entitled, Alien Property Custody Suit. This series also lists several sources that give biographical information on Schenck. Throughout his life, Schenck took several trips for both business and pleasure. All information, including itineraries, guidebooks, maps, and newspaper articles, on his personal travels is provided in this series. Of particular note on the subject of personal travel is Schenck's 1951 Tour of the United States. The collection contains detailed information on each of the states on Schenck's itinerary. Finally, this series also provides information on honorariums awarded to Schenck, as well as forestry reference materials used by him in his professional research.

The materials in this series deal with documents pertaining to Schenck's term as head forester at George Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate and Forest. In addition to general information regarding the house and forest, the series contains technical reports, budgets, and maps compiled by Schenck. The total of these materials provides an in-depth, detailed look into the inner workings of one of America's largest private homes. Magazine and newspaper clippings relating to the house and forest can be found at the end of the series.

Series Six provides a wealth of archival information on the Biltmore Forest School, the first forestry school in the United States. In addition to general information on the history of the school, this series contains several publications produced by the school. These publications include a complete run of the school newsletter, "The Biltmore Doings," alumni newsletters for the years 1948 - 1957, and a manuscript of . Also included is a subseries detailing the many trips taken by students across the United States and Europe as part of the school's curriculum.

The highlight of the school series is the documents pertaining to the students of the Biltmore Forest School. Several students donated their personal diaries, classroom notes, and exams that testify to their experiences at the Biltmore Forest School. Biographical material for many students is also included, the majority of which were written by the students themselves for inclusion in . Correspondence from students to their families and fellow classmates can be found in this series as well. Among these letters is a series of postcards sent by BFS student Howard Krinbill to his parents during his time at the school. Beginning in the fall of 1908, these postcards detail Krinbill's daily activities, the students' impressions of Dr. Schenck, and information on the students' housing conditions and diets.

The Photographs series includes three main formats: black and white prints, negatives, and albums. Furthermore, this series roughly follows the order and arrangement of the six previous series. Within the prints subseries, the order is as follows: personal, professional, and travel; Biltmore Estate and Forest; and the Biltmore Forest School. Included among these photographs are pictures of Schenck, his wife, forestry colleagues, the Vanderbilts, and BFS students. Negatives, which include small, medium and large glass plates as well as film negatives, follow the same order. Finally, several photo albums are included at the end of the series. These contain notes and photos taken by Schenck during his travels, as well as several albums compiled by students at the Biltmore Forest School.