Step back in time, when American Indians and European Americans lived closer to nature. Tracking and Woods Lore workshop and weekend is scheduled for January 16-18, 2009, at Twin Falls Resort State Park near Mullens in Wyoming County. The focus of the weekend will be learning some of the skills necessary for everyday life in the 18th century. Participants will take track walks and then have a chance to put these new skills into use. Other events of the weekend will be Indian stories, edible and medicinal plants, and an 18th century trading camp.
Trails, Inc. instructors and guides for the weekend are Doug Wood, Dianne Anestis, Mike Little, Sue Little and Tiffany Little. “The weekend focus is on cultural sharing that has made our modern life richer,” explains Doug Wood.
Activities will begin on Friday night and include hunting techniques of the Eastern Woodland Indians, introduction to tracking, and tracking walk to “listen to the dark.”
Paw print identification, a hunter/gather small group workshop, “nose to breeze and ear to the ground” walks, fur trade, a medicinal/edible/useful plants program, and a native supper are parts of the weekend agenda. Individuals participating in the West Virginia Master Naturalist program may use some of the sessions for continuing education. The Master Naturalist program is overseen by the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Attendees do not have to be enrolled in the Master Naturalist Program to register. “Tracking and Woods Lore is for anyone interested in 18th century lifestyles and culture,” Wood explains.
Overnight accommodations are available in either the Twin Falls Lodge or one of the cabins. Package prices include two nights’ lodging, Saturday dinner, break refreshments, and all event activities. Package pricing: One person with two nights’ lodging – $172; two people with two nights’ lodging – $235. Cabin rates and other options are available. Advanced reservations are required. The workshop flier is posted on www.wvstateparks.com under Calendar of Events.
For more information, call (304) 294-4000 or 1-800-CALL WVA and ask for Twin Falls Resort State Park or www.twinfallsresort.com.