CONWAY — Those who are interested in connecting with nature, unplugging from the world of constant communication and walking away with several skills can take a trip out to the woods next weekend.
Earthwork Programs is hosting “Berries, Baskets and Brook Trout Weekend of Workshops,” on July 14 and 15 in Conway. There will be two wilderness workshops a day, and chances to either spend the weekend there or to pick the ones that are of interest.
Director Frank Grindrod said the weekend is a chance to renew your batteries after the work week — allowing you to be a “Human being instead of human doing.”
Typically, there can be anywhere from half a dozen to 30 people attending, but regardless, Grindrod said the nature of the events bring people together.
“We weave them into this community experience,” Grindrod said. “The environment becomes this rich experience, where, ‘Yeah, I learned all of these neat things, but I also met all these cool friends.’”
The programming is intended for families, adults and teens.
The four workshops are titled: “Birch Bark Basket Making,” “Wild Edibles and Medicinal,” “Primitive Fishing” and “Intro to Wilderness Survival.”
Grindrod said the programs are intended to teach people something they can walk away with.
“How can we really apply what we’re learning so that we’re in the garden and we’re picking out our veggies for our salad and then all of a sudden we see these weeds and we realize they’re more nutritious than some of the plants we’re growing,” he said.
People can learn how to make tree bark into a container that you can drink out of. They can learn what to eat and use medicinally that’s wild. There will also be the opportunity to create your own fishing line and understand how to be aware of yourself as you fish and of the overall ecology of the river.
“It’s not just about making a line and throwing it in like you see on YouTube,” Grindrod said. “There’s nothing that is better than your own direct experience.”
Those who want to stay overnight can stay in either cabins to rent or they can pitch a tent.
To sign up, head to earthworkprograms.com or call Grindrod at 413-340-1161.
Check out the group on social media, on Facebook and Instagram.