Shelter, warmth, tools, and even food: wood provides so many things to humans and wildlife!
Join us on Saturday, November 21 from 10 AM–12 PM for “The Wonders of Wood: Fire, Forts, and Forest Ecology,” an outdoor workshop for kids 3- to 10-years old with a caregiver, led by naturalist and outdoor educator Hillary Behr, at Charlotte C. Browne Woods in Chocorua. This play-based workshop will introduce kids to the ways that wood is central to the ecology of the forest by providing homes for animals and decomposing to enrich the soil. Some animals such as porcupines and beavers even eat parts of the wood!
The start of a fort for a furry friend. | Anna Paddock
Kids will directly experience how important wood is to humans through hands-on activities. They will be able to help build a fallen wood and leaf shelter that could keep a person warm on a cold night. Kids will have the opportunity to make simple tools and crafts out of wood, like walking sticks or a toy bow and arrow. If conditions allow it, we will learn how to build a small campfire and the importance of fire safety practices to prevent wildfires. We might even roast some food over the fire!
Bring the clothes, drinks, and food that you need to be comfortable on a chilly day for a couple hours outside. Something to sit on would be helpful. Also please wear a blaze orange item of clothing! This program is free/by donation. Please register in advance at chocorualake.org/events—space is limited, and we want to be able to let you know of changes to the schedule. Rain date will be November 22.
Hillary Behr grew up exploring the woods and waters of Tamworth and still calls it home. She earned a degree in Environmental Conservation and spent 8 years in rural California, working in land conservation and outdoor science education. Hillary has a Masters of Education and has worked as a teacher in many different settings, both outdoors and in the classroom, most recently teaching high school Environmental Science. She currently stays at home with her two young naturalists-in-training.
Banner Image: Toasting with fire at Wonders of Wood, 2022. | Juno Lamb