For those looking for something to do this summer, activities abound at Jacksonville State University’s Little River Canyon Field School in Fort Payne.
Renee S. Morrison, coordinator for the field school, said there’s no shortage of events in July and August.
Here’s a rundown:
• Native American Pottery Workshop. Join nationally renowned potter Tammy Beane on July 17 to learn how potter was made thousands of years ago. Morrison said clay would be provided, as well as bone needles and paddles to create designs on the pots. She said there’s a long waiting list for this event and encourages interested parties to register early to secure a place. Workshops will be 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. There is a fee of $20 per adult and $15 per child.
• River Rhythms Family Fun Program: Animal Tracks. This event is held every fourth Saturday of the month and the next one will be July 24. Join Canyon Center staff and volunteers for fun nature programs including hikes, crafts, games, nature talks and other activities.
Morrison said children would learn how to identify creatures by looking at the tracks left behind, and each child would make is his or her own track as a keepsake.
The program is at 1 p.m. and there is no cost, but Morrison said some programs have limited space so pre-registration is encouraged.
• Forging Dinner Bells and Pigtailed Forks. Join Walter Howell for a demonstration of forging metal. Metal art and useful objects will be on display and for sale. The event will be July 31 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• Black Smith/Forging Demonstration. Join Howell again for another demonstration of forging metal into fire pokers. The demonstration will be Aug. 28 from 10
Looking ahead to September, Morrison said there will be an introduction to twining workshop at the Canyon Center on Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Join Monica Newman Moore, one of the leading practitioners of this nearly-vanished art of Native American finger weaving and learn how to make a bookmark or bracelet.
Morrison said skills learned in this class could also be used to twine a strap or belt. There is a participation fee of $25 per person with supplies included.
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