A giant praying mantis made of wood. Unique henna art on wood. Jewelry, fountain pens and Christmas ornaments made from wood. All are additions to the returning wood craftsmen who will demonstrate, display and sell their specialty items at the 15th annual Festival of Wood, scheduled for August 3-4 at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pike County.

The family-friendly weekend offers a variety of activities and events that demonstrate the many ways we use and enjoy wood in our everyday lives.

The Pocono Arts Council has many returning artists as well as some new and unique talent. In addition to the wood crafts, the Festival of Wood welcomes back the Pennsylvania Woodmobile, an interactive exhibit about wood and wood products sponsored by the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council; Pennsylvania WoodMizer, demonstrating how logs become lumber with portable sawmills, and the Chainsaw Chix, popular chainsaw carving artist. A free wildlife show is offered each day.

A host of educational exhibitors will be on hand to talk with visitors about forests, forest management and forest products, such as honey, chestnuts and wildlife habitat.

Free children’s activities are planned throughout the weekend, including crafts and games. Colorful forest posters, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl items, and a variety of educational literature and handouts will be distributed for free. Refreshments are available.

The US Forest Service and its partners offer these exhibits, activities and educational materials to help promote the sustainable forestry and conservation message that is a theme throughout the event.

This is the same message introduced a century ago by Gifford Pinchot, founder and first chief of the US Forest Service and two-term Governor of Pennsylvania. Grey Towers was his family home.

Entry to the grounds, parking and a shuttle are all free. Self-guided tours of the Grey Towers mansion are $5 per person.

Click Here to download a program schedule.

For more information, visit the 15th annual Festival of Wood webpage on the Grey Towers National Historic Site website, call 570-296-9630 or send an email to greytowers@fs.fed.us.

Upcoming Events

-- August 11: Happy Birthday Gov. Pinchot!

-- August 11: Lecture: Pinchot & Muir - Forces For Nature

-- August 17: Outdoor Summer Concert - Weaving Through: Feigelson-Matheus Duo

-- September 7: History Of Art Of The Minisink Region - The Pinchot Connection

-- September 11: Discussion - Conservation Authors

-- September 28: National Public Lands Day & Ice Cream Social

For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Grey Towers Heritage Association.  Click Here to sign up for updates from the Association, Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, become part of their Google+ Circle and follow them on Instagram.

  Also visit the Grey Towers Historic Site website and the Pinchot Institute for Conservation website for information on its conservation research and policy programs.  Click Here to sign up for the Institute’s regular updates.

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