Seneca Rocks, W.Va., (Hinton News) – Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and the historic Sites Homestead, in cooperation with the Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association, are offering a variety of interesting and engaging programs in October. All programs are free and open to everyone. Call the Discovery Center at (304) 567-2827 to confirm program offerings because changes or cancellations could occur at any time.
Saturday, October 1
- 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Visiting Artisans: Honey and Drone, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. Learn about bees and small-batch honey and beeswax products. Sponsored by the Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association.
Saturday, October 8 - 7 p.m. – 8 p.m., Flag Retirement Ceremony, Seneca Shadows Campground Amphitheater. Join the staff of American Land and Leisure as they lead a ceremonial final tribute to unserviceable American Flags and proper disposal by fire. Attendees are welcome to bring faded or tattered flags to the ceremony for incineration. You do not need to be a guest of the Seneca Shadows Campground to attend. In the event of rain, this program will be held at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. Sponsored by the Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association in cooperation with American Land & Leisure.
Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16
- 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Visiting Artisans: David and Barbara Umling, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. Watch David and Barbara demonstrate how to make goat milk soap. They will also have goat milk soaps, books, and quilted items from Peepers Pond Farms for sale. Sponsored by the Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association.
Saturday, October 22, “Rocktober”
- 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Junior Ranger, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. Make connections to the area’s natural and cultural history with activities for the young and young at heart.
- 7 p.m. – 8 p.m., Rock Talk with Dr. Lebold, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. Join Dr. Joe Lebold, West Virginia University geology professor and co-author of “Roadside Geology of West Virginia,” for an evening of rock talk as we discover the how and why of Seneca Rocks’ formation. Sponsored by the Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association.
Saturday, October 29, End of the Season Celebration
- 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visiting Artisans, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. We’re filling the center with crafters to demonstrate and sell their traditional Appalachian crafts or contemporary works related to Monongahela National Forest! Sponsored by the Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association. Multiple table spaces are available for exhibitors. Any artists or crafters wishing to sell their work must be present for at least four hours. Table space may be shared by multiple artists. All artists are asked to submit a small picture portfolio of works they would like to offer for sale. Contact Alison Bailey at alison.bailey@usda.gov for more information and to reserve your spot!
- 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Junior Ranger, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. Make connections to the area’s natural and cultural history with activities for the young and young at heart.
- 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Dorothy Sites Bids Farewell to the Sites Homestead. Join living history reenactor, Cathy Milton, as she brings the story of Dorothy Sites’ time at the Site Homestead to a close.
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center is open Thursday through Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Sites Homestead is open Friday through Sunday when staffing allows, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Both Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and Sites Homestead will close for the season on October 30 at 5 p.m.
For more information about programs or to inquire about becoming a visiting artisan, contact Alison Bailey at (304) 567-2827 or alison.bailey@usda.gov.
