12th Annual Festival Of Wood Aug. 6-7 Gifford Pinchot Grey Towers Pike County

“Goods from the Woods” is the focus of the 12th Annual Festival of Wood at Gifford Pinchott’s Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pike County on August 6 - 7.  

This family-friendly and free event offers a variety of activities that demonstrate the many ways we use and enjoy wood in our everyday lives.

Unique wood crafts, children’s activities with wood, chainsaw carvings, educational exhibits, live woodland wildlife, beekeeping, films, tree pruning and portable sawmill demonstrations, free music, tree walks and much, much more will be offered on the grounds of the historic estate throughout the weekend.

Free parking, a free shuttle and free admission to the grounds makes this a popular annual event.

The 12th annual Festival of Wood is “a celebration of our natural and cultural heritage of wood.” The activities, exhibits and programs are intended to heighten awareness of the many uses of wood in our everyday lives.

The U.S. Forest Service, the Grey Towers Heritage Association, the Pocono Arts Council and numerous collaborators host the event at Grey Towers, ancestral home of conservationist Gifford Pinchot, who founded and served as first chief of the Forest Service from 1905-1910. Pinchot also is well known as a former Governor of Pennsylvania.

New this year: a number of wood craftsmen have been added to the show, with unique, one-of-a-kind wood items for sale; a special artifacts exhibit that illustrates Gifford Pinchot’s affinity for fishing, including his newly restored Old Towne canoe, will be available; guided walking tours of the estate grounds, highlighting some of the more interesting and mature trees, will be offered.

There is something for everyone:

-- Craftsmen and artists from throughout the region will exhibit, sell and demonstrate their crafts, all made from wood. Co-sponsored by the Pocono Arts Council, the crafts component illustrates how beautiful objects that we use in our everyday lives are created from wood.

-- Children’s activities include games and toys using wood and other craft activities. A cross-cut saw activity and visits from Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl also are planned.

-- Educational exhibits and informational handouts on such topics as beekeeping, Chestnut trees, regional conservation initiatives, will be ongoing throughout the weekend.

-- Free music with wood instruments will be provided each day.

-- Demonstrations on tree pruning and a portable sawmill are planned.

-- A free wildlife show is planned for each day.  

-- The Master Chain Saws of America will demonstrate chain saw carving three times a day, each day.

-- All three floors of the historic Grey Towers mansion are open for visitors both days; a $5 fee will be charged.

-- Refreshments will be available for sale.

The Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 7.

For a schedule of events or more information, call 570-296-9630 or send email: greytowers@fs.fed.us.

A schedule and map of the Festival activities can be downloaded at the Festival of Wood webpage.

For more information visit the Grey Towers National Historic Site or the Grey Towers Heritage Association websites or call 570-296-9630.

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