It is a step back in time to the 18th century when American Indians and European Americans lived closer to nature. From March 3-5, 2023 you’ll learn some of the skills that were necessary for everyday life and learn of the cultural sharing that has made our modern lives richer. Enjoy nature, drama, tracking, and history in outdoor and indoor settings at Lore & Tracking Weekend.

FRIDAY, March 3, 2023
Welcome to Twin Falls State Park and to begin the weekend with cultural sharing.

An Eastern Woodland Indian story sets the stage with Eastern Woodland Indian hunting techniques included. Dressed for frontier tracking, this gets everyone gathered and ready for a great weekend. After a break with some snacks, there’ll be an overview of the weekend activities followed by ‘Dem Bones Gonna Rise Again,’ a mental skill building with skulls. [MN-Tracking]

Examples of workshop activities:

SATURDAY, March 4, 2023
All About Tracking
“Paw Print Identification” – Azalea Room
Who made this track and how to tell differences of weight, directions of movement, and other signs that wildlife leaves. [MN-Tracking]

“Introduction to Hunter/Gatherer/Scavenger Hunt” – Azalea
This is not your typical scavenger hunt. Designed to hone tracking and plant Identification skills, individuals and families will scavenge on their own and gather items listed. [MN-Tracking]

“Nose to the Breeze & Ear to the Ground”
This tracking walk meets at the inside main lodge entrance. Dress for some outside exploration and discovery of senses, identification, and relationship of wildlife to vegetation. [MN – Tracking; Plants]

Lunch is on your own. Twin Falls Restaurant is open.
Take some of this time to work on your hunter/gatherer list.

“Medicinal/Edible/Useful Plants of the Eastern Woodland Indians” – Azalea Room
Knowing what you can eat and what you should not, as well as plants for medicinal purposes that would have been used in the 18th century, and perhaps today. It’s 1½ hours of amazing insight and cultural awareness. [MN – plants]

“Discovery Hike”
Trail location will be announced and off we go. This is a good time to learn more and to gather items. Dress for the weather and be prepared to have a great learning experience.

Group Supper
Tracking & Lore Weekend fee includes Saturday dinner and to feast together. Never disappointing, dinner always has a few surprises.

“Gabriel Arthur’s 1674 Trip Through Western Virginia”
A History Alive program sponsored by the WV Humanities County. Join Gabriel at Twin Falls Lodge for an hour of history and understanding of Mountain State well before there was a West Virginia. There is no fee to attend this program and it is open to the public.

SUNDAY, March 5, 2023
“Top Tracker and Nature in Winter” – Azalea Room

“Dem Bones Answers” is the “top tracking & recap” finale. Judging the scavenger hunt and rewarding the hunter/gatherers continues to expand insight into the early 18th century lifestyle. [MN – Tracking]

Following the Top Tracker and Recap, is ‘Nature in Winter’, a powerpoint and in depth conversation about the wonders of winter. [MN – Nature in Winter]

“Observing the Effects of Winter Conditions of Plants and Animals”
This interpretative hike meets inside the lodge lobby to go outside.

“Tracking Walk” – An emphasis on animal signs and calling. Using your voice to attract animals or when not to use your voice.

“Early American Naturalists” – An indoor presentation about early naturalists, observations, and documentation of species.

“Listen to the Dark” is an outdoors tracking walk or an indoor program, “Animals of Interest” about extinct, Extirpated, rare, threatened and endangered species near Twin Falls.

Tracking & Woods Lore Weekend is presented by Trails, Inc., Doug Wood and Dianne Anestis, and Tammy Cooper, Park Naturalist. Presentations with ‘MN’ provide individuals in the WV Master Naturalist organization recognition of core or special classes required.

All packages include workshops/presentations, break refreshments and group supper on Saturday evenings.  Special rates are available for Thursday and Sunday night when combined with the weekend package.

Overnight package for two nights/two individuals, all workshop/presentations, break refreshments and Saturday group supper is $221.60 and includes applicable taxes and gratuities.  An event only, no lodging fee per person is $85.60.  Other combinations of room night available. 

Call Twin Falls State Park direct at 304-294-4000 for registration information to attend Tracking and Lore Weekend, overnight packages or day-only attendance.