Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and the historic Sites Homestead, in cooperation with the Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association, are offering a full schedule of programs to celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend on Monongahela National Forest. Everyone is welcome to join the staff for a variety of interesting and engaging programs free of charge. Programs begin at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center unless otherwise noted. All programs are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Fireworks are prohibited on Monongahela National Forest and all federal lands.
June 30:
- 10 -10:30 a.m., Storytime with a Ranger: “Our Strange Neighbor.” Enjoy a morning outdoors with American eel-themed stories and games perfect for preschool and early elementary age children.
July 1:
- 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Coffee with a Ranger. Plan one’s day and discover the forest while enjoying free coffee at the Mon Forest Towns hospitality table. Sponsored by Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association.
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Junior Ranger: “Wish You Were Here.” Flex one’s creative muscles through storytelling and drawing as Ranger Alison demonstrates how previous generations have shared their travels to Seneca Rocks with their loved ones at home.
- 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., Evening Program: “Two Truths and a Lie,” Seneca Shadows Campground Amphitheater. (In the event of rain, this program will be held at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center.) Find out how much one really knows about the forest on this short interactive evening hike. A person does not need to be a guest of the Seneca Shadows campground to attend. Sponsored in cooperation with American Land and Leisure.
July 2:
- 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Visiting Artisan: Holly Hinkle. Hinkle is a contemporary folk artist working primarily in oil paint and oil pastel. Sponsored by Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association.
- 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Coffee with a Ranger. Plan one’s day and discover the forest while enjoying free coffee at the Mon Forest Towns hospitality table. Sponsored by Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association.
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Junior Ranger: “Sun Catcher Scavenger Hunt.” Hike with Ranger Shawna to learn how to identify common plants which can then be turned into unique crafts for one to keep.
- 1 – 4 p.m., Pioneer Visits: Gary Robinson, Broom Maker, Sites Homestead. Watch as broom maker Gary Robinson turns broomcorn into functional pieces of art with Shaker and Appalachian influences. Sponsored by Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association.
- 2:30 – 4:30 p.m., Discover Nature Journaling. Create one’s own journal before heading outside to begin writing and sketching one’s way to physical, mental, and emotional benefits through the practice of nature journaling.
- 7 – 8:30 p.m., Concert and Speaker Series: Allen Talbott, Seneca Shadows Campground Amphitheater. In case of rain, meet at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. Talbott plays blues, funk, and Appalachian soul. Open to the public. Sponsored by Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association in Cooperation with American Land and Leisure.
July 3:
- 9:30 a.m. – 5p.m., Visiting Artisan: Holly Hinkle. Hinkle is a contemporary folk artist working primarily in oil paint and oil pastel. Sponsored by Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association.
- 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Coffee with a Ranger. Plan one’s day and discover the forest while enjoying free coffee at the Mon Forest Towns hospitality table. Sponsored by Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association.
- 9:30 – 10 a.m., Discover Yoga. Find one’s flow with guided movements and meditations near the flowing waters of Seneca Creek, in the shadow of Seneca Rocks. Mats are provided.
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Junior Ranger: “Talkin’ Tukey (Vultures).” Learn all about turkey vultures with Ranger Inza, including the secret self-defense mechanism they deploy when threatened. Hint: It involves slime.
- 2:30 – 4:30 p.m., Discover the Atlatl. Test one’s aim and find a connection to the past with this ancient weapon which predates the bow and arrow.
July 4:
- 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Coffee with a Ranger. Plan one’s day and discover the forest while enjoying free coffee at the Mon Forest Towns hospitality table. Sponsored by Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association.
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Junior Ranger: “Protect Our Space, Leave No Trace.” See how little decisions can leave a big impact during this guided hike with Ranger Sean.
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Sites Homestead is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
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.