“One could spend a lifetime learning a small range of mountains, and once upon a time people did.”
––Bill McKibben, author

The Woodslore programs introduce students to their native forest ecosystem with the goal of helping them feel more at home there. Students will learn some of the skills and traditional wisdom of Virginia's Native peoples and early settlers. What did they know about the forest ecosystem that enabled them to thrive in it without the aid of department stores, physicians, or central heating? How did a mother care for her sick children without access to a drug store? How could a father interpret the language of animals to aid him in his hunt? We'll enter their forest home and learn some of their knowledge.

These outdoor programs may either be held on your grounds, or the YES can provide a suitable location. Most Woodslore programs are equally suited for adults as well as youth. As they are particularly complementary to each other, you might wish to schedule multiple programs over the course of a couple days. Sylvan Willig can even join you for overnight camping trips with a Woodslore theme.

Woodslore programs

Pre—K nature explorations

woodslore

Edible and medicinal wild plants

wilderness skills

expanding your awareness of nature

the freelancing naturalist

PRE-K NATURE EXPLORATIONS

Introducing children to nature is one of the most important events in their lives, and one of the most beneficial things we can do for the planet. You can help ensure their introduction initiates a life long love affair by enrolling the assistance of a professional child-earth matchmaker.
grade: pre-K
length: 1½ hours
location: woods

WOODSLORE

Participants will get a better idea of what life was like for the early inhabitants of Virginia’s forest. While touring their ancient forest home, Sylvan Willig will explain how to make use of the woods’ bounty, and will interpret the hidden language of the forest and its inhabitants, which its early human residents understood so well.
grades: 3 – adult
length: 1½ hours – 2 days
location: woods
SOLs: History 1.6, VS.2(e), USI.3(b), USI.4(b)

WILDERNESS SKILLS

Could you survive in the wild with no more than a knife? Skills taught can include making fire by friction, shelter construction, cordage, finding food and water, stalking, and tracking. Students will leave with a greater appreciation of “primitive” cultures and with more confidence in their own capabilities to thrive in the outdoors.
grades: 3 – adult
length: 1 hour – 2 days
location: indoors or out, depending on the skills taught
SOLs: History 1.6, VS.2(e), USI.3(b), USI.4(b)

EXPANDING YOUR AWARENESS OF NATURE

View a sample lesson plan for this program!
How much do we miss when we’re outdoors? Through exercises and games students will learn specific ways of walking, seeing, and listening to expand their awareness in nature (and everywhere), and will practice using all their senses to become more attuned to her.
grades: 3 – adult
length: 1½ - 3 hours
location: woods, or lawn and woods

EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL WILD PLANTS

An amazing number of our everyday lawn and forest plants are edible and medicinal. But watch out… many can also make you sick! We’ll sample some wild delicacies, and in the process learn important principles about conservation and respect for nature, and “unnatural selection” as the root of agriculture. This is one of Sylvan Willig’s areas of true expertise!
grades: 6 – adult
length: 1½ hours
location: lawn and woods

THE FREELANCING NATURALIST

Sylvan Willig is available to lead your group’s next outdoors outing. Have a fun and informative hike with an interpretive naturalist with almost twenty years’ experience. Participants are encouraged to guide the direction of these programs by following their curiosity in nature. Or, you may request a custom designed program for your group’s needs.

You can also hire Sylvan for part or all of your group’s next overnight campout. He’ll bring his guitar, educational songs, and stories for the campfire. We can go on a night hike to stalk nocturnal critters, and if the stars are out, he can interpret the night sky. Daylight activities may include interpretive hikes, educational outdoor games, and low impact camping instruction.
grades: all ages
length: 1½ hours - ?

Virginia Standards of Learning