The Cradle of Forestry in America Heritage Site will begin the 2018 season on April 7 with a living history event, “Old Time Plowing and Folkways.”
David and Diane Burnette from Haywood County will demonstrate how their Percheron draft horses work the land the old way. Weather permitting, they will plow the Cradle’s vegetable garden along the Biltmore Campus Trail and teach a skill that was once familiar to many.
The Cradle of Forestry’s living history volunteers will demonstrate their crafts among the historic buildings, including wood working, chair caning, carving, tatting, mountain mandolin music, and crafting corn husk dolls.
The Cradle of Forestry will be open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., from April 7 – November 11. At various times during the season, living history volunteers will demonstrate wood carving, fiber arts, blacksmithing, traditional music and more. The Giving Tree Gift Shop at the Cradle offers many of their creations as well as forest related books, maps, gifts and snacks. The Café at the Cradle will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, except Mondays.
A full schedule of events is planned in 2018 including Migratory Bird Day May 5, the Songcatchers Music Series Sunday afternoons in July, and Forest Festival Day October 6. Visit www.cradleofforestry.com for a full event schedule, details and updates on interpretive programs and exhibits.
The Cradle of Forestry in America is proud to be part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Throughout the season it offers many opportunities to explore the five themes of Blue Ridge Heritage- craft, music, natural, agricultural, and Cherokee heritage.
Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $6.00 for adults and $3 for youth ages 4-12. America the Beautiful passes, Golden Age Passports and Every Kid in a Park passes are honored. Friends of the Cradle Annual passes are sold on-site. These passes are good for free daily admission, half-price to special events, and 15% discount in the Gift Shop.
Admission includes the film, First in Forestry- Carl Alwin Schenck and The Biltmore Forest School, hands-on exhibits and scavenger hunts. It also includes historic cabins, antique equipment and forest scenery on three paved trails, the Adventure Zone designed to reach children with autism and engage young families, and guided trail tours and living history demonstrations when available.
The Cradle of Forestry is located on Hwy. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, six miles north of Looking Glass Falls and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information call 828-877-3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.com.
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