'Goods from the Woods' is theme of this year's festival

MILFORD — Explore the many ways we use wood in our everyday lives at the annual Festival of Wood, coming to Grey Towers National Historic Site on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7.
This free, family-friendly event offers a variety of activities for children and adults, who will have a chance to learn about wood crafts like chainsaw carving, woodland wildlife, beekeeping, and tree pruning. There will be portable sawmill demonstrations, tree walks, and live music.
This "celebration of our natural and cultural heritage of wood" is hosted by the U.S. Forest Service, the Grey Towers Heritage Association, the Pocono Arts Council, and numerous collaborators. Grey Towers is the ancestral home of conservationist Gifford Pinchot, who founded and served as first chief of the Forest Service from 1905 to 1910. Pinchot also served as governor of Pennsylvania.

New this year:

Crafters offering one-of-a-kind wood items for sale
A special artifacts exhibit illustrating Gifford Pinchot’s affinity for fishing, including his newly restored Old Towne canoe.
Guided walking tours of the estate grounds, highlighting some of the more interesting and mature trees.

Other highlights:

Craftsmen and artists from throughout the region will exhibit and demonstrate their crafts, all made from wood. The crafts component, co-sponsored by the Pocono Arts Council, illustrates how beautiful, everyday objects are created from wood.
Children’s games and toys using wood
A cross-cut saw demonstration
Visits from Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl
Educational exhibits and informational handouts on topics like beekeeping, Chestnut trees, and regional conservation initiatives
Performances of music played with wooden instruments
Tree pruning demonstrations
Wildlife shows
Chain saw carving demonstrations by the Master Chain Saws of America
All three floors of the historic Grey Towers mansion will be open to visitors both days ($5 fee)
Refreshments be available for sale
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Parking, shuttle service, and admission are all free.
For more information, call 570-296-9630 or email greytowers@fs.fed.us. A schedule and map of activities can be downloaded at greytowers.org.