Pick up sticks (and other cool stuff)

Woodlanders plan another gathering Warwick — Once again, nature lovers and craftspeople from all over the east and Canada will return to Warwick for the 12th Woodlanders Gathering, to be held at the Campgrounds of the Warwick Center from Friday, Aug. 17, through Sunday, Aug. 19. “It’s like a big family picnic for people who like sticks, shells, moss, nuts and bark,” said Warwick resident Daniel Mack, who started the Gatherings and has been at every one. “Maybe there’s a bit of squirrel or crow in us all. We’re like a scattered tribe who gets back together for a weekend.” This year, new activities include a workshop in building the Leopold Bench. Local jewelry maker Jess Giannino will teach how to make pendants using natural materials, and there’s a workshop in making birch bark-covered mirror frames with Daniel Mack. In all, there are about 35 different events throughout the weekend, including visits to artist’s studios, hikes and a visit to some Lenape Indian stonework in a Warwick park. The Woodlander Gatherings began in 2000 as a way for people who work with natural materials to get together and visit with each other. The event attracts, woodworkers, carvers, turners, gardeners, weavers and many other craftspeople, as well as artists and people who just like nature and want to learn more. Past gatherings have been held in the state of Maine; Hunter, N.Y.; and Mineral Point, Wis. This is the third Gathering in Warwick. “What I like best is when people who never knew each other meet at one of these Gatherings and immediately feel at ease,” Mack said. For details and a schedule, log on to www.woodlanders.com or call 986-7293.