Join us for our Woodsmen’s Exploration Day! Hanford Mills Museum staff will highlight the importance of trees and forests as we showcase the talents of local woodcrafters and foresters. Museum staff will demonstrate how we process logs into finished products in our mill. Bob Allers will demonstrate the history of the cooper’s trade using the tools and techniques of their craft.

The SUNY Cobleskill Woodsmen Team will offer skilled lumber jacking demonstrations throughout the day. Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) will provide information on how they promote the appreciation and sustainable use of the region’s resources especially against invasive species. The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club will highlight the “Leave No Trace Principles” and provide information about hiking opportunities in the region. New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health will be sharing information about chainsaw, landscaping and tick safety.

 In addition, Lucas Novko will be performing historic blacksmithing demonstrations.

As with some earlier Exploration Days, Intelligent Green Solutions will be visiting for the day, sharing information about both their roof mount and ground mount solar power solutions for homes and businesses. Blue Merle Apiaries will be sharing information on honeybee hives and hierarchy and will have honey and comb honey to sell. Union Grove Distillery will be offering tastings of their products that will also be for sale. Brookside Maple and Farm will have products for sale as well. They are a fourth-generation family farm that raises beef and produces maple syrup and maple products. The Food Dudes food truck will be vending lunch. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own lunch and snacks and enjoy all food at our picnic tables. Max Rainwater will be performing old – time music with percussive dance from 12:00 to 3:00.