On Friday September 25th, the Center for an Agricultural Economy is hosting a Black Ash splint pounding workshop at Atkins Field!

Black Ash is a native tree species that grows in Vermont and has been used in basket weaving for generations. Pounding splints from a fallen Black Ash log is the first step in basket weaving...and it's really amazing!

The workshop leaders, who are Abenaki leaders (and basket makers!) will be available starting at 10:30am and will remain on site until 4:30pm.

Guided by Abenaki educators and basket makers Kerry Wood and Aaron Wood, we'll pound locally-harvested black ash splints for future generations of basketmakers. We'll also visit a living black ash tree stand and learn more about the introduced insect emerald ash borer that feeds on all species of ash trees. See and touch black ash baskets and listen to some history of basket making throughout the region.

Attend for any part of the day and bring work gloves and lunch.

There will be ample opportunity to try your hand at pound splints from the log, visit the healthy Black Ash stand on the property, see & feel finished baskets made from Black Ash, ask questions, and more!

Splint pounding workshop | Photo courtesy of Joanne Garton

Friday, September 25
Atkins Field Pavilion
140 Granite St, Hardwick, VT 05843
10:30am - 4:30pm. 
Opening circle and presentation at 10:30am, recap of presentation at 1pm. 
Free and open to all.

Learn more information and register here. Registration is encouraged but not required.

(This workshop will coincide with the first half of the Hardwick Farmers Market's Harvest Festival, which is from 3pm to 6pm at Atkins Field. Enjoy the Harvest Festival after the workshop!)