Martin’s Lumber, 280 Valley Road in Thurman, New York will be opening their 100-acre tree farm to the public for guided and self-led tours on Saturday, June 1. Guides will share their knowledge of sustainable forestry, the medicinal use of native plants, and explain how to prepare wild foods for eating and survival. They will also teach visitors how to identify mushrooms, plants and trees found in the forest. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. The Woods Walk will be held rain or shine. This is a kid-friendly event.
Local artisans and food producers will set up in the barn to sell their products, give demonstrations and offer hands-on activities. Guests can make candles, paint kindness rocks, plant trees, and grow mushrooms in a mushroom bucket. Special activities include learning about the parts of a tree that can be used for survival during winter months. There will be an ongoing demonstration on how to set up a loom in the loft. Other demonstrations will include blacksmithing, woodburning and chair caning. A Master Gardener will be on hand to offer information about spring planting.
Gary Martin and his wife Winefred purchased the land on Valley Road in the 70s and have been inviting the public to walk their lands for nearly 15 years. During the 2022 Woods Walk, Martin said that educating the public about the woods is important to him and his wife. They began holding the annual Woods Walk to introduce visitors to the woods and the crafts of self-sufficiency.They began holding the annual Woods Walk to introduce visitors to the woods and the crafts of self-sufficiency.
For those wishing to attend: If you plan to use Google Maps or another GPS service, the official address of Martin’s Lumber is 280 Valley Road, Warrensburg, New York. Cell phone service gets spotty on Valley Road, and you may wish to download directions. Note that there are no gas stations in Thurman and visitors should fill up before driving over.
