Preserved by Quakers for “perpetual spiritual use,” Friends Wilderness Center (FWC) offers restorative peace and tranquility. Since 1974, FWC has provided access to the 1,500-acre Rolling Ridge wilderness area in West Virginia.
2024 marks FWC’s fiftieth anniversary as a retreat center. The year was filled with first-time events that drew new and returning visitors: Lunar New Year at the China Folk House, complete with traditional lion and dragon dances; mushroom log inoculation for shitake, oyster, and lions mane; hands-on herb and medicinal plant workshops; solar eclipse picnic; miniature goat hiking; and a sacred chant and dance circle.
Events celebrating the 400th birthday of George Fox in July included a potluck, songs and poetry shared under the night sky, and campfire open-mic nights.
Repeat programs included: forest therapy; art in nature; wildflower walks; birding tours; salamander encounters; meteor shower viewings; and a summer solstice night hike. Volunteers renovated the treehouse, FWC’s original structure.
First Day worship in the wilderness welcomes attenders into the Light under the canopy of a sugar maple on the meadow overlooking the upper pond. Messages are gratefully received from all gathered: frogs, cicadas, dragonflies, birds, dogs, goats.
At 50, FWC is energized to explore innovative and inspiring ways to share the gift of nature to help heal and restore individuals, communities, and the natural world.
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