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.
We want to hear from you, not an AI! Please be thoughtful and use your own words. Comments on Friendsjournal.org may be used in the Forum of the print magazine and may be edited for length and clarity.