Cook Forest State Park will be conducting a three-day Clarion River History Educator Workshop. This course is considered both an Advanced Watershed Education and Pennsylvania Land Choices workshop. Teachers will receive a copy of the PA Land Choices curriculum, as well as copies of True Tales of the Clarion River, Dinkies Dams & Sawdust: The Logging Railroads of West Central Pennsylvania-Book #12, and Expedition of Celoron to the Ohio Country in 1749. Teachers will also have the option to earn 23 ACT 48 hours.

This workshop will emphasize history of the Clarion River through various 1st person living history character portrayals during the mid-1700’s French & Indian War and mid 1800’s lumber boom era. Teachers will also investigate and document various lumber ghost towns and raft fabrication sites along the Clarion River via car & canoe, as well as gain valuable insight into how local history can be incorporated into the classroom. Day 1 will mainly deal with learning history through “living history”. Day 2 will be historic site investigation from land. Day 3 will be historic site investigation via canoe.

Be prepared to be in the river being wet and muddy most days. Sturdy river shoes are a must. Sneakers are good, those with flip-flops will not be allowed to participate. Participants are encouraged to wear modest swimming gear on Day 2 & 3. Participants must be able to traverse slippery footing conditions and steep river banks. All boating gear provided. A sturdy river “walking stick” may prove to be useful.

Workshop information & logistics

Title: Clarion River History Educator Workshop
Dates: August 13-15
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00PM
Location: Cook Forest State Park, new Park Office
Group Size: 20
Lunch: please bring your own bag lunch, refreshments provided
Dress: proper river attire & footwear, sturdy “river-walking stick”, extra of set clothes
Cost: secure registration by 8/7/20 with $125 check or money order made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and send to:
Cook Forest State Park, ATTN: Clarion River History, P.O. Box 120, Cooksburg, PA 16217
If you would like to attend, you must register by contacting Dale Luthringer at Cook Forest State Park at (814)744-8475 or [email protected].