Eons before people arrived on the shores of Lake Sunapee the forces of nature had sculpted the land. Continents collided. Seas opened and closed. Mountain ranges rose and fell. Each wave of rock that broke on these shores left a fragment behind—a piece of the geologic puzzle we now call New Hampshire. The last glacier melted back about 14,000 years ago. For the past 11,000 years the Alnôbak (Abenaki) and their ancestors have lived here and sustained themselves with ways of life molded by practical needs and spiritual beliefs. Through stories, slides and discussion, this program helps participants imagine a living past. We’ll briefly explore the traditional land use stewardship of the Alnôbak, the impacts they have had on their surroundings and how the land has, in turn, molded their culture. Includes an engaging interpretive walk along The Fells trails to look at (and sample) indigenous uses of native plants for food and medicine through fact, folklore and a host of botanical puns. Meets in the John Hay classroom at the Gatehouse. Suitable for all ages. Members: $10, non-members: $15, children under 18: $5, families $25. Advanced registration required. To register call 603-763-4789 x3.

Michael J. Caduto is an award-winning author, ecologist, musician and storyteller and the author of A Time Before New Hampshire: The Story of a Land and Native Peoples (University Press of New England). He is well known as the co-author of the national best-seller Keepers of the Earth and its popular sequels Keepers of the Animals, Keepers of Life and Keepers of the Night (NAPPA Gold Award).  His most recent books are Through a Naturalist’s Eyes: Exploring the Nature of New England and The Garden of Wisdom: Earth Tales from the Middle East. For more than twenty years he worked closely with members of many Native American cultures and he actively supports Native visions of Earth stewardship.  Michael travels throughout North America presenting environmental and cultural performances and workshops for children, teachers, naturalists and general audiences.  His other book’s include Catch the Wind, Harness the Sun; Riparia’s River; Everyday Herbs in Spiritual Life: A Guide to Many Practices; and Pond and Brook: A Guide to Nature in Freshwater Environments. Michael’s awards include the Aesop Prize (American Folklore Society), Storytelling World Award, NAPPA Silver Award and several ASCAP Popular Awards.  www.p-e-a-c-e.net