Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : August 25, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Vickie Hash , Director’s Office (304) 558-2754 vickiehash@wvdnr.gov

“Wild Foods of Festivals and Special Occasions” Will Be Focus of 39th Annual Nature Wonder Weekend September 15-17 at North Bend State Park

   “Wild Foods of Festivals and Special Occasions” will be the theme of the 39th annual Nature Wonder Weekend, to be held September 15-17 at North Bend State Park near Cairo , West Virginia . Participants will learn the identification and uses of wild plants while honoring the wild foods featured in various state festivals and those who prepare them. Festivals held this year have featured hickory nuts, violets, wild peppermint, and maple sugar among others.

This year’s guest of honor, speaker and main leader will be “Wild Man” Steve Brill of New York . Brill is a naturalist, environmental educator, author, artist and wild foods cook who has a special approach to using various wild foods of health. He specializes in using wild plants as substitutes for sugar, milk and flower. Brill will present a special Saturday evening program called “Looking at Wild Foods in Special Ways .”

Other leaders during the weekend include Edelene Wood, president, and Fred Fromhart, vice president, of the National Wild Foods Association; Emily Fleming, Assistant to the director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; and Supt. Steve Jones and Asst. Supt. Kathy Metz of North Bend State Park.

   Popular activities include a wild foods cooking contest (with three $50 prizes), a wild food tasting party, wild food hikes, and workshops related to the identification and cooking of wild foods. Although wild foods are featured throughout the weekend, five conventional meals will be provided by North Bend Lodge Restaurant.

   Reservations for cabins and campgrounds are available. For registration and reservation information, call DNR Director’s Office at 304-558-2754, Edelene Wood at 304-428-9590, or e-mail vickiehash@wvdnr.gov . Registration deadline is September 10.

**DNR**