Exploring Falls Island With Nature Up North

North Country Maker's Meet Up

Learn about the ecology of Canton's Falls Island with Dan French of Nature Up North and make ceramic art with artist Sara Lynch

Heritage Park Trailhead

Enjoy a late summer's stroll through Heritage Park, in historic downtown Canton, on August 30th at 10 a.m.! Nature Up North, Grasse River Heritage, and local artist Sara Lynch will be leading an interactive exploration of the river ecology of Heritage Park. Following a leisurely walking tour, participants will be invited to make ceramic art inspired by the observations and discussions that emerge from our ecological survey experience.Participants will gather under the pavilion at Coakley Island, located on the Grasse River Heritage Trail. During this event, we will examine the differences between upper and lower Falls Island and how the plants we find in each location inform our understanding of the island's role in the Grasse River ecosystem. The first hour will be spent walking the trail on Falls Island with Dan French from Nature Up North telling us about the ecology of the island, and Sara sharing advice on what plant matter will be good to gather for the pottery project. For the second hour, we will take the collected elements from the walk to decorate pre-made ceramic vessel pots provided by Sara.This event is free, but participants must pre-register here to ensure there are enough supplies for everyone. The ceramic art portion of the event is not open to those who do not attend the plant identification and ecology portion, as those components will provide the vital context and materials needed for the artistic work in which we will engage.Ceramics made during the event will then be taken back to Sara's studio to dry and then be fired. This process will be explained more in the event, and pick up of the finished pieces will be set up for a later date.All ages are welcome, but children 10 and under will need a supervising adult with them.No art or science experience is required, but the inclination and ability to listen, learn, and get your hands a bit dirty is most certainly welcome.Additional parking will be available across the street on Willow Island, as well as off Miner Street behind the Canton Town Hall. The trail is moderate and covered with wood chips in most parts. There is also a boardwalk and stairs up and down some steeper sections. Depending on how participants feel, we may turn around and double back on the trail once we get to the stairs. Folding chairs will be provided for the pottery decorating portion of the event, but if you have a chair that you prefer, please feel free to bring it.Email <a href="mailto:saralynch@saraelynch.com" title="mailto:saralynch@saraelynch.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">saralynch@saraelynch.com</a> if you have any questions.This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.