RIDGEFIELD – Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge will host Traditional Technology day as its Second Sunday event on Aug. 9.
The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is a full-scale modern replica of the Chinookan plankhouses found in the village of Cathlapotle on what is now the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The plankhouse is open on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. to allow visitors and their families to connect with local culture and wildlife.
As part of the Second Sunday special event series, Traditional Technology Day will feature activities inside and outside the 10-year-old exhibit.
Inside the house, visitors can see demonstrations of various "traditional technologies" including carving, weaving, and Native art designs by Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Lifeways students.
Outside the house, visitors will have an opportunity to participate in cordage making, atlatl throwing and friction fire starting. An experienced flintknapper will demonstrate how to create stone tools.
At 2 p.m., visitors will be able to participate in a naturalist-led hike titled "A Walk Through the Oaks."
To learn more about the Plankhouse visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org or contact Sarah Hill via email at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or phone (360) 887-4106.
