Week in the Woods 2022 Session Highlights

This year, just a few weeks before Week in the Woods (WITW), we learned that the two logging roads we have used to access our campsites since the very beginning of the program were both closed for the summer. This left us in the stressful situation of being temporarily without a location. After some initial heartburn and racing around, we landed on a solution that may well be the best thing that has happened in years. The University of Alaska Fairbanks and the US Forest Service gave us permission to use the Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Research Forest (LTER). After exploring the area, we landed on a beautiful new home that includes an expansive view of the Tanana River Valley and the mountains beyond.

Wildfires, smoke, and above-average temperatures added another wrinkle to WITW 2022, but as it turned out, the smoke on that ridge wasn’t as thick as it was in town, and we even had a few bluebird days.

We had a wonderful group of participants, including folks from Texas, Washington, California, and Massachusetts, as well as some new and interesting visiting professionals who led our group in learning craft and natural history of the boreal forest. As usual, new friendships were kindled, many beautiful craft items were made, and ideas were explored. Hidden treasures were discovered in the woods, the annual play was written and performed to a sellout crowd, much absolutely wonderful food was consumed, many bugs were swatted, good conversations had, and good humor and laughter were the common themes throughout.

Many thanks to everyone who attended, taught, and contributed to this year’s program, and special thanks to the folks who loaded and unloaded the moving van and helped clear and set up camp. It takes a village to host Week in the Woods! We look forward to returning to Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest again in 2023 and exploring more of the area.