Groundhog-ology, Of Whistlepigs and World Politics
It all starts in Elliott’s mountain-side cabin with a gift from an old groundhog hunter. From there we go on a rollicking andrevealing journey, not only through the natural world, but also into folklore, history, mythology, philosophy and into the lives of people of different cultures, past and present. You’ll hear how groundhogs have been a source of food, clothing, medicine and music for generations of Appalachian folks. You’ll learn the mystical aspects of groundhogs — how they are woven into Native American and European mythology. You will find out the real story of Groundhog Day, you’ll get clues to the great riddle: How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? You will learn how groundhogs can teach us about ourselves and even give us perspectives on society, and world politics, today!
The event will take place in the indoor event space on Dreaming Stone’s campus. Expect a short walk on uneven ground and also a flight of stairs to reach the event space.
The presentation is co-sponsored by Rutherford Outdoor Coalition
This show is for adults and young folks who listen like adults.
Date
- Feb 02 2025
Time
- 3:00 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor
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Doug Elliott
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Website
https://dougelliott.com/ -
Doug Elliott (he/him) is a naturalist, herbalist, storyteller, basket maker, back-country guide, philosopher, and harmonica wizard. For many years he made his living as a traveling herbalist, gathering and selling herbs, teas, and remedies. He has spent a great deal of time with traditional country folk and indigenous people, learning their stories, folklore and traditional ways of relating to the natural world. In recent years he has performed and presented programs at festivals, museums, botanical gardens, nature centers and schools throughout the world. He has led ranger training sessions for the National Park Service, guided people on wilderness experiences throughout the country, and was named a harmonica champion at Fiddler’s Grove Festival. Doug is the author of five books, many articles in regional and national magazines, and a number of award winning albums of stories and songs. He is occasionally seen on PBS-TV, and the History and National Geographic Channels. The National Storytelling Network (the largest storytelling membership organization in the world) inducted Doug into their Circle of Excellence for “exceptional commitment and exemplary contribution to the art of storytelling.” The International Herb Association presented him with the Otto Richter Award honoring his work with herbs and useful wild plants. The National Association for Interpretation (the professional organization of park rangers, naturalists, museum curators, etc.) gave him the Master Front Line Interpreter Award for his “mastery of interpretive techniques, program development, and design of creative projects” celebrating the natural world and our human connection to nature.