Written by Hawk Hurst / Illustrated by Carson Ellis
Frontline Press, Charleston, South Carolina
ISBN: 978-0-9723829-9-1
Available in Paperback for $14
“The Way of the Forest”
This is the story of a happy and prosperous tribe of People who have lived for generations in harmony with the land, the plants, and the animals. Upon awakening one morning, they discover that everything they have always depended upon to survive has disappeared. All the animals have departed, and the plants will no longer offer sustenance. Facing the threat of starvation, no one knows what has happened, or what to do. Taking it upon themselves to discover the truth, two young warriors – a boy and girl from the tribe – embark upon an epic journey to learn what has befallen their People.
“The Way”
The Way: an unspoken law heeded by all creatures. Take what you need, but never waste what you take. For eons all have followed this sacred trust. The Way demands that all creatures share in the balance of life: the ‘give’ and the ‘take.’ This creed does not, however, prohibit any individual, great or small, from doing everything in its power to stay healthy and alive. Rather, this is a requirement of The Way, which all beings accept as part of the dance of life.
Listen to “Hey Ya Winna” – The Little Deer Song
The Way of The Forest: Educational Materials and Curriculum
For a free collection of interdisciplinary curriculum ideas, please click the highlighted link below. The lessons and activities are user-friendly and are designed for public, private, and home-schooled children of all ages. Naturalists, environmentalists and any lover of nature will enjoy the lesson plans. Subjects such as language arts, science, social studies, and other content areas have links for printable activities. You will find a literature list that will help you connect to other stories and extend learning opportunities. Several lessons were designed with national standards in mind to make the learning relevant to specific grade-level content.
The Green River Preserve: Summer Camp and School Programs
Green River Preserve is a summer camp located amidst the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. When camp is not in session, educational programs are offered for private and public schools at their School of Environmental Education (SEE). Owned and operated by Sandy Schenck, the camp’s founder, and his wife Missy, it is a place where bright, creative children connect with the joy and wonder of nature. Built on a foundation of respect, Green River Preserve nurtures the heart, develops the mind, strengthens character, and heightens appreciation for the natural world.
The Preserve was purchased by the Schenck family in the early 1950’s, as a place to spend weekends and summers hiking, fly-fishing, and exploring. As a child, Sandy was fortunate to learn the lore of the Green River, not only from his parents, but also from the people who had lived in the valley for generations. From them, he learned reverence for the land, a sense of history, and a deep appreciation for outdoor living. These mountain folks were his counselors and he was their camper. In 1987, Sandy left a career in the business world to fulfill a lifelong dream of sharing the magic of the Green River Valley with children through this unique, natural science summer camp.
“Hawk’s story, The Way of the Forest, is one that is often requested around the evening campfires. It is a wonderful tale of the connection between humans and our natural world, inspiring a heartfelt desire for us to interact more deeply with the earth and it’s many inhabitants. For over two decades, Hawk has served as a senior mentor and master naturalist with both our summer camp and school programs. A gifted storyteller, naturalist, and environmental educator, Hawk’s knowledge and experiences in these fields provide an important expertise to the Preserve. Hawk is a treasure and we feel fortunate to count him as a member of the Green River Preserve family.” - Missy Schenck, co-owner
