I spent yesterday with two construction supervisors walking a 35 acre forest tract searching for saplings. Not just any saplings, but ones that fit the species, width, length and look to build a 62′ long by 20′ wide by 20′ high Eastern Woodlands Longhouse. We painted the saplings one of three colors, so we could sort them for the strippers. Bark strippers, that is. The invitation below explains our volunteer bark stripping day.

I wanted to entitle the promo piece, “Strippers Wanted”, but the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society (for whom we’re working) kiboshed that idea.

I’ve spent months working on the plans and have thoroughly enjoyed learning and thinking in new ways. You may look at the Longhouse plans link if you like. When I complete the plans, I will post them online for others to quickly learn what I slowly learned.

Here’s a photo that shows a similar longhouse in operation.

I sometimes wonder why I take on projects like this, particularly when I’m so busy with other work that I can barely see straight. When I ponder, though, I always conclude that life goes by quickly. I want to do things that I love, even when not convenient or easy…perhaps especially when not convenient or easy. I want to look back on each year and laugh about why I made some of those nutty and fun decisions.

If you’re in the Central PA area, please consider stopping by to help with our bark stripping day. We’ll have fun and make your hands sore. What more could you want?