On Saturday, Sept. 20, Chris Collins, Master Naturalist and living historian, will teach how to make natural fiber cordage using native plants at the Audubon Center & Sanctuary’s Natural Fiber Cordage Workshop.

The workshop is from 1-2:30 p.m. Using simple but time-honored techniques, Collins will demonstrate using dogbane, also called Indian hemp. He will walk participants through the steps to identify the plant in the field, learn to extract the fibers from the stalk, and use those fibers to create cordage. Each participant will make approximately two feet of natural cordage. The use of natural resources for utilitarian purposes is not a new concept. Indigenous people have been using such materials for a very long time. There are still people who are dedicated in keeping this art form and knowledge alive in this present time era. Chris Collins is a master naturalist through Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Master Naturalist Program is a high-quality, science-based training program designed to teach adults about New York’s natural resources, empowering them to educate others and participate in on-the-ground conservation management projects. Collins has a strong personal interest in living history and native material culture.

This workshop has both an inside and outside component, with a short walk of about a half mile. Participants are reminded to dress for the weather and asked to bring a small, sharp non-serrated pocket knife.

Fee is $12 or $9 for Friends of the Nature Center.

Class size is limited. Paid reservations are required by Tuesday by calling 569-2345 or using the online form by clicking through “Cordage Workshop” at www.jamestownaudubon.org.

Audubon education programs are funded with support from the Carnahan Jackson Foundation, Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, Holmberg Foundation, Hultquist Foundation, Johnson Foundation and the Lenna Foundation.

The Audubon Center & Sanctuary is at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. For more information, call 569-2345 or visit jamestownaudubon.org.