Upcoming Canyon Center Events
Canyon Center Events
Field School Programs
March 2023
Learn the basics of pine needle basketry, an old craft with a long history. Join artist Brittney Hughes to learn the basic steps to making a coiled basket from longleaf pine needles. Each participant will learn the basic skills of pine needle basketry and take home their very own creation. The art of coiling baskets is universally common to indigenous peoples. Coiling is the technique of creating baskets and art from pine needles and was a part of pre-Columbian Native American crafts. Today, pine needle baskets and art are made primarily for decorative purposes. All materials (pine needles, thread, and small center for basket) will be furnished. Class is for ages 10 and up.
When: Sunday, March 12, 2023
Where: JSU's Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, Alabama
Time: 10 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (CST)
Fee: $25 supply fee- Supply fee due day of class Pre-registration required.
For details and registration, email Brittney Hughes at Southernchick888@hotmail.com.
Dutch ovens have been in use for hundreds of years; especially when our country was expanding, and families were on the move. Unable to bring their large cook stoves with them, women learned how to cook entire meals from stews & soups to bread & desserts, in their Dutch ovens. Learn the basics about Dutch ovens, how to clean & care for your cookware, AND cook (& eat!) dinner & dessert at the same time! Starts around 10:00 am, located at JSU's Little River Canyon Center. This is a demonstration, so the best part is when food is just coming off the fire- drop in whenever you like & check out the food!
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023
Time: 10 am – 2 pm (or until the food runs out)
Where: JSU's Little River Canyon Center
Call 256-845-3548 for more details
March 28 - Wild About Bears
Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 & 1:30 - 2:00pm.
Location: The Little River Canyon Center.
Fee: Free programs, no registration required.
March 29 - Family Dog Day
Bring your dog and join us Wednesday, March 29 for a wagging good time!Test your dog's agility in a self-guided obstacle course for dogs that will be open throughout the day. From 10:30 - 11:00 kids can enjoy a doggy craft and story time. Join us from 1:30 - 2:15pm for an guided scent trail hike with your dog and see what can find on the trail!
Date: Wednesday March 29, 2023.
Time: 10:30 - 11am & 1:30- 2:15pm
Location: The Little River Canyon Center
Fee: Free programs, no registration required.
March 30 - Art in Nature
Date: Thursday March 30, 2023.
Time: 10:00 - 10:30am & 10:30 - 11am & 1:30- 2:15pm
Location: The Little River Canyon Center
Fee: Free program. Registration is appreciated for our Nature Journaling Classes by emailing rmtaylor@jsu.edu.
March 31 - Opt Outside Day
Date: Friday March 31, 2023.
Time: 10:30 - 11:30am & 1:30- 3:00pm.
Location: The Little River Canyon Center & The Little River Falls.
Fee: Free programs, no registration required.
April
Join JSU Field School staff and DeSoto State Park naturalist, Brittney Hughes, for a meandering journey within the forest, taking in every opportunity to learn more about the natural world. On this hike we will identify many native plants of the southern Appalachians and will be teaching you how to recognize the species found in the park. Bring a notebook/camera if you wish and discover what can be seen along the trails. All ages welcome
Things to bring: Plenty of water and/or sports drink, snacks, hiking poles/staff (optional), sturdy shoes (open toe shoes are not recommended). Please be sure to dress appropriately according to seasonal temperatures/weather.
WEATHER: As with all outdoor events, if it's raining/stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. If the weather is questionable, please check with the park before leaving home. Please make every effort to arrive early or on time.
Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Time: 10:00-12:00
Location: Littler River Canyon Center. Trail is TBD.
Fee: Free and open to everyone! For details, contact 256-845-3548 (Canyon Center)
Join artist Jessica Haigh of Animal House Pottery and create your own wind chimes and "poof pot' (small dish)!This class is designed for beginners with little or no pottery experience. Participants will create awesome finished products they can be proud of without having to spend long hours on the process.
Date: Saturday April 1, 2023
Time: 1pm – 3pm on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
Location: Little River Canyon Center.
Registration includes: 2lbs of clay, tools, paints, and instruction. Pre-registration is required.
Fee: $35 per participant. No refunds after March 20. For questions please email rmtaylor@jsu.edu or call 256-845-3548.
April 14 - Photography Workshop
Join Fine Art Photographer John Dersham for an all-new two-day photography seminar. Learn through a combination of classroom lecture and hands-on field experience at the Little River Canyon Center, Desoto State Park, and DeKalb County.Learn how to improve your photography by learning tried and true compositional rules. In addition, learn about lighting and strategies that will provide more visual impact to your pictures. Hikes are easy to moderate (optional).
Date: Friday, April 14th from 6pm-8pm and Saturday, April 15th from 7am-3pm Where: Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne What to bring: Camera, tripod, Neutral Density filter (optional), snacks and drinks. (Class will stop for an early lunch or you can bring one from home.) Fee: $50 per person; pre-registration required; call 256-845-3548 for more information; no refunds after April 7, 2023.
April 30 - Fly Fishing 101 Workshop
Join Dr. Tim Lindblom to learn the basics to get started on your own fly fishing adventures! We will be discussing what gear is needed, knots, basic fly selection, and casting instructions. Participants will get hands-on experience and the opportunity to make that first catch! Ages 14 and over are welcome. Register today! Spots are extremely limited!
Date: Sunday, April 30, 2023
Time: 3 pm - 6 pm Fee: $75 per participant OR $35 for JSU Students with School ID. No refunds after April 14.
Location: Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, AL
What to Bring: Please bring water, sun protection and a snack. All equipment will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.