Thursday, 01 March 2007 22:43
Indian Grinding Rock State Park Looking For A Few Good Volunteers
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park isn't the largest state park in the state but it is one of the better known parks as far as Native American tradition and education goes. The 135-acre park is located here in Pine Grove and it holds the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America - an outcropping of marbleized limestone with 1,185 mortar holes used by the Native American population as grinding rocks for processing acorns for food. “They were a food processing tool states” Ranger Steven Walloupe. The park is also home to the Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum featuring a reconstructed Miwok village and ceremonial roundhouse. Many Native American celebrations, such as the Big Time, are also held in the park.
The park is also very popular with school and other educationally oriented groups. Park staff is seeking volunteers to help with preservation and interpretation. This Saturday's open house will offer information on the different volunteer opportunities. It takes place at the park museum form 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Basic Training for new and continuing volunteers will be held on two Saturdays: March 10 and 17, from 10:00 to 3 pm. This in-depth, two-day class prepares new volunteers for a rewarding experience at Indian Grinding Rock. For more information, contact Ranger Steven Walloupe at (209) 296-7488 or Interpreter Wendy Harrison at (209) 795-7980.
