Adjunct Contributes to Nature Publication

Fairmont State University adjunct faculty member Bruce Boland contributed as an author and consultant on a new book that traces the history of Nature Wonder Weekend and the people involved in the event.

The book, published by Allegheny Press, includes interviews with West Virginia naturalists, university professors, state foresters, artists, musicians and craftspeople. Nature Wonder Weekend is sponsored annually by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, North Bend State Park and the National Wild Foods Association. The idea of devoting a weekend to the appreciation of wild foods was conceived by Edelene Wood of Parkersburg in 1967. The 40th anniversary of the event was held recently at North Bend State Park.

Boland holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and a Master of Education degree from California University of Pennsylvania, California, Pa. A resident of Tyler County, he has been an adjunct faculty member at Fairmont State since 2003, teaching geography and Spanish. Boland enjoys eating wild plants, as the season permits, such as pokeweed, milkweed pods, blackberries, walnuts and hickory nuts.

"Eating wild foods gives one an appreciation of Mother Earth and aids in the commune with nature," Boland said.

Copies of the book may be purchased through Allegheny Press, 19323 Elgin Road, Corry, PA 16407. For more information, call (814) 664-8504 or e-mail hjohn@tbscc.com.