The EFMLS sponsors two workshop sessions each year in a cool mountain-top setting near Little Switzerland in North Carolina. Offered at the sessions are seminars in various facets of the earth sciences.

Indulge your passion for minerals, gems, jewelry, and craft. Join entry and intermediate level short classes. Enjoy programs from our great Speakers-in-Residence. Form new friendships and deepen old ones.

Do it all at Wildacres a beautiful retreat center atop the Blue Ridge mountains.

What could better!

Bob Jones is the Speaker in Residence for Spring 2020

(Cancelled due COVID-19)

Most of us are familiar with Bob’s lifelong work in the Mineral Community. Most notably as the Senior Editor of Rock & Gem Magazine. Register now, to experience all 6 lectures from Bob during the Spring Semester, May 18-24, 2020. (click on Speaker In Residence below)

The EFMLS Wildacres Workshop is a “School of Instruction” held for members of Affiliate Member Societies to increase the general knowledge in all areas of our hobby. It is administered by the Wildacres Functioning Committee, a standing committee of the EFMLS. 2020 marks the 48th year that EFMLS has held these workshops.

Wildacres Retreat is a conference center of about 1,400 acres on a mountaintop, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Little Switzerland, NC dedicated to the betterment of human relations. It is owned and operated by the Wildacres Foundation. The facilities include lodges, a dining hall, craft house, meeting rooms, library and canteen. Meals are served family style in the dining hall. People with physical and/or dietary problems can be accommodated. Many organizations other than EFMLS also hold seminars and workshops in this wonderful facility which is open from April through October.

There are usually two EFMLS sponsored sessions each year. The 2020 dates are Spring 2019, May 18-24 (cancelled due to COVID-19) and Fall 2019, August 24-30. Each session begins at 4:00 P.M. on the first day followed by an orientation meeting after dinner and ends after breakfast on the last day. The programs consist of general sessions for the whole group and small-group class sessions covering a variety of topics such as minerals, beading, exhibit, cabochon making, faceting, wire-wrapping, silversmithing, pewter fabrication, PMC, fused glass, soapstone carving etc. The workshop staff consists of experts in the various areas of the hobby. Most are EFMLS members and all serve without pay to share their knowledge with others.

Whenever possible, a recognized professional in an area of major emphasis is also included. The specific subjects offered at each workshop varies and are generally known in advance of the sessions. Registration is required, well in advance of the workshop sessions, since the facilities limit us to 60 people, including staff.

The cost of each session for 2020 is $435 per person. Applications, with a deposit of $220.00 per person should be sent to the registrar as early as possible since space fills rapidly (but not before January 1, 2020).

Suzie Milligan, Wildacres Registrar
931 Carmichael Rd; Owego, NY 13827 / 607-687-5108
smilligan@stny.rr.com

Wildacres Retreat, 1565 Wild Acres Rd, Little Switzerland, NC 28749