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!

Spring Speaker in Residence to be announced for Spring 2021

WILDACRES 2021

If all goes well, the dates for the EFMLS Wildacres Spring Session are May 17-23. The unknown, of course, is the situation regarding the Coronavirus. Because of this, we are not including a registration form, and asking everyone not to send in checks at this time.

Tentative classes include wire wrapping, chain mail, cabochon making, micromount preparation, faceting, beading, and PMC. These may be subject to change as conditions change. The cost for the entire week will be $435 which includes room and board, classes, lectures, and other activities.
We hope to know by March if Wildacres will be able to open and if the conditions in the eastern states permit traveling. Stay tuned.

Steve Weinberger, Wildacres Director

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. 2021 marks the 49th 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 2021 dates are Spring 2021, May 17-23 and Fall 2021 has not been announced.  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, silversmith, 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 2021 is $435 per person. Applications, with a deposit of $220.00 per person, but no one should send any money at this time. We are waiting for updates on the covid-19 pandemic.

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