Department of Parks
Cattail Workshop Set For July 8

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Cattails, those wonderful weeds of the swamp, will be the subject of a workshop on July 8 at Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site in Ballard County.

Cattails grow around wet areas, ponds, swamps and ditches along roadsides. Native Americans used cattails to make baskets, mats, toys and cordage. The plant’s roots were cooked and eaten and various parts were used as medicine.

Participants in the workshop will learn how to weave cattail leaves and make a basketry craft to take home. Entertaining instruction will be provided by Grandmother Coyote. Materials will be furnished by the park.

There will be two sessions, one at 10 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. (Central Time). Classes last about an hour and the cost is $10 each. Advanced registration is required. Call Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site at 270-335-3681 for more information.

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov