Williamstown Rural Lands is hosting its beloved Sheep to Shawl Festival this Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sheep Hill on Cold Spring Road. Held every two years, the free-admission event walks visitors through the full fiber arts process — from live sheep herding all the way to a finished woven blanket.
The day features sheep herding demonstrations by Little Brook Farm and shearing by storyteller Fred DePaul, alongside wool spinning and weaving by volunteers from the Green Mountain Weavers & Spinners. Wendling Willow Basketry will demonstrate and sell handmade baskets, and Hilltop Farm & Fiber Arts will offer wood dyeing and yarn for sale. Additional vendors include Amrita Lash Pottery and The Gathering Yarn Shop.
Food and drinks will be available on site from Cricket Creek Farm and Chickadee Catering & Humble Pie. A suggested donation is requested at the gate. The event runs rain or shine. Visitors should check the Rural Lands website at rurallands.org for parking instructions and the full schedule of demonstration times.
Rural Lands also has two upcoming spring events. On Saturday, May 16, the organization holds its Annual Meeting for Members from 4 to 6 p.m. at Sheep Hill — non-members are welcome as guests. The following day, Sunday May 17, naturalists Leslie Reed-Evans and Jane Culnane lead a Spring Wildflower Walk from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Berlin Road Reserve.
In other nature news from Sheep Hill, Rural Lands reports that American kestrels have settled in for the season — a pair was confirmed nesting at a kestrel box during a visit this week from regional monitors Rick and Ron of the Blue Collar Birders group, who track scores of kestrel nest boxes across the region.
Published from forwarded email · May 2, 2026