Wood carving is a great way to not only learn a new skill, but also become more knowledgeable about types of wood and its attributes.Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is hosting a wooden spoon carving class with Jessica Steele of Wood Thrush Wilderness on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Coastal Rivers’ Round Top Farm in Damariscotta. 

During the four-hour workshop, participants will create functional and beautiful wooden spoons using traditional hand tools. The spoonswill be the size of a teaspoon or tablespoon with a handle of about 4 inches.  

Steele will cover the process of gathering the proper tools and materials, care and maintenance of woodworking tools, techniques for choosing and using carving knives, selecting wood and preparing it,refining the cut, making the “bowl,” shaping the handle and creating designs, and sanding and treating the spoon.  

Note that carving can be physically challenging for hands and wrist and this class may not be suitable for those with limitations in hand strength or mobility.  

A course fee of $85, or $70 for Coastal Rivers members, covers tools, material, instruction, and a spoon or two to take home. Additional tools and kits will be available for purchase through the instructor.  

Space is limited. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events. 

With a B.A. in ecopsychology and a master's in outdoor education from Prescott College, instructor Jes Steele has been working in the field of adventure and environmental education for more than 30 years.