Have you ever wondered what life was like without shopping malls, hardware stores, and grocery stores? You would have to make things for yourself with the resources you could gather from the environment around you. Some of the plants along the parkway have been used by the Native people of this area for food, clothing, and building materials. Join us for a hands-on special program where you learn how to build with willow.

Vince La Pena worked as a Park Interpretive Specialist for the County of Sacramento for nearly 12 years. During his work at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, he was involved with the Maidu Cultural Heritage Program and oversaw the maintenance of the replica village located along the walkway leading up to the Nature Center. As a naturalist, he worked to increase his knowledge of local flora and fauna. He currently teaches a California Indian Cultural Studies class for a local tribal school. As a member of a Northern California tribe, Vince has always had an interest in preserving traditional ecological knowledge and local Native culture.