Businesswoman Linda Case sought expert advice on proper care of a marsh she discovered on her farm near Charles Town.

During the process of separating vital plants from non-natives, a biologist she hired discovered 18 rare and very rare native plants. "Suddenly, my cubic zircon became a diamond," Case says. The marsh, she discovered, is a Shenandoah wet prairie, one of only two known in the state.

Case bought an adjacent parcel to secure the entire marsh, and with it came buildings thought to have once been slave quarters. Struck with a sense of stewardship for the land, Case says, "I was faced with a very good problem. I felt strongly that the land shouldn't belong to just one person, and if it didn't belong to an individual, then who would take it?"

The question led to the creation of CraftWorks at Coolspring, a nonprofit center for creative learning. She plans to eventually donate the land and buildings to the organization.

The center offers a growing array of day and half-day classes, from painting and drawing to sustainable building and contemporary American handcrafts, journaling, cooking, gardening and fiber arts.

"Students can use raw materials from our land," Case says.

In summer 2010, CraftWorks will offer children's nature camps in partnership with the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Nature writing groups and painting clubs are also welcome to use the property for meetings and events.

"We hope to become a destination for families looking for fun and relaxation. We're a growing creative community, and want to encourage people to embrace the creative life," Case said.

The center offers lodging packages with local bed and breakfasts. For more information, go to www.craftworksatcoolspring.org.

Photo Courtesy of Platinum PR

CraftWorks at CoolSpring

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