It’s not everyday you get to have afternoon tea with llamas, those unusual but valuable pack animals that are showing up frequently now on our trails. The Cradle of Forestry in America will offer Afternoon Tea with Llamas at 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10.

The program allows kids of all ages the chance to learn about these animal companions.

George Appenzeller and Sarah Meadows will conduct the presentations. The duo founded Challenge Adventures, a nonprofit organization experienced in leading hiking and camping adventure programs for youth groups. Since 1989, they have involved more than 4,000 young people in educational experiences in the outdoors with llamas.

Visitors will hear about the llamas’ cooperative social structure, which includes teamwork and caring. The llamas will carry visitor lunches or snacks during an easy walk along the Forest Discovery Trail at the Cradle of Forestry. Ice tea and cups will be provided. As the group walks the Forest Discovery Trail, children can take turns leading the llamas. The group will picnic along the trail before returning to the Discovery Center.

This easy walk through scenic woods is about two miles roundtrip.

Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $5 for adults. Youth 15 and younger are admitted free. Golden Age passports and America the Beautiful passes are honored. In addition to the llama program, this fee includes the

Forest Discovery Center with 15 hands-on exhibits, the film There’s Magic at the Cradle, historic cabins and antique equipment on two paved trails, the Adventure Zone, living history interpreters and a 1915 Climax logging locomotive.

The Cradle of Forestry is located on U.S. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, six miles north of Looking Glass Falls and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

828.877.3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.org.