Take a stroll through the woods anywhere in New Hampshire, and chances are you'll stumble upon a paper birch sprawled across the forest floor. Often the tree looks freshly toppled, its beautiful white bark still intact. Only on close inspection will you discover that the bark is, in fact, hollow, the wood it once protected long since turned to humus by insects, fungus and bacteria.

The bark of the paper birch (Betula papyrifera, also known as canoe or white birch) is renowned for its resilience. It contains potent phytochemicals that protect it from disease. Its brilliant white color keeps the birch from heating up in winter sunlight. This prevents the bark from splitting when temperatures plummet at night, an adaptation that means birches grow farther north than almost any other deciduous trees. The bark is also waterproof and extraordinarily flexible, allowing the tree to withstand violent storms.

All these qualities, and the fact that birch bark is easily peeled from the trunk in large sheets, make it an ideal material for everything from baskets to canoes, shelter and even clothing. The grave of a teenage girl that dated back to 1370 BC was discovered in Denmark. Buried along with her was a birch bark container, which, thanks to its natural preservatives, still contained the remains of Bronze Age mead.

Now, before the forest under-story grows too dense, is a great time to make a family trip to gather birch bark from fallen trees to use for crafts projects all year long. Never strip bark from living trees, which can weaken and even kill them, and do make sure you have landowner permission. The bark can be easily peeled from rotting trees with your fingers, but it helps to bring along a stout pair of kitchen shears and a sharp-tipped knife. You'll also need a bag for your booty.

Older, larger trees will have thick bark that is deep brown on the inside and white on the outside. This is the most useful bark for the bracelet project that follows. Younger trees have thinner, very flexible bark, which is good for small projects like miniature tepees and canoes. Do store your bark well away from open flames - it makes excellent tinder!

Birch Bark Bracelets

These bracelets can be as simple or elaborate as you like. They are inexpensive and easy to make with a few supplies from a craft shop. Even a young child can turn one out with a little help from an adult or older sibling. The finished bracelets are lovely - perfect for graduation season gift-giving.

You'll need:

• a tape measure and pencil

• birch bark

• strong scissors

• sand paper (not too rough, 150 is about right)

• strong paper clips

• water-soluble sealant - I used Mod Podge gloss

• brush for sealant

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