Erik Johnson, left, a board member of MooseWood Nature Center, shows William Kroll, 9, of Marquette the basics of writing with ink using a feather on Saturday. The center hosted a feather pen workshop that day to educate participants about this basic tool. (Journal photo by Christie Mastric)

MARQUETTE — Birds need feathers, of course, but humans can make use of them as well.

MooseWood Nature Center hosted a workshop for kids on Saturday in which they could use “feather pens” for art.

MooseWood board member Erik Johnson led the event.

Johnson called the feather pen “the simplest product man has ever come up with.”

The participants dipped various types of feathers, such as goose feathers, into things such india ink and “secret ink.”

The purpose of the workshop, he said, was to teach how feathers have been used throughout history, such as writing the lengthy Declaration of Independence.

William Kroll, 9, of Marquette, enjoyed the experience. However, when asked what he was drawing, he said, “I don’t know.”

It should be noted, though, that the boy was waiting for the secret ink to take effect.

Quill pins, according to historyofpencils.com, were made from a flight feather of a large bird, with ink leaving marks on the writing surface. The point of the feather was treated so it can be used for writing, while the feather’s hollow shaft held the ink that flowed to the tip by capillary action.

The best quills, the website indicated, were made from goose, swan and turkey feathers.

“It’s one of the most basic tools man has ever come up with,” Johnson said.

MooseWood Nature Center is located along Peter White Drive at Presque Isle Park. An upcoming event is “Playing with Pottery,” with pottery wheel throwing demonstrations scheduled for noon to 4 July 30-31. Pinch pot and coil pot construction for all ages is set for 1 p.m. those days.

Anyone who doesn’t want to get their hands dirty may purchase pottery for sale, with proceeds benefiting MooseWood.

For more information on the center and its activities, visit moosewood.org.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.