On January 29, the South Mountain Partnership announced its scheduled of 6 lectures for the 2019 South Mountain Speakers Series.

Each event highlights a specific topic or challenge central to the Partnership’s mission and goals of protecting and promoting landscape resources.

The Series also provides a vehicle for engaging the public in on-going, informed dialogue about conservation challenges facing the South Mountain landscape.

This year's Speakers Series includes these free public events--

-- March 16: Creating The Appalachian Trail In The South. Tom Johnson of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club will talk about how in the 1920s, the mountains south of the Potomac River invited hikers to explore. Led by the dynamic Myron Avery of Washington, D.C., a small group of enthusiasts created the Appalachian Trail in just a few years. During this presentation you will “meet” this remarkable group and follow them as they lay out a new trail in the South.  Location: Pine Grove Furnace Ironmasters House in Gardners. Noon.

-- March 23: Barn Survey Volunteer Training. Over the past fifteen years, the Preservation Society of Historic Gettysburg-Adams County has added more than 300 barns to the Adams County Barn Registry as a primary component of its Barn Preservation Project.  HGAC Barn Preservation Specialist David Maclay will talk about various facets of barn preservation for both novice and seasoned surveyors alike. Following the presentations, participants will venture into the field, fanning out into the countryside to document local barns in a hands-on, fun-filled exploration into the rich diversity of Adams County’s agricultural and architectural legacy. Participation is free of charge and includes breakfast, but advance registration is required by March 20 by contacting David Maclay at 717-677-4000 or send email to: dmaclay@mac.com.  Location: Apple Museum in Biglerville. 8:30 a.m..

-- April 16: Charcoal Hearths, Collier Huts, and Haul Roads: Traces of the Iron Industry across South Mountain. Andre Weltman, chairman of the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park, will discuss the connection between the 19th century charcoal iron industry and today’s South Mountain landscape. Modern trails and campsites often overlap with still-visible remnants of an important part of iron making: transforming the forests into charcoal fuel for the region’s iron furnaces. Location: Dickinson College in the Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium, Carlisle. 7:00 p.m.

-- May 8: Pollinators and Their Habitat. Join Messiah's Director of Sustainability, Brandon Hoover, as he discusses the importance of pollinators, the local honey industry, and the role Messiah is taking to promote pollinators. Some time will be spent outside visiting the college’s hives. Messiah College, Boyer Hall Room 131 in Mechanicsburg. 6:00 p.m.

-- June 11: Appreciating the PA Local Craft Brew Industry. Dr. Alison Feeney, professor of geography and earth science at Shippensburg University, released a new book in 2018-- For the Love of Beer. The book examines Pennsylvania's brewing history, geography and cultural richness while highlighting more than 100 of the state's thriving craft breweries. Come learn firsthand from Dr. Feeney about what makes Pennsylvania, including the South Mountain region, so great for the craft brewing industry. Location: Appalachian Brewing Company in Shippensburg. 6:30 p.m.

-- September 12: Methods of Combating Illegal Dumping and Vandalism in a Forest Setting. Discover ways to fight illegal dumping and vandalism in a forest setting with a joint presentation by Forest Ranger Todd Ottinger and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Program Coordinator Rob Dubas. Technical, social, cultural and financial aspects of the problem will be explored. Location: Caledonia State Park in Fayetteville. 6:30.

The South Mountain Speakers Series is presented as a revival of the Michaux Lectures, a series of talks given by Joseph Rothrock to build a groundswell of public support for his work to preserve and restore Pennsylvania’s forested landscape.

The late 19th century Michaux Lectures were an educational mission that catalyzed real change in Pennsylvania’s environmental history.

As we face the challenges of the 21st century, the South Mountain Speakers Series is intended to encourage a new generation to find in the past a positive vision for the future of the South Mountain Conservation Landscape.

For more information on the program visit the South Mountain Speakers Series webpage.

More information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events is available at the South Mountain Partnership website.  Click Here to sign up for the partnership’s newsletter (bottom of the page). Like them on Facebook.

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[Posted: Jan. 29, 2019]

2/4/2019