It’s All About the Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Old Stone School
37098 Charles Town Pike
Hillsboro, Virginia

March 6, 2009
6:00 pm — 8:00 pm

Free and Open to the Public

Click here to register for this free event.

Join us at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, Virginia for a free event on March 6 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for exciting and entertaining presentations about the natural history of the Appalachian Trail. Guest speakers include:

Mike Hayslett: Called “Virginia’s leading vernal pool expert” by the Audubon Naturalist Society, Mike has studied mysterious, dark “swamp waters” since childhood and championed the conservation of these wetlands for 20 years. Featured in the April/May 2000 issue of National Wildlife magazine, Mike’s graduate work at Longwood University was on the Natural History of the Mole Salamander in Virginia. He is Naturalist-in-Residence in the Department of Biology at Sweet Briar College and Director of the Virginia Vernal Pools Program, traveling the state and raising awareness for the ecological importance of “underdog wetlands” and their unique living resources. He and his son hiked the 550-mile Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail. Mike is affectionately called the “SWAAAAmp Man” by Loudoun Valley High School students.

Rita Hennessy, Outdoor Recreation Specialist, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service: Rita has 20 years with the NPS, and more than a 25 year history with the Appalachian Trail. She recently completed a Master of Arts in Community Change and Civic Leadership. Through her graduate studies, Rita created A Trail to Every Classroom, modeled after A Forest for Every Classroom in Vermont. This is a professional development opportunity for teachers to promote getting kids in the woods and discovering the significance of their communities and local resources, as well as connections to other locales through the conduit of the Appalachian Trail.

We’re pleased to have REI joining us to provide information about trail gear and helpful advice.

We’re also pleased to have Loudoun’s own Acoustic Burgoo to entertain us with their unique blend of folk, blues and traditional tunes. The Acoustic Burgoo features Rudy Bzdyk, Ben Walters, Erik Burnham and Melissa Wright, four young adults bringing a fresh sound to favorite old tunes - with a professional dedication that belies their ages. Formed in January 2006, this band of former LVHS students has been playing local gigs for quite a while, including opening for Ralph Stanley at Franklin Park, opening for Larry Sparks at the Lucketts Bluegrass Series, performing at the Watermelon Park Fest, The Bluemont Fair, The Purple Fiddle, and at The Round Hill Arts Center Bluegrass and Folk Music Jam. And, on April 3, they will be opening for The Seldom Scene at Franklin Park. The Acoustic Burgoo organizes the Loudoun Wildlife Fest, an annual Loudoun County music festival.

Camping refreshments will be provided by the Newton Marasco Foundation. “It’s All about the AT” is part of the NMF’s Engaging the Environment in Loudoun community outreach series. This event is free, but space is limited, so please reserve your seat today!