Speakers Series

Building on our past to create a legacy for our future – connecting our environmental and social history to today’s issues.

The South Mountain Speakers Series, as a revival of the historic Michaux Lectures, strives to educate and engage the public on contemporary conservation topics and challenges to create a citizenry that values and supports the preservation of the rich natural, cultural, agricultural, and recreational resources of the South Mountain region. The Speakers Series consists of 4 to 6 lecture events over the course of the year.

Walk with a Doc in Letort Spring Garden Preserve-

Oct 22 4:30-5:30PM at Letort Spring Garden Preserve

Dr. Navitha Ramesh will lead this hike and discuss lung health with the group…. We know getting outside is important for our physical and mental health but come along to learn even more about the intersection of benefit from outdoor recreation and personal health. Members of the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, stewards of this trail, will be along to tell us more about the area and restoration projects at work. SMP Staff and committee members will also be on hand to catch up.

Approximately 1.5 miles of easy walking. Dress for the weather, we will plan to walk rain or shine!

Rhyolite in Michaux, South Mountain’s First Industry- FULL 

Friday October 8th, 2021 4-6PM

Join our partner the Friends of Michaux as we take a hike to learn more about the rich Native American archaeology resources of Michaux and their storied past. Recent looting has put these resources at risk, hear how Friends of Michaux is hoping to protect this place.

Approximately 3 miles of easy hiking with some hills. Dress for the weather, we will plan to walk rain or shine!

Pine Grove Furnace History along the Railroad Line- FULL

Friday, September 24, 2021 4-6PM

Join Andre Weltman, chairman of the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park, to learn about ironmaking, the South Mountain Railroad, and other historical uses of the Pine Grove Iron Works property. We will follow the railroad’s path from the blast furnace past Fuller Lake to the area of an iron company amusement park and later Girl Scout camp.

Approximately 2 miles of easy walking, mostly on the State Park’s “Biker-Hiker” path. Portions are paved, but we will walk on a gravel rail-trail and we will cross a sandy beach. Dress for the weather, we will plan to walk rain or shine!

 

 

Have an event or topic idea for a future Speakers Series event? Be sure to nominate it here.