courtesy Longwood Gardens Library
April 4
Traveling the Appalachian Trail with a Canine Companion, 6:30 pm
Free
Presented by: Amelia Givin Library
Location: Amelia Givin Library, 114 North Baltimore Avenue, Mt. Holly Springs, PA
Nancy Barnhart will share her and her husband’s experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail with their dog. Along with sharing some of the equipment they used, they will explain the difficulties they experienced as they hiked with their canine companion through the northeast United States. Stop into the library or call 717-486-3688 to register. Open to all ages.
April 16
Mountains, Madness, and Miracles: 4,000 Miles of Appalachian Trail Stories, 10:00 am
Free
Presented by: Newtown Public Library
Location: Newtown Public Library, 201 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073
Come hear from a hiker who has accomplished the famous Appalachian Trail not once but twice AND in each direction! Hiker Lauralee Bliss “Blissful”, an AT 4,000+ miler and the ridgerunner for Shenandoah National Park, will share stories and pictures from her 4,000 mile journey which she undertook northbound with her teen son and then southbound as a solo hiker. This presentation will inspire you to reach for your hiking dreams, whatever they might be. A book signing for her title Mountains, Madness, Miracles - 4000 Miles Along the Appalachian Trail follows. For more information about her adventures and advice for safe and fun hiking, visit Blissful Hiking: http://www.blissfulhiking.com
April 20
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk Event, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
FREE for everyone
Presented by: Tyler Arboretum (www.tylerarboretum.org) and the Delaware County Library System (www.delcolibraries.org)
Location: Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media, PA 19063
Come join the conversation! Jennifer Stock from the Delaware County Library System will be leading a book discussion of Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery. In 1955 at the age of 67, Emma Gatewood became the first woman to through-hike the 2,100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Achieving more than escape or solitude, her act of walking focused much-needed attention on conditions and rallied support for the Appalachian Trail. After the book discussion, Tyler staff will take participants out for an inspirational hike to explore just a small part of Tyler’s 17 mile trail system. Books will be provided for participants to pick up at Tyler Arboretum. Please wear footwear appropriate for uneven terrain. Pre-registration required. Register online here or call Joanne Landau, Registrar, at 610-566-9134 ext. 215 (Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) or email at jlandau@tylerarboretum.org.
April 21
Backpacking & Wilderness Survival Presentation, 7:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Phoenixville Public Library
Location: Phoenixville Public Library, 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Warwick County Park Rangers Chris Wales and Nathan Helminiak will teach you how to properly prepare for an adventure into the wilderness. Some of the topics they'll discuss include: what kind of gear to bring, how to navigate, primitive survival skills, and much more. They will also be leading a special hike at Warwick County Park on Sunday, April 24 to test your skills. Register on the Events Calendar at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013 x132.
April 23
A Community Conversation with Ben Montgomery, 7:00-9:00 pm
Longwood Gardens Members: Free
Non-members: $20
Presented by: Longwood Gardens
Location: Longwood Gardens, Ballroom
Join Ben Montgomery, author of Grandma Gatewood's Walk, for a Community Conversation. Join Ben Montgomery to learn more about his writing and Grandma Gatewood, and join with fellow readers to celebrate and discuss the book. There will be a book signing and an opportunity to continue the conversation in an informal setting. Register online here.
Hike and Insights with Matt Kirk, Appalachian Trail Record Setter, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
$5 for TLC members; $10 for non-members
Presented by: The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County
Location: TLC’s Walnut Hill Headquarters, 541 Chandler Mill Rd, Avondale, PA
Matt Kirk set the record for the fastest self-supported thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail in August of 2013. He finished his hike in an astounding 58 days, 9 hours and 38 minutes, averaging 37.4 miles a day. Join Matt Kirk at TLC’s headquarters to hear the inspiring story of his hike. Get an inside look at the struggles Grandma Gatewood may have faced on her equally inspiring trek through the Appalachian Trail. Afterwards, head out on the trail with Matt to hike the adjacent 300-acre Bucktoe Creek Preserve. Please wear hiking shoes/sneakers, this will be an easy to moderate hike covering approximately 3 miles. Please pack a lunch, light breakfast will be provided. To register, go to www.tlcforscc.org/community-read-2016
April 25
Conserving the Appalachian Trail, 7:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Appalachian Trail Conservancy Mid-Atlantic Region
Location: Bosler Memorial Library, 158 W. High Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Come learn about how the Appalachian Trail is preserved and the numerous volunteers it takes to maintain the trail. Learn about the work, advocacy, and community engagement the Appalachian Trail Conservancy strives for on a daily basis. Presented by Bob Sickley, trail resources manager for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. To register, please call the Adult Programming Assistant at (717) 243-4642 x3224
April 29
Indie Film & Chat: Trail Magic, 2:00 and 7:00 pm (chat at 7:00 pm only)
Free
Presented by: Fredericksen Library
Location: Fredricksen Library, 100 N 19th Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011
This month, we are working in collaboration with Longwood Gardens, The Appalachian Trail Museum and Keystone Trail Association on a Countywide Community Read of the book Grandma Gatewood's Walk. Tonight's discussion and film tell even more of the inspiring story of the spunky woman who saved the Appalachian Trail. The story of Grandma Gatewood will inspire viewers of all ages by illustrating the full power of human spirit and determination. No registration necessary. For more information: http://www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/freevents
May 8
Our National Parks, 100 years, 1:30 pm
Free
Presented by: The Chester County Library, Exton, PA
Location: The Chester County Library and District Center, 450 Exton Parkway, Exton, PA 19341
Help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service with Valley Forge National Historical Park Ranger Tom Ryan. Learn about the park service; its creation and growth and its exciting future. Go to chescolibraries.org and click “Events” at top of page. Click “Chester County Library”. Click the appropriate event on calendar. Fill out and “send” completed registration.
Past Events
March 13
Gear Up! Choosing the Right Hiking Equipment, 1:30-3:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Chester County Library
Location: Chester County Library, Struble Room, 450 Exton Parkway, Exton, PA 19341
Join members of Eastern Mountain Sports’ outreach team and learn about the basic gear you will need to begin hiking and or backpacking. Walking into an outfitter can be intimidating with the overwhelming variety of equipment and gear. From boots and backpacks to tents and stoves, learn to find the gear that fits your needs. Learn what equipment every beginner should carry with them and how to eliminate unnecessary items. This program will be informational, fun and hands-on! Go to chescolibraries.organd click “Events” at top of page. Click “Chester County Library”. Click the appropriate event on calendar. Fill out and “send” completed registration.
March 23
Trail Magic: Documentary Showing & Discussion by Filmmaker, Peter Huston, 7:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Easttown Library & Information Center
Location: Easttown Library & Information Center, 720 First Ave., Berwyn PA 19312, 610-644-0138
See Trail Magic, a documentary about Emma Gatewood, which reflects the courageous, undaunted spirit of Appalachian people. Director and producer Peter Huston will be in attendance and will lead a Q & A after the screening. Registration required - click here to register.
March 24
Trail Magic film screening with Director and Producer Peter Huston, 7:00-8:30 pm
$5 per person
Presented by: Brandywine Conservancy
Location: Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman's Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Brandywine invites you to a screening of the new documentary on Grandma Gatewood, “Trail Magic.” Though many know that Emma "Grandma" Gatewood became the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955 at the age of 67, they really don’t know the rest of her story. Director and producer Peter Huston will be in attendance and will lead a Q & A after the screening. Purchase tickets in advance on the Brandywine website or at the door (cash only). Click here for more information.
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Read more about Longwood Gardens Community Read 2016 HERE.