WAYNESBORO—The Institute launches its annual spring lecture series, “Enjoy Franklin County, PA” on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the social room at Church of the Apostles in Waynesboro. Admission is free.
The first program in the 3-part series is “Adventures in The Michaux Forest,” presented by Suzanne Hartley.
“Whether you enjoy a stroll through the forest or adrenaline-filled mountain biking, the 87,000+ acres of Michaux State Forest provide a diversity of recreational opportunities,” Hartley said.
During the illustrated program, Hartley will talk about what the forest has to offer and how to plan a fun and safe adventure in Michaux State Forest.
“Forest visitors can hike, bike, horseback ride, kayak, camp, rock climb, ATV ride, hunt, and more,” she said.
Hartley is an environmental education specialist with the Bureau of Forestry, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. She works to increase communication between Michaux State Forest and the community, including creating educational materials on recreational opportunities in the forest.
With a bachelor’s degree in biology from Millersville University and a master’s degree in fisheries, wildlife, and conservation biology from North Carolina State University, Hartley previously worked at the American Public Gardens Association creating educational materials on forest health for botanical gardens.
The second lecture is on Thurs., March 21, when Janet Pollard, executive director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau presents “Play Days in the Parks—Not Just for Kids.” The final program, on Tues. April 2, is “Foraging in Franklin County,” presented by Dr. David Foster, professor of biology & environmental science at Messiah University.
The lecture series is sponsored by Robert and Grace Brown, with additional support from The Institute’s Today’s Horizon Fund contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; Marge Kiersz; and the Carolyn Terry Eddy Family: Carolyn, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin.
For more information, visit The Institute’s website at natureandcultureinstitute.org, or contact them at [email protected] or 717-762-0373.