“Wilderness & The Anthropocene” panel discussion with regional writers and scientists, April 15

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY – SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN OFFICE:

WHO: The Southern Appalachian Office of The Wilderness Society

WHAT: “Wilderness & The Anthropocene” Panel Discussion

WHERE: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Pl.

WHEN: Friday, April 15, 2016 • 6:00–9:00pm. Reception 6pm, Panel Discussion 7pm, Q&A and Book Signing 8pm

TICKETS: The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. RSVP is requested via wilderness-and-the-anthropocene.eventbrite.com

The Southern Appalachian Office of the Wilderness Society presents “Wilderness & The Anthropocene,” an evening of discussion with a panel of the region’s foremost writers and scientists, Friday, April 15 from 6:00-9:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville.

The evening’s panelists include:

John Lane teaches environmental studies at Wofford College where he also directs the Goodall Center for Environmental Studies. His latest prose work is Fate Moreland’s Widow: A Novel from Story River Books.

Catherine Reid is a professor in the Creative Writing Program at Warren Wilson College, where she specializes in nonfiction and environmental writing. She is the author of two works of nonfiction, Falling into Place: An Intimate Geography of Home and Coyote: Seeking the Hunter in Our Midst.

Drew Lanham is a writer, birder, hunter, and naturalist wandering on the edge of the Blue Ridge in the Upper Piedmont of South Carolina. He is a Clemson University Master Teacher and Alumni Distinguished Professor in wildlife ecology. Lanham is also a published author and poet, and star of the poignant YouTube video “Rules for the Black Birdwatcher.”

Jennifer Frick-Ruppert is the author of Mountain Nature: A Seasonal Natural History of the Southern Appalachians and a professor of biology and environmental science at Brevard College in Western North Carolina.

The panel will consider what it means to have wilderness, “where man himself is a visitor who does not remain,” during the Anthropocene, the term used to describe the current geologic time period as being defined by humans. They will also examine the concepts of a healthy environment as a human right, and environmental degradation as a social injustice.

“This is an important topic to consider as we continue to see all of the ways in which humanity impacts nature and the Earth,” says Brent Martin, Wilderness Society Regional Director. “The writers and scientists on this panel are among the best equipped to consider these questions as we look toward what the future of the Anthropocene may hold. It’s an exciting opportunity to bring them all together for an evening.”

The evening begins with a reception at 6:00pm with wine, beer provided by Asheville Brewing Co., and hors d’oeuvres provided by Strada Italiano. The panel discussion begins at 7:00pm with a Q&A session and book signing with the panelists at 8:00pm.

“Wilderness & The Anthropocene” is free and open to the public, but space is limited to 100 attendees. RSVP is requested via the event’s Eventbrite web page: wilderness-and-the-anthropocene.eventbrite.com. Additional details and updates can also be found on the Eventbrite page, or by calling 828-587-9453.

The Wilderness Society is the leading American conservation organization working to protect our nation’s shared wildlands. Its mission is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. For more information on the Wilderness Society visit wilderness.org. For more information on the Southern Appalachian Office visit ncmountaintreasures.org.