A Natural History Adventure on the Appalachian Trail
Loading...
Author
Henry, Laura
Date
2002
Degree
Master of Arts in Earth Literacy
Abstract
During the spring and summer of 2000, just before beginning the ELM program, I hiked
the entire Appalachian Trail (AT) in what is called a thru-hike. During my hike I wrote a
biweekly column for my hometown newspaper about my journey. Writing about the hike made
it more fulfilling for me. As I hiked, I thought about other ways I could write about the AT. My
partner, Brad Stone, is a nature photographer. The hike was his idea originally, and he captured
our hike on over ninety rolls of film. We daydreamed often about doing projects together as a
writer and a photographer. Being that we are both passionate about nature, I explored the idea of
designing some sort of natural history guide to the trail, as well as writing about the experience
of hiking with our dog, Willow.
When I began ELM, I looked for ways to integrate my trail experience with Earth
Literacy, not wanting to let the hike be just a fun adventure I had in my youth. Some of my
initial assignments I fulfilled by writing about the AT. I also continued my newspaper column,
but with a different emphasis—Earth Literacy. When the time came to choose an integrative
project, I knew I could take the opportunity to create something more substantial about the AT.
During my time as an ELM student, I was also substitute teaching in my local school district,
experimenting with being an educator. I wondered about bringing that part of my life into my
project as well. The idea for a book for young adults arose.