In the Shadow of Mount Washington – Spring Zoom Series

For those of us fortunate enough to live in the shadow of Mount Washington, we know that the “rockpile” is always interesting.  The crown jewel of the White Mountain range is the highest peak in the northeastern United States and boasts unique climate conditions, natural features, flora, and fauna.  The breathtaking views and unique environment surrounding Mt. Washington challenges all who dare to approach, attracting visitors from all over the world.

This spring, the Great North Woods Libraries have collaborated to present a series of free family-friendly Zoom events that revolve around this formidable peak.  With Internet access, you can enjoy these programs from the safety and comfort of your home.  These events are being presented on the first Wednesdays of February, March, April, and May, all beginning at 6pm.

New Englanders know the reputation of 6,288-foot Mount Washington as a place of  climate extremes. The high winds for which the mountain is known funnel great accumulations of snow from the bare upper tundra of the Presidential Range into the glacial cirque of Tuckerman Ravine.  On February 3^rd, at 6pm, our 2021 Spring series begins with the program “Over The Headwall: A Short History of Skiing in Tuckerman Ravine.”  Presenter Jeff Leich is the Executive Director of New England Ski Museum in Franconia and is the editor of the Journal of the New England Ski Museum.

Award-winning author and journalist Dan Szczesny will be discussing his connection to Mt. Washington, formed in part while writing his book The White Mountain: Rediscovering Mount Washington’s Hidden Culture.  Dan spent a year exploring the mountain and its impact on the people who adventure on it.  Meet Dan on March 3^rd, at 6pm, for his unique perspective on the peak.  Registration in this program allows access to the accompanying documentary which can be watched before or after the Zoom event.  Books can be purchased at Dan’s website:  https://danszczesny.wordpress.com/

The area around Mt. Washington is teeming with wildlife of all kinds. On April 7^th, at 6pm, join a Squam Lakes Natural Science Center naturalist and meet some of the wild animals that make their homes in the White Mountains during the program “Animals of the White Mountains.” Learn about their places in larger ecosystems and discover what makes these animals well-suited for life in New Hampshire—or even for life right in your backyard.

What better way to end the spring series than with spring flowers in the program “Land Above the Trees: Exploring the Alpine Zone in the White Mountains”.  Presenter Nicky Pizzo is the Guided Outdoors Manager at the Appalachian Mountain Club, who manages family and adult Guided Adventures and is a Senior Naturalist with the AMC.  Nicky has spent 20+years exploring the alpine zone, in particular the Alpine Garden below the summit of Mt Washington.  This presentation will explore the plants and animals found above treeline in the White Mountains and what makes it so special.  Register to join this event via Zoom on May 5^th, at 6pm.

To attend, audience members must submit an email address and have access to a computer or phone with video and/or microphone capability.  Interested participants can register at:  www.wmcc.edu/fortier-library/.  To receive updates for these and future programs, or if you have questions, contact one of the Great North Woods Libraries who are partnering in this series:  Berlin Public Library 603-752-5210, Gorham Public Library 603-466-2525, Randolph Public Library 603-466-5408, WMCC Fortier Library 603-342-3087.

Calendar announcements:

February 3, 6pm:  Over The Headwall: A Short History of Skiing in Tuckerman Ravine with Jeff Leich of the New England Ski Museum

March 3, 6pm: The White Mountain: Rediscovering Mount Washington with author Dan Szczesny (this event includes free access to Dan’s documentary)

April 7, 6pm:  Animals of the White Mountains with Squam Lakes Natural Science Center naturalists

May 5, 6pm:  Land Above the Trees: Exploring the Alpine Zone in the White Mountains with Nicky Pizzo of the Appalachian Mountain Club