Linville, NC – Wonders never cease at Grandfather Mountain—even after business hours. The Lineville based nonprofit nature park is bringing back its Grandfather Presents evening lecture series for 2019.

“On the mountain, we like to bridge outdoor fun with education,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the park. “With our Grandfather Presents series, guests can enjoy presentations from some of the country’s foremost experts on conservation, including professors, naturalists, scientists, photographers, writers, historians and artists.”

The Grandfather Presents topics include: Dr. Patrick McMillan, Scott Huler and Jennifer Pharr Davis. The event is limited to 165 participants, and the cost for admission is $20 or free for Bridge Club Members.

Grandfather Presents: Dr. Patrick McMillan, Naturalist and TV Host on Thursday, June 20.

The opening lecture will feature Dr. Patrick McMillan, naturalist, author, educator and Emmy Award-winning host of “Expeditions with Patrick McMillan.” This PBS-aired series follows McMillan on expeditions throughout North and South America, featuring wilderness, journeys through gorges, wildlife and other ecologically rich destinations. In his presentation, McMillan will expound on his passion for the natural world and how Grandfather Mountain is part of that.

For more information, or to register, visit https://grandfather.com/event/grandfather-presents-dr-patrick-mcmillan/.

Grandfather Presents: Scott Huler, Author and Radio Personality on Thursday, July 18.

Scott Huler is an award-winning radio personality and the author of seven books. In 2014, Huler decided to journey from home to follow in the footsteps of 1700s renowned naturalist John Lawson. In this lecture, Huler will discuss his unlikely choice to travel by foot and canoe through the Carolinas and reveal what it’s like to rediscover one’s own home. Huler currently works as the senior writer at Duke Magazine. However, he has also taught at colleges such as Berry College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his books have been translated into five languages.

For more information, or to register, visit https://grandfather.com/event/grandfather-presents-scott-huler/.

Grandfather Presents: Jennifer Pharr Davis, Hiker and Author on Thursday, Aug. 29.

In 2011, Jennifer Pharr Davis covered the 2,185-mile Appalachian Trail in 46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes, maintaining an average of 47 miles per day. Because of this remarkable hike, she claimed the overall (male or female) fastest known time on the AT and became the first woman to set the mark. Davis has covered over 14,000 miles of long-distance trails on six different continents, is an author, speaker and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and strives “to make the wilderness accessible and enjoyable” for hikers of all ages. In her upcoming lecture, Davis will speak about what motivates her and what gives her strength to persevere.

“I saw Jennifer speak in Winston-Salem for the anniversary of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail,” said Julie Mullis, naturalist at Grandfather Mountain. “The one thing that really struck me about her is how much she was down to earth, funny and just had so many engaging stories about her experiences on the Appalachian Trail. I would say she is inspirational, and I am looking forward to seeing her speak again.”

For more information, or to register, visit https://grandfather.com/event/grandfather-presents-jennifer-pharr-davis/.

Summer Hours: Grandfather Mountain is open daily throughout summer, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting. During summer, visitors are encouraged to call the Entrance Gate at 828-733-4337 to confirm the day’s conditions and set the stage for a memorable outing.

The not-for-profit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For more information, call 800-468-7325, or visit www.grandfather.com.
Dr. Patrick McMillan
Jennifer Pharr Davis