Reimagining Our Place on the Planet

NewRiverGorge-NationalPark-400

The 2023 trip is in the planning stage.  In 2021 we went to the New River Gorge National Park in WV on the weekend of October 1-3, additional details are available on the flyer.  The uniqueness of the New River is that it begins in North Carolina (east of the continental divide) and flows WEST through the Appalachian Mountains -- eventually into the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and on to the Gulf of Mexico.  Thus, participating in the landscape of the river helps appreciate the long sweep of geological time -- and the natural beauty of river and mountains.

In order to expand our knowledge and appreciation of our place in the cosmos, in terms of both space and time, Emerging Ecology organizes weekend outings to places of natural awe.

Saturday evening and Sunday morning are dedicated to creating our own versions of stories that recount the past and point to the human role in creating a mutually enhancing future between the human and non-human realms.

Event Registration

Registration cost is $30/person.  Individuals will each be responsible for their own travel, food and accomodations.  Financial assistance available upon request.

Complete the registration form below.  Then use the PayPal link to make a  payment or send a check made payable to Emerging Ecology, 5911 Western Trail, Greensboro, NC 27410.

  • Please enter a number from 1 to 5.
  • What kind of overnight accomodation do you desire

Registration Fee for October 1-3
non-refundable after Sept. 24.

In 2018, the outing explored the Uwharrie Mountains and the Uwharrie National Forest (download a flyer for details).  The Uwharrie Rocks Report includes drawings, a monograph and a song.

In 2017, the group visited the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest near Robbinsville, NC.  This Forest contains one of the few remaining tracts of virgin hardwoods in the Eastern US.  In 2016, the group went to the Gray Fossil Site in eastern TN.

Background Information

Additional details about the New River Gorge National Park are available on-line.

Over the past several decades, Nelson Stover has written poems which give voice to the geological forces, plants and animals which have shaped Planet Earth.  Some of these are have been compiled into Voices On a Walk Through Time in hopes that they may inspire other stories.

Planet Earth has a dynamic surface.  Geologic maps over time show the changes of the eastern part of the North American landmass over the last 500 million years.

Trip Reports

For questions about the 2021 trip and future trips, contact Nelson Stover or phone 336-605-0143.

The 2018 Uwharrie Rocks Report is now available.  Similar events were held in 2016 and 2017.  In 2017, the group went to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in western North Carolina.  The poems, song and story created on this trip can be downloaded.

During 2016, a similar trip was organized for 11 people to the Gray Fossil Site in eastern Tennessee.  The report of their venture is called In The Aura..

Practical Details

River exploration:  Individuals will have opportunities to choose among a variety of guided or unguided ways to explore the New River and the gorge it has created.  Choices will vary from hiking to white water rafting to driving (or walking) across the New River Gorge Bridge.  People may also explore the history of coal mining in the area or trace the impact of the gorge on the human civilization in the area.

Creativity workshops:  After visiting the New River Gorge, the group will gather on Saturday evening and Sunday morning to create poems, prose and songs to give voice to the rocks and rivers.  Nelson Stover will guide the process.  Rudy Gordh will assist with musical accompaniment where needed.

Workshop facilities:  The songwriting and story creation workshop on Sunday morning will be held at the Days Inn by Wyndham in Mt. Hope, West Virginia.  Saturday evening, we will gather around a campfire in a nearby campground.

Overnight accommodations:  Reservations have been made at the Days Inn by Wyndham in Mt. Hope, WV.  Rooms with two twin beds cost $151 for two nights.  Emerging Ecology will make the bookings and people can pay for the rooms upon arrival.  Cancelations must be made 48 hours in advance.  People wishing to camp in either the National Park or the State Park may make their own arrangements.

Cell phone connectivity:  During the trip Nelson will be contactable by cell phone at 336-609-2154.  However, be advised that cell phone service in this area may be sporadic and/or non-existent.

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