Episode Three: Fear and the Chestnut Tree

Matt and Candy hike their first 20 mile day, despite Candy’s fear of injury. There are other things to fear on the trail too - Matt and Candy have their first encounter with a Timber Rattlesnake, and they start to explore the ecological history of the Appalachians

This episode’s guests:

  • Dr. Chris Jenkins

    CEO of the Orianne Society

  • Vasiliy Lakoba

    Director of Research for the American Chestnut Foundation

Learn More:

More about Chris Jenkins’ work at the Orianne Society: oriannesociety.org

More about Vasiliy Lakoba’s work at the American Chestnut Foundation: tacf.org

More about Grayson Highlands State Park: dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands

More about Damascus, VA and the Trail Days Celebration: visitdamascus.org/traildays.html

The timber rattlesnake that Birdman almost stepped on.

The timber rattlesnake that Birdman almost stepped on.

Dark-eyed Junco nest spotted alongside the trail.

Dark-eyed Junco nest spotted alongside the trail.

Chili Pepper Woman enters Damascus, VA.

Chili Pepper Woman enters Damascus, VA.

A shrubby American Chestnut.

A shrubby American Chestnut.

Birdman on the summit of Mt. Rogers, tallest peak in VA.

Birdman on the summit of Mt. Rogers, tallest peak in VA.

The famous ponies of the Grayson Highlands.

The famous ponies of the Grayson Highlands.

Episode Credits:

Produced by: The Wild Lens Collective in partnership with New Hampshire Public Radio

With Support from: Big Agnes

Producers: Matthew Podolsky, Taylor Quimby

Promotion/Social Media: Hannah Mulvany

Music by: Blue Dot Sessions

Photo of Vasiliy Lakoba courtesy of: Katrin Brand of ARD