On Sunday Nov. 13, at 4 p.m., Foothills Equestrian Nature Center presents “Seeing, Smelling and Hearing the United States on Two Wheels – Stories and Photos From Cross-Country Bike Ride Across The United States.”

Jack Henderson will speak about the summer of 2012 when he rode his bike from the coast of Virginia to the Utah/Colorado border.

Seeking to learn more about the country he lives in and get in shape in the process, Jack’s entirely human-powered adventure crossed seven states and covered over 2,000 miles. The trip resulted in a deep appreciation and awe of the people, landscapes and communities that call this nation home, along with a few sunburns, cramps and countless memories.

Jack Henderson was born and raised in Virginia not far Washington, D.C. Happier in the mountains, he left to attend Appalachian State University where he studied geography and recreation management. While in college, an internship with a local land trust helped spark an initial interest with non-profit conservation.

After graduating in May 2014, Jack spent time with non-profits in Oregon, South Carolina, Maryland and Idaho, farming, monitoring conservation easements, coordinating river mapping projects, leading volunteers, and managing invasive weeds.

Jack returned to western North Carolina last year for a year in AmeriCorps’ Project Conserve, with Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy. He’s looking forward to a second term now with MountainTrue as water quality administrator, where he is leading volunteer teams that monitor water quality in the upper French Broad river watershed. 

Always a proponent and ambassador for human-powered transportation, Jack has led and participated in several long-distance bicycling, backpacking and paddling trips. Jack loves the southern Appalachians and can usually be found exploring the backcountry on his mountain bike, paddling a kayak down a steep creek or planning the next big adventure.

This presentation is made possible by the Kirby Endowment at the Polk County Community Foundation. Refreshments will be served after the presentation.

FENCE is located at 3381 Hunting Country Road in Tryon. For more information about this or other upcoming events please call FENCE at 828-859-9021 or visit fence.org.

– article submitted by Amy Schmitte