“Beacons of Nature”: An Educational Event on Connections Between Waterways and The Underground Railroad at John Brown Farm
Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program, in partnership with NEIWPCC, John Brown Lives!, the Lake Placid Public Library, NY State Parks & Recreation, and the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association, will host an educational event at the John Brown Farm State Historical Site on Friday, August 23rd. “Beacons of Nature” draws inspiration from Beacon of Hope, the statue of Harriet Tubman recently unveiled at the John Brown Farm. Participants of all ages are invited to explore the connections between waterways and the Underground Railroad through interactive lessons and creative activities.
Water was an important avenue of escape for freedom seekers. Harriet Tubman used her knowledge of water and keen naturalist skills to guide herself and others to freedom. The event’s activities will bring together this historical context with the opportunity to practice some of these naturalist skills. Guided activities include a game on Harriet’s legacy, a lesson on soundscapes and music, and a lesson on nature illustration. Participants will learn how history, waterways, observational skills, and art shaped the path to freedom and how they continue to help us build a better world today.
This free event is open to all ages and will begin at 2 p.m. on August 23rd at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, 115 John Brown Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946. It will be held rain or shine. Questions? Contact Madeline Reilly at mreilly@lcbp.org.
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The Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partnership with federal agencies, state and provincial agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, local communities, businesses, and citizen groups. NEIWPCC—a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality—serves as the primary program administrator of LCBP at the request of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee and administers the program’s personnel, finances, and contracts. NEIWPCC is a program partner of LCBP. For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit https://www.lcbp.org/.
