Ecology of NH's 4,000-Footers

About the speaker • Michael Whittemore is an ecologist, botanist, conservation professional, author, and lifelong hiker whose relationship with the White Mountains began on the trail. He has completed New Hampshire’s 48 4,000-footers and the Northeast 111, experiences that helped shape his interest in understanding the ecology behind the mountains hikers know so well. Michael holds a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Ohio University and has spent more than a decade working in ecological research, restoration, conservation, and land stewardship across the Northeast. Today, he works with the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust in New Hampshire and is the founder of Rewild Ecological, where his work includes botanical inventories, ecological assessments, rare-species surveys, restoration, and conservation planning.

About the presentation • In Beyond the Summit: The Ecology of the 4,000-Foot Mountains, Michael will draw from his new book, Ecology of New Hampshire’s 4,000-Foot Mountains, to explore the natural history hidden along some of the White Mountains’ most familiar trails. Using the 48 peaks as a framework, he will explore how geology, elevation, climate, forests, alpine communities, wildlife, and disturbance shape these mountains, while highlighting long-term research that has transformed our understanding of the Whites. Michael will also share stories from the scientists, naturalists, and conservationists behind that work and discuss how hikers can learn to read the landscape differently—looking beyond the summit to better understand the mountains beneath their feet. The book has been endorsed by Steven D. Smith, author of The 4000-Footers of the White Mountains and co-editor of the AMC White Mountain Guide; Katie Schide, PhD, geologist, former AMC hutmaster, and professional ultrarunner; and Jordon C. Tourville, PhD, Terrestrial Ecologist and Staff Scientist at the Appalachian Mountain Club and Visiting Scholar at Dartmouth College.

Details • This event is free; bring a dish to share at the potluck and a cash/Venmo donation for the speaker. Because of limited space and high attendance, we’re not able to accommodate dogs (including hostel guest dogs) at the potluck or presentation. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

The sunrise hike • On Sunday morning, Michael and Fireside Chat director Philip "Finding Philip" Carcia will hike Cannon. Anyone is welcome to join, however, the hike is unguided; participants must have prior experience hiking 4000’ers in winter and be prepared to hike solo if needed. Hiking start time from trailhead is 5:15am sharp.

In event of inclement weather, Phil will serve pancakes at the hostel from 7-8:30 am, then lead a group hike of Mt. Pemigewassett from the Flume Visitors Center trailhead at 9 am. We will notify attendees of this change via Eventbrite.

To attend

Doors open at 6 pm. Bring a meal if attending the potluck from 6-7 pm. The presentations run from 7:30 to 8:30 pm followed by Q&A 'til 9 pm. Arrive early; seating is limited. To attend:

1) Book a stay at the Notch on the night of the presentation, park in the main lot.*

OR

2) Show up anytime after the doors open to the public at 6pm. Bring a meal to share for the 6-7pm potluck dinner. VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are NOT a guest at the Notch, you must park on Lost Valley Road (not Lost River Road!!!) behind the hostel's picket fence and walk through the backyard. In the event of a snowstorm, no street parking is allowed so members of the public may need to walk or shuttle in from town.

OR

3) Tune in via Instagram Live; we'll be streaming from our account @NotchHostel.

*Note: If our overnight accommodations fill up, please don't let that deter you from joining us for dinner and the presentation. These talks are open to the public. There are other local hostels like the Barn Door Hostel in Rumney, or the Coho Hostel over in Conway, that may still have space.