“John Burroughs & the Spirit of the Catskills” is a lively introduction to celebrated naturalist John Burroughs presented by Bill Birns.

Burroughs, born in 1837 on the family’s Delaware County homestead, Woodchuck Lodge, in Roxbury, NY, authored 27 books of natural and philosophical essays that influenced millions of readers. Of particular interest in this presentation are Burroughs explorations and walks at Beecher Lake, Balsam Lake Mountain, and other locations in the Delaware River watershed.

In the early years of the twentieth century, John Burroughs rivaled Mark Twain as the most widely-read and well-known writer in America. He was a naturalist who wrote nature essays that appeared regularly in America’s top magazines, a poet and literary critic who drew his readers toward a worldview that valued simplicity in living in harmony with nature. His essays appeared in a widely used school reader, so Burroughs was familiar to generations of school children.

PRESENTER: Bill Birns is an author and educator; he taught English at Margaretville Central School and Onteora High School. He is the author of several books. His latest, “I Was Corning A Beaver Like You Do: Joe Hewitt, John Burroughs, Mountain Culture” will be available for purchase at Morgan Outdoors, as will “John Burroughs Afloat & Afoot” the first and, so far, only Burroughs audio book ever published.

100% of proceeds FROM BOOK SALES AT MORGAN OUTDOORS will benefit new outdoor amenities at Woodchuck Lodge.

Concurrently on display at Morgan Outdoors is the exhibition “Streams: Art in Motion”, which highlights the many wonders of the upper Delaware River watershed, in which Burroughs was born, spent many years, and produced beautiful writings.

Event Duration:  1 hour

Level of Difficulty:  Easy

Leader(s):  Bill Birns, Lisa Lyons

Registration required by September 28.  Use registration form below to register.

Group size is limited so register early.

Fee:  No

Dogs allowed:  No

Additional Information:   Bill Birns is President of the Board of Trustees at Woodchuck Lodge in Roxbury, NY

Questions about this event can be directed to:  Lisa at info@morgan-outdoors.com  or call 845-439-5507

Driving Directions:  From Rt. 17 turn onto Old Rt. 17. Proceed east 100 yards over bridge (Willowemoc Creek) and turn right onto Main Street. Follow for 1 block to 46 Main Street on right.