Critically Acclaimed Author and record setter for fastest hiker of Appalachian Trail in 2011

Jennifer Pharr Davis is a lover of long trails and good stories. She has made a name for herself both as a record setting hiker and National Geographic Adventurer, and as a writer who has penned numerous books and articles for the New York Times, Outside, and Backpacker. Pharr Davis has inspired women and men across the country with her message that "the trail is there for everyone at every phase of life." She is in this year's IMAX film Into America's Wild, narrated by Morgan Freeman and has a short documentary called Positive Forward Motion that was selected for a number of outdoor film festivals in 2020. During our interactive zoom webinar with her, Jennifer will share stories and lessons from her many trail adventures and take questions from the audience.

Jennifer has published eight books, including her "empowering blueprint on resilience" The Pursuit of Endurance (Penguin Random House) and her best selling adventure memoir Becoming Odyssa. She has also written pieces for The New York Times and national magazines like Outside, Backpacker, and Trail Runner.

*Becoming Odyssa and The Pursuit of Endurance are also available through Handley Regional Library System. Her books can also be purchased with The Winchester Book Gallery.

Co-Host will be Susan Tschirhart. Susan is a life-long hiker, camper and self-described “nature-nerd”. She currently serves as co-chair of the Warren County/ Front Royal Appalachian Trail Community Committee (designated in 2012).  For the last 18 years, she has served as a Boy Scout leader, most recently as an advisor to Venturing Crew 247. This co-ed program delivers leadership and project management skills acquisition via fun high adventure outdoor activities. She is also the founder and guide for The Trail Tribe, a local hiking and backpacking group for women. She supports her nature “habit” by working as a paralegal for a New Jersey legal services company. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her three young adult sons. They played a role in how she earned her trail name “Goldilocks” and the “Three Bears”.   Happy trails

Funding has been provided by Virginia Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan of 2020.  For more information, please visit www.VirginiaHumanities.org