This is Rolling Ridge's annual work day. Contact Vivian if you can come.
The Red Planet is about to be spectacular! During the month of August, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history.
The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs its orbit, astronomers can only be certain that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the Last 5,000 years, but it may be as long as 60,000 years before it happens again. The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye.
Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10p.m. and reach its azimuth at about 3 a.m. By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30a.m. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history. So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter and brighter throughout the month.
Share this with your children and grandchildren. NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN
If you see the wonder of the spirit in the diversity of the creatures we share our planet with, this program will leave you full of wonder indeed.
Come join Smithsonian Museum of Natural History entomologist Warren Steiner for an afternoon hike looking at beetles and other insects and their life cycles. This will be followed by a potluck dinner at the Niles Cabin, and then... and then... Night Buggin! At dusk, we will set up bed sheets in the woods and bright lanterns and Warren will lead us in identifying and learning about the many different insects that come in to see what all the shine is about.
In a sense, then, this is really two programs, back to back -- a very popular event last year. Warren says "That time in June is generally peak diversity for insects so if the weather cooperates, it should be great."
Those who would like to (people, not bugs…) can camp over, and a night hike to a moon- and starlight-bathed meadow might even happen.
NOTE: There will be a full moon on June 14, so camping at FWMC on Friday or Saturday nights should be wonderful!
A modest donation to the Center will be welcomed but is not obligatory.
This event is for:Anyone who really digs bugs or is given the creeps by them...plus kids from 5 to 105.
Directions: Check with Sheila, by phone or e-mail
Pinestone at Rolling Ridge has become available for rental the weekend of June 6-8. Call Nelson Good for rental details (202-332-7076).
The Appalachian Trail south of Harpers Ferry was the first section of the trail to be established south of New England. On this full-day hike we will begin at Keyes Gap (where Route 9 crosses the Blue Ridge) and finish at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat (total walking distance 12 miles).
Along the way we will take time to enjoy the views and the beauty of the spring wildflowers, azalias, and mountain laurel. We will search for nesting birds and other wildlife and listen to the stories of the ancient rock. Much of the trail is over rocky terrain and there are several short, but steep ascents; the last two miles is all downhill from the Ridge to Study Retreat, where a hearty dinner will await our arrival.
Jim Hall is an amateur naturalist and ecologist at the Dayspring Retreat Center near Washington and is a Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Board member. Contact Bob Sabath (304-724-6653) to confirm coming (we don't want to leave without you), and for last minute changes due to weather conditions.
Insight Meditation (known as vipassana in the Buddhist tradition) is a simple technique which has been practiced in Asia for over 2,500 years. Beginning with the focusing of attention on the breath, the practice concentrates and calms the mind. It allows one to see through the mind's conditioning and thereby to live more fully present in the moment.
Join Dave Schoof and receive an introduction to this style of meditating. No previous experience is necessary. He will guide you through the principles and, as a group, enjoy the experience of meditating together in a beautiful and natural setting. Dave will introduce sitting, walking and eating meditations. He will share a brief introduction into some of the principal teachings of the Buddha (called the Dharma) and discuss its relevance in our everyday lives. He can also facilitate a discussion on the similarities and differences of this practice and the Quaker practice as well.
Dave is an experienced meditator who is affiliated with the Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC (IMCW). He lives in Shepherdstown, WV where he leads a weekly Vipassana meditation group. He loves to lead groups of interested people in exploring the application of the Dharma to everyday life.
In case of heavy rain, the event will be held in the Niles Cabin.
A modest donation to the Wilderness Center is suggested.
This event is for: People seeking an introduction to Buddhist meditation, as well as practiced meditators who wish to experience group meditation in a wilderness setting. Event, weather permitting, will occur at FWMC's large treehouse that can seat 25. If rainy weather than will occur indoors in Niles Cabin. Directions: Call or e-mail Sheila Bach for directions. Treehouse is c. half mile from Niles Cabin. Watch for signs on property and get exact instructions from Sheila for driving or walking on our land.
What is green infrastructure? Aleen Starkweather will lead a program about open space, animal passageways and biodiversity corridors, and will explain some of the concepts of green infrastructure.
Aleen's active affiliations include the Greater Sandy Spring Green Space, MAGIC (Maryland Alliance for Greenway Improvement and Conservation), the Land Use Committee of the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County (which she chairs), and the Citizen's Advisory Committee for Legacy Open Space, an innovative program in Montgomery County.
PRESERVING OPEN SPACE is a subject dear to Aleen's heart. The program will start on the treehouse platform at 11am on Saturday, May 17, 2003.
In case of rain, meet at the Niles Cabin. Bring a brown bag lunch, water, and maybe even hiking boots!
NOTE: Full moon is on Thursday, May 15, so camping on Friday the 16th should be wonderful, with a moonrise about an hour after sunset. Or better yet, come out for a long weekend, on the 15th, and watch that evening's total lunar eclipse! (Beginning at 9:02 pm; darkest at 10:40 pm.)
A modest donation is suggested for this program.
This event is for: Anyone interested in preserving wilderness or open space -- for your soul, for your body, for your family and friends on earth and yet unborn, for total strangers,should come to this FWMC event.
The Retreat House at Rolling Ridge has become available for rental the weekend of May 16-18. This is a lovely time of year, with full moon on May 16, and a wonderful workshop on Open Space at Friends Wilderness Meditation Center Saturday morning. Call Nelson Good for rental details (202-332-7076)
Join Rolling Ridge staff to camp overnight Thursday, May 15, and watch that evening's total lunar eclipse, beginning at 9:02 pm, darkest at 10:40 pm. Some of the folks from Friends Wilderness Meditation Shelter will also be camping that evening.