The Transylvania Times -

Sierra Club

This month's Sierra Club speaker will be Pisgah Group member Ali Holroyd Lien. Lien will discuss "10 Years of Experiential Outdoor Education at Mountain Roots."

Lien is the co-founder and executive director of Mountain Roots, Inc. and an adventurous entrepreneur. Having worked for outdoor and adventure programs in 12 states on both the east and west coast, she brings a diverse background to each opportunity. Lien is passionate about providing outdoor learning experiences for children and families of all backgrounds across the region.

In its 10th year, Mountain Roots is an educational nonprofit that offers outdoor education programs at schools, summer nature day camps, and leadership/community retreats. Mountain Roots currently provides year-round programming at all four Transylvania County elementary schools and Brevard Academy.

Lien will be speaking to the Sierra Club on Thursday, Jan. 24, about the success of Mountain Roots' outdoor education programs in the schools and the overall benefits of outdoor education on today's youth. She believes that facilitating connections with the natural world encourages holistic learning experiences that encourage children to develop into healthier and more connected teenagers and adults. She will share some research and results of the benefits of outdoor education on today's youth.

The meeting will convene at the Unitarian Universalist church on South Broad Street in Brevard, with a short social at 7 p.m. The talk will begin at 7:30 p.m.