Come out and explore the mystery of charcoal hearths in Nolde Forest and learn a little about their history, their use in iron making as well as how to spot them when you are out hiking.

Charcoal hearths are historical, circular, and flattened platforms in forests, usually 30–40 feet in diameter, used for centuries to produce charcoal, primarily for iron smelting. The process involved turning wood into charcoal (charring) without burning it to ash, providing high-heat fuel for iron, steel, and brass industries.

This program is part of the Sesquicentennial celebration (the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence) and will start with a short talk in McConnell Hall, followed by a walk to a couple of sites in Nolde Forest.

Please feel free to bring anything that will make you walking in the forest more comfortable. A water bottle, hiking stick, comfortable shoes or just a sense of curiosity.

This is a free event, but registration is required.