“Standing Up Mountains: The Power of the Law and Grassroots Activism to Save Sacred Places,” will be presented by Jay Leutze and David Ray on Nov. 5 at Warren Wilson College.
The presentation, free and open to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. in Canon Lounge of Gladfelter Student Center. A book signing will follow.
With Ray providing musical accompaniment, Leutze will recount the story of Dog Town, N.C., residents defending their community against a large-scale gravel mine that threatened to dynamite the summit of Belview Mountain in Avery County. Leutze, author of the award-winning “Stand Up That Mountain,” led the campaign that gained nationwide support, saved the mountain and protected the beauty of an Appalachian Trail section.
Trained as an attorney, Leutze has become a leading voice for state and federal investment in public lands. He is a trustee for the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.
Ray, also educated as an attorney, has 14 years of experience in environmental, real estate, land use and conservation matters. He will perform the companion song “Stand Up That Mountain,” along with songs about the loss of traditional ways of life in Appalachian and Native American communities.
The Nov. 5 presentation is sponsored by Warren Wilson College’s Speakers Fund for Sustainability, which assists faculty in bringing speakers to campus who are relevant to courses, address a critical sustainability issue and strengthen sustainability education across the curriculum. For more information contact Ellen Querin at 828-771-3006 or querin@warren-wilson.edu.
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