My name is Chuck Carnahan and this Summer, I'm going on a little walk to raise funds for a very special cause.

The drive from Columbus to Nova, OH is only about an hour and a half but this Summer I will walk from the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, 85 miles north to Nova in search of the last living tree planted by Johnny Appleseed. American Forests, America's oldest historic tree registry, has kindly donated a live rooted cutting from this tree, (Essentially a clone of the original tree) which I will then walk back to Columbus to be planted on the grounds of the Franklin Park Conservatory. In all, the trip will be about 170 miles and take 6 days. The twist however, is that I will make the entire trip with nothing but what I take with me from the beginning. Food, shelter, everything I use or need.

By donating below, you are not only helping to bring a piece of living American history to Columbus, you’re helping the American Cancer Society bring cancer treatments to thousands of people. Your donations will also help the Franklin Park Conservatory and American Forests keep tomorrow green for everyone!

All funds raised will go to the American Cancer Society, American Forests and the Franklin Park Conservatory.

And please check back for regular updates!!!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Walk Schedule

Well I visited the Algeo farm for the first time yesterday to better plan my walk. Not only was it useful in finding my way on some of Ohio's rural back country but I was surprised to see that I'll even be walking on a few gravel roads. I didn't even know that we still had gravel roads around here!

Upon arriving at the farm I noticed that the tree isn't in as bad a shape as I had been told. In fact, aside from the fact that the trunk has hollowed out and cracked away from age, it actually looked quite healthy and full. I was also able to meet Richard and Phillis Algeo, the owners of the farm who were just the nicest, most accommodating people. They showed us all of their historical information about the tree and their farm. And it seems that not only did Johnny Appleseed frequent the farm but it was also a stop on the underground railroad!

The walk schedule as it currently stands:

July 20th, 8:00am- Start walking from the FPC

July 22nd, 3:30pm- Reception and tree planting event at the Algeo Farm. Please come and join the fun! There will be Cider and Phillis Algeo's home made Apple cookies made with apples from the ACTUAL TREE! That night I'll sleep in (or at least next to) the barn where Johnny would sleep when he stayed here.

July 25th, 3:30pm- Arrive back at the FPC. I'm not sure when the Conservatory plans to plant the seedling but I'll post the details as soon as I find out.

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