As we continue to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our Nation, Dr. David Hsiung of Juniata College will speak on local involvement and the environmental impacts of the war for independence.

When we consider war’s effects on the environment, our thoughts probably turn to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, or the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam.  But what about war back in the 1700s?  How did the War of Independence affect the natural world?

This talk will focus on three case studies. First, at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778, where Continental soldiers cut down over 127,000 trees for shelter and firewood. Second, in September 1778 British forces raided Martha’s Vineyard, where the residents paid a heavy price that included the loss of over 10,000 sheep. Finally, at the battles of Saratoga in upstate New York in 1777, where soldiers shot upwards of 660,000 lead musket balls.