Bio

John Pugh

John has an extensive background in outdoor recreation and long distance backpacking. In 2000, he spent six months hiking on the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia. His future plans include hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and mountain-biking the Continental Divide Trail. John is excited about furthering his teaching, research, and outreach activities exploring the wonder and mystery of long term, long distance expeditions and the value of trails, greenways and open spaces. He is from the one-stoplight town of Climax, NC. In 2003, John received his master’s degree in Recreation and Sport Science from Ohio University. His book about the Source to Sea Expedition will be released in Fall, 2011.

Jessica Robinson

Jessica received her BS and MS degrees in Recreation and Sport Sciences from Ohio University. She has perennially been active in outdoor recreation programs through parks, camps, education, and adventure recreation activities and has strived to share the joy of recreation and outdoor places with others. In 2005 she and her husband, John, embarked on their Source to Sea Expedition down the Mississippi River further endearing them to the beauty and challenges of our nation’s waterways. Recently, she has worked with the Neuse RIVERKEEPER® Foundation to coordinate programs that help enrich the Neuse River watershed through advocacy, education, and protection.