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Spring Outdoor Adventure Expo
Speaker Bios and Program Descriptions
Go Directly to Page Section (by Speaker's Last Name)A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P R S T W Y
Steve is the man to see about stuff needin' a little fixin'. He makes more repairs before breakfast than most folks make in a lifetime of camping. Steve is the heart and soul of Thrifty Outfitters . . . ask him about local music, the Twins or his favorite hot sauce.
Thrifty Outfitters is known for its repairs, including various types of stoves and lanterns. In fact, Thrifty is a certified Coleman Service Center. Stove and lantern maintenance is generally simple: learn to recognize problems and make repairs before they're necessary. Join Steve from Thrifty Outfitters and discover hot tips to make sure you don't have to eat cold food.
Saturday, April 26, 11:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Atrium South
BCM (website: www.bigcitymountaineers.org) was created to offer under resourced teenagers participating in existing youth development programs a dramatic learning experience. The BCM program is an eight-day trip, the focus of which is a five-day backcountry backpacking or canoeing experience during which 5 teens are matched with 5 volunteer adult role models.
Send an inner city teenager to the Boundary Waters! Buy and sell items!
Silent Auction to benefit Big City Mountaineers. Donations of $50 or greater value encouraged. Big City Mountaineers is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
5:00 – 5:30 pm – Auction Item Dropoff.
5:30 – 8:00 pm – Auction Bidding.
8:00 pm – Winning Bid Pickup and Payment.
SpeakerBio.
SpeakerBio.
ProgramDescription.
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Atrium South
Just returned from nearly three months in Antarctica, traveling by sailboat and sea kayak, JON BOWERMASTER brings stories, photos and video from that trip to Midwest Mountaineering. The goal was to bring back an up-close look at how the Peninsula of Antarctica is changing thanks to climate change and a booming tourist trade, set against the always-magnificent backdrop of one of the world’s most remote and stunning landscapes. Is Antarctica changing? Absolutely, and fast. Jon’s group was the first on the scene to watch the tourist ship “Explorer” sink. Highlights included paddling through the beautiful Lemaire Channel and past the Antarctic Circle to 67 degrees south.
ANTARCTICA 2008 was the final adventure in Jon’s OCEANS 8 project, which over the past 10 years has taken him and his teams around the world one continent at a time looking at the health of the world’s seas and the lives of people who depend on them from the seat of a kayak. Since 1999, expeditions have taken him to the Aleutian Islands, Vietnam, French Polynesia, the Altiplano of South America, Gabon, Croatia and Tasmania.
Though each adventure has been different – ranging from the wind and cold of the Bering Sea to the intense heat and big animals of the African jungle – what Jon has discovered along the route is that the world’s oceans are more similar than different. Primarily, they are linked by a trio of environmental issues (climate change, pollution and over-fishing). Using sea kayaks as floating ambassadors Jon’s explorations combine adventure with an up-close look at the cultures, histories and environmental status of the world’s oceans and those who depend on them.
More information available at: www.jonbowermaster.com and www.Antarctica2008.com.
Saturday, April 26, 3:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
Sunday, April 27, 1:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
Rich describes himself as a Father – Spouse – Caver – Tele-skier – Former climber – Fly angler – Dabbles in photography – Backpacker – Book reader – Aspiring foodie – Past Yukon denizen. Oh yeah, and there is his official title: Alumni Guy for the National Outdoor Leadership School.
Kary is the Word of Mouth Coordinator for NOLS.
Are you tired of only eating granola and trail mix on your overnight trips? Are you down to your last boil-in-a-bag meal and ready to expand your backcountry cooking skills? Do you wish you could eat things like pizza and cinnamon rolls in the wilderness? Guess what ... You can!
Join NOLS Instructors Rich Brame and Kary Sommers as they demo the very best in backcountry baking – an art that NOLS has been perfecting for more than 40 years! As a clinic participant you'll learn first-hand what it takes to be a backcountry baker, and enjoy your culinary creations. With the skills you acquire you're sure to be a hit among your friends on your next camping trip! Joanne Kuntz, Editor of Backcountry Cooking will also be on hand to discuss the latest NOLS publication (available at the book fair). Equipment and ingredients provided.
Sunday, April 27, 11:00 am, Midwest Mountaineering - Boat Yard
Majka Burhardt is a writer, climber, and guide. A Minnesota native based in Boulder, Colorado, her experience as a guide and writer enable her to take on assignments not only in North America, but throughout the world. Her MFA in Creative Writing is from the Warren Wilson Program for Writers, and she received her BA from Princeton University. She merges these backgrounds with her passion for the outdoors and adventure in her writing. Vertical Ethiopia is her first book. She has been published in Climbing, Men’s Health and Women’s Adventure.
Vertical Ethiopia documents a climbing expedition to unexplored sandstone spires in northern Ethiopia. In March 2007, four women traveled to Ethiopia to discover if climbing might be the next frontier for this continuously evolving country. Told through a series of vignettes that reveal what it means to climb, to travel, and to explore, Vertical Ethiopia looks closely at the intersections between adventure and culture, history and opportunity.
Kevin Callan is a noted author, including the run away hit The Happy Camper and the best selling A Paddlers Guide series, the latest being A Paddlers Guide to Quetico and Beyond. Kevin has given presentations across North America and has been a key speaker at all the major canoe events for almost two decades. He also is a frequent guest on radio and television, writes for a number of periodicals and is the field editor for Explore magazine. He also is a winner of three National Magazine Awards and a number of film awards including "best of" in the prestigious Waterwalker Film Festival and "best short film" in the Reel Paddling Film Festival. For the last 15 years he has taught Environmental Issues and Sciences at Sir Sandford Fleming College and lives in Peterborough, Ontario, the birthplace of the modern-day canoe.
Kevin is back again this year and with a brand new show. He'll be describing his 2007 three-week journey down northwest Ontario's Kopka River to the north shore of Lake Nipigon.
It's an unforgettable trip and an enthusiastic, informative and entertaining presentation; one you definitely won't want to miss.
Saturday, April 26, 12:00pm, Midwest Mountaineering's Expedition Stage
Sunday, April 27, 1:00pm, Midwest Mountaineering's Expedition Stage
Author and canoeist, Kevin Callan, will present on his all time favorite 20 Ontario canoe routes; places like Quetico, Wabakimi, Temagami, Killarney, Algonquin, Algoma and Lake Superior.
With eight best selling paddling guide books to his name, Callan is a good choice to give this talk. And if you saw him last year, you know you're also in for a few good laughs as well. Callan is definitely a memorable story teller.
Saturday, April 26, 2:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute, Room 180
Heather grew up canoe racing with her dad, Mike Cichanowski, owner and founder of We-no-nah Canoe and owner of Current Designs. She is a board certified Sports Medicine physician working in the Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Department at the Healthpartners Specialty Center in Saint Paul.
You love to canoe and kayak. Come and hear how to stay healthy and injury free while enjoying the outdoors. Learn about injuries common to flatwater canoeing and kayaking. I will go over basic paddling motions and how they may relate to overuse injuries. I will also review injury prevention strategies.
Saturday, April 26, 4:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 184
Lena Conlan, a native of Sweden, has taught outdoor education based sea kayaking expeditions in Alaska, Mexico, Chile, Canada, Greece and Scandinavia since 1986. As a former sea kayaking program coordinator for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), she was responsible for leadership, risk management, program and instructor development. In 1996, Lena and her husband Tim, founded Crossing Latitudes (website: www.crossinglatitudes.com), which specializes in reindeer trekking and sea kayaking trips in Scandinavia. Lena also works for the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS and teaches wilderness first aid courses.
The far north of Scandinavia offers some of the best paddling and trekking in the world. With thousands of miles of coast line, hundred thousands of islands and a sun that never sets in the summer the outdoor opportunities are fantastic! This fun presentation by Lena Conlan - a true Swede - will take you sea kayaking in the Norwegian Sea and Reindeer packing in the Swedish mountains. Through slides taken by both Lena, her Crossing Latitudes staff, participants and a professional Norwegian photographer you will experience the wicked Malstrøm current, midnight sun, impressive mountains, remote beaches and the history of Vikings.
This is a fun, inspirational and educational presentation about paddling and hiking in the Land of Extreme Beauty - Arctic Scandinavia! Välkommen! Welcome!
Saturday, April 26, 3:00 pm, Midwest Mountaineering Expedition Stage
How cold is Cold Water? Should we worry? What is Cold Shock? What is Hyperventilation? Sudden Death? Immersion hypothermia? How do I dress for cold water paddling? What if I capsize? What if I can't get back into my kayak? What do I do when I get back on shore? Lena teaches for the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS both in the US and in Scandinavia. Please come and learn about cold water before it is too late. This is not just a lecture but a fun educational talk with stories from cold water paddling around the world.
Saturday, April 26, 9:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Atrium North
Warm water, colorful villages, castles built by the crusaders, history around every corner, fresh sea food and fun paddling ... sounds pretty nice, eh? Lena Conlan from Crossing Latitudes will be showing slides from sea kayaking trips around the Dodecanese Islands in Greece. Come and enjoy great slides and stories from paddling among rock gardens, traveling in wicked windy seas, big waves, surf and in dead calm blue water. Greece is a fantastic place to gain confidence as a paddler, the water is clear and warm, the villages cozy and the people are friendly. Kalos Orisate! Welcome!
Sunday, April 27, 3:00 pm, Midwest Mountaineering's Expedition Stage
How to successfully plan and carry out environmentally friendly and safe trips. The "7 P's" are crucial whether you are planning an cruise of the harbor or an expedition to the Arctic Norway. Goals, equipment, skills, permits, emergency plans, food and much more will be discussed. If you don't know your 7 P's this class is for you! Prior, Proper, Planning . . .
Saturday, April 26, 11:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Atrium North
an is an avid canoeist and former ACA instructor. He is an accomplished freesyle paddler (canoe ballet) and long time BWCA and Quetico paddler. Dan and his wife Karen are the owners and founders of Cooke Custom Sewing (website: www.cookecustomsewing.com), a quality local manufacturer of canoeing and camping equipment. When the water turns hard in December he hitches up reindeer to his canoe.
Spend an hour learning how to effectively paddle a solo canoe. Dan Cooke, an avid freestyle paddler and former ACA instructor, will teach you everything from how to paddle in a straight line to how to turn your canoe 180° in a single manuever. Learn how to coax the most out of every paddle stroke. Some solo canoes will be available, bring your canoe, paddle, PFD and kneeling pad if you are able. Preregistration recommended – limited to 7 participants. Specify when registering whether you have or need a canoe. Check in at the Midwest registration table at Thomas Beach on Lake Calhoun.
Thursday, April 24, 4:30 pm, Lake Calhoun - Thomas Beach
Thursday, April 24, 6:30 pm, Lake Calhoun - Thomas Beach
Clayton is the Midwest Field Organizer for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and Chair of the Sierra Club's National Wildlands Committee. Clayton has spent years as a volunteer leader in wilderness campaigns and worked as a conservation organizer for the Sierra Club and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
Clayton was the manager of the 'Groundswell Sierra' campaign to defend the Sierra Club from an attempted outside takeover by anti-immigrant organizations in its 2004 Board of Directors election which garnered 90% of the votes cast. The 171,000 ballots constituted one of the highest voter turnouts for an American non-profit Board of Directors election in the nation's history. A noteworthy success of his volunteer efforts was the recruitment of Illinois Senator Richard Durbin as the lead sponsor of "America's Redrock Wilderness Act" which would designate over 9 million acres of wilderness in Utah.
Check out Clayton's book 'Common Sense Democracy at www.commonsensedemocracy.org.
Presented by Clayton Daughenbaugh and Joshua Houdek
Brought to us by the North Star Chapter of the Sierra Club (website: www.northstar.sierraclub.org) Midwest Mountaineering donates 10% of its profits to environmental and wilderness causes. How can YOU protect the places you love to explore? It’s EASY to help save our last remaining wilderness playgrounds, such as Utah’s red rock canyonlands. Join us for a fun and informal roundtable discussion to learn how! Joshua Houdek is a conservation organizer for Minnesota’s North Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.
Saturday, April 26, 12:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Atrium North
Take a 15-minute journey through redrock splendor, narrated by Robert Redford! This multi-media slideshow documents citizen efforts to designate public lands in southern Utah's spectacular canyon country. You’ll also learn about special opportunities to experience this unique landscape through the lens of local volunteer guides. This program will very likely invigorate and motivate you to participate in the movement to protect our treasured redrock wilderness. Clayton Daughenbaugh is the Midwest Field Organizer for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and Chair of the Sierra Club’s National Wildlands Committee.
Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
An avid paddler and outdoor enthusiast, Dennis has sold paddling gear at retail and worked for a leading canoe manufacturer. He holds ACA whitewater canoe instructor certification. In 2007 he and his partner George Weed took the passion for paddling to a new level with the purchase of NorthWest Canoe Company (website: www.northwestcanoe.com).
Backyard to backwoods, start your paddling journey building a cedar strip canoe. Get hands-on instruction from the canoe doctors at NorthWest Canoe. They’re not real doctors, but they will give you advice on building and repairing your people-powered watercraft.
Saturday, April 26, 3:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Atrium North
Sunday, April 26, 12:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Atrium North
Matthew Davis works as a Regional Trail Coordinator for the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) out of Detroit Lakes, MN. A forester by training and a former employee of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Davis has been managing long-distance trails for the last 4 years and volunteering as a trail maintainer for the last 8. Along with his wife, he is an A.T. 2,000 miler. With the NCTA, Davis is responsible for supporting the volunteer effort to construct more of the North Country National Scenic Trail - the nation's longest hiking trail - in Minnesota and North Dakota.
National Trail System in America
This presentation will introduce people to the National Trails System, which is made up far more than the A.T., PCT, and Continental Divide Trail. In all, there are 25 trails in the System that contain over 50,000 miles. How are long-distance hiking trails like the Appalachian Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, or North Country Trail built and maintained? Thousands of miles of outdoor adventure maintained by volunteers and sustained through partnerships.
Sunday, April 27, 4:00 pm, Midwest Mountaineering - Expedition Stage
Wynn won the Trail Mix 50K in 2007. Wynn did not start running until the winter of 2005, running a 5km race around Lake Harriet with some students on the cross country team at the high school he works at. He became more interested in running when he began running with them on the trails. What interests Wynn in ultras? Being able to experience trails and landscapes in general in a more intimate way.
Wynn is currently the treasurer for Upper Midwest Trail Runners club. Read his trail running web-log, The Northwoods at wynndavis.blogspot.com.
This spring, trail runners can join a new club and participate in the inaugural season of the area's first series of ultra races. Upper Midwest Trail Runners is for anyone who likes to run on dirt, grass, gravel, rocks, mud, snow-any trail that isn't paved. The new club is a way to encourage more runners from Wisconsin, the Dakotas, Iowa, and Canada to run on trails. This new club and series give trail runners more chances to meet other runners and check out trails they may not have tried.
Upper Midwest Trail Runners (UMTR) are also launching the 5 Fab Fifties, a series of 50K and 50 mile races throughout the region. Entry in the ultra series, as well as the MN Trail Run Series, is free for all runners who join the new UMTR club. UMTR membership is $20 a year. For more information or to download the form, check out: www.upperMidwestTrailRunners.com.
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 184
When she was ten, Lynne Diebel learned to paddle an old birchbark rice-gathering canoe that belonged to her grandmother in Faribault, Minnesota. The canoe liked to go in circles at first, but eventually she got it straightened out and has loved paddling ever since. Before she started writing, Lynne taught high school. After co-writing a children’s book about nature (ABCs Naturally) she decided that the outdoors is her favorite classroom. Bob is an engineer who likes to build canoes, kayaks, and folding boats on the side.
Minnesota — Land of 10,000 Lakes — is also home to lots of beautiful rivers. In the three years they spent researching Paddling Northern Minnesota and Paddling Southern Minnesota, Lynne and Bob Diebel paddled almost 3,000 miles on 58 of those rivers. In the process, they did lots of canoe camping.
Whether you want to go for a weekend or up to a week, they'll tell you about great camping opportunities on rivers throughout the state, including the Big Fork, Little Fork, Vermilion, Cloquet, St. Louis, Whiteface, Upper Mississippi, Crow Wing, Kettle, Snake, St. Croix, Upper Minnesota, Rum, Cannon, Zumbro and Root.
Sunday, April 27, 2:00 pm, Midwest Mountaineering's Expedition Stage
Brian Eustis, best known for the first-ever complete navigation of the Mekong River in Tibet in which he filmed "Exploring Mother of Waters," was among the group of professional kayakers, a geologist-caver, and a crew of scientists that set out on a 60-day journey to places no Westerner had been before.
Brian recently returned from paddling the length of the Mekong River. Eustis’s film about this adventure, “The Mother of Waters”, was awarded Telluride’s Indomitable Spirit award and finished second in Banff Mountain Film Festivals People’s Choice award. He has logged first descents in China, led kayaking expeditions in Costa Rica and spends his weekends paddling his favorite backyard run, Washington’s Little White Salmon. Brian’s experience with foreign cultures and his skills on the water and with a camera make him an invaluable part of EP.
NOLS grad, filmmaker, and kayaker extraordinaire, Brian Eustis, will be sharing his adventures and traveling experiences as an Epicocity expedition member on the first-of-its-kind expedition to explore the rivers, jungles, and caves of New Britain off the coast of Papua New Guinea.
Completing the first source-to-sea descent of the 40-mile Pandi River, the Epic•oci•ty Project's (EP) goal was to develop sustainable tourism to protect Papua New Guinea's landscape.
Beginning in August 2007, Brian and his team returned from their two month endeavor surviving churning Class V gorges to the sea, a crocodile attack, and a plunge off a 55-foot waterfall in a country defined by 800 plus languages, an annual rainfall of 18 feet, and nearly impassable jungles and river gorges. It's an extremely difficult place to run an expedition but the EP crew discovered world-class whitewater, astonishing bio-diversity, and a landscape on the brink of change. The crew worked closely with the Nakanai tribe to present conservation as an alternative to logging within this designated biologic hotspot where new species of fish, frogs, butterflies, as well as an active volcano have been discovered. Brian's experience with foreign cultures and his skills on the water and with a camera have made him an invaluable part of EP and its mission.
Saturday, April 26, 12:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
As a fully certified whitewater instructor, Alan has been teaching whitewater courses since 1996 for the Rapids Riders chapter of the Minnesota Canoe Association. Alan has held numerous Midwest region whitewater race series championships in both open canoe and decked canoe.
Dan spends his precious free time descending one of the many whitewater rivers within a days drive of the Twin Cities and he wilderness canoe camps with his kids. He has been able to mesh wilderness canoe tripping with the thrills of whitewater paddling he first discovered while taking a basic whitewater canoe skills course through Rapids Riders.
Alan Faust and Dan Flath will present the Pukaskwa River located on the north shore of Lake Superior in Ontario . Using video and still photos as an eye catching backdrop they will share how they prepared for and safely ran the rapids, large drops and falls of this remote whitewater river in their specially outfitted solo canoes.
Saturday, April 26, 4:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 180
Kim used to live in California where he did quite a bit of backpacking all over the state including Yosemite, some of those trails 5 or 6 times. Kim created a backpacking website www.outhiking.com, and now that he lives in Minnesota he is adding alot of new trails to his site.
Topics Kim is going to cover on Yosemite include current bear regulations, things to consider when flying on an airplane with a backpack, when to go, weather, how to get a permit, and equipment considerations.
Saturday, April 26, 5:00 pm, Midwest Mountaineering's Expedition Stage
I'm Beth Gauper, and for 15 years, I've written about vacation travel in the Upper Midwest. I've stayed at hundreds of inns and hotels in this region and toured nearly all the attractions. My first travel columns and stories – more than 800 of them – were for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Now I'm exploring on my own, and as always, I'll give you unvarnished opinions about what I find.
Explore little-known corners of the Upper Midwest with longtime St. Paul Pioneer Press travel columnist Beth Gauper, now publisher of www.midwestweekends.com, a guide to travel in the upper midwest. You'll find out about a beginner's Apostles in Ontario, a canoe river that makes Iowa look like Utah, a miniature Boundary Waters in central Minnesota, the best outdoors town in Wisconsin and a surefire place to find bears in Michigan.
Beth's trips are for any skill level, don't cost much and don't require a lot of equipment. Come and stock up on ideas for your summer adventures!
Sunday, April 26, 1:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 180
Doug is the Park Superintendent of Woodland Caribou Provincial Park (website: www.ontarioparks.com/english/wood.html).
Woodland Caribou Provincial Park is located just west of Red Lake, Ontario and is a place "where nature still rules". Join Park Superintendent Doug Gilmore to learn more about this relatively new provincial park and the paddling experiences available there. Doug will discuss the newly approved Park Management Plan's direction while providing valuable tips for park visitors. If you're considering seeking the solitude of Woodland Caribou Provincial Park in the near future, then be sure to join Doug to discover what park adventures await you at Woodland Caribou.
Sunday, April 27, 2:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 180
Amy Gordon, WEMT is an avid outdoor adventurer with midwest roots and a bi-coastal spirit. She is goal-oriented, striving for the next challenge, which at this juncture is nursing school at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. In her off hours, Amy paddles and hikes to the beat of a wilderness therapy organization in northern Minnesota and southern New Mexico, empowers women through wilderness pursuits, and teaches outdoor professionals wilderness first aid skills with none other than the leader in wilderness medicine. Amy is an Instructor for the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS.
Summer is upon us and it is time to review our understanding of heat related illnesses. Find out the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke and how you can prevent heat related illnesses.
Sunday, April 27, 11:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 184
What does control bleeding, prevent infection, and promote healing mean to you? To the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS it defines a strategy for keeping small soft tissue wounds from becoming significant and potentially life or limb threatening problems. Join WMI of NOLS for an engaging session where we will debunk common myths, update you on the latest information and set you up to stay healthy in the backcountry.
Saturday, April 26, 9:00am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 184
Hailing from Chickaloon, Alaska, Benjamin Gorelick has been a professional mountaineering guide for 9 years. His guiding and climbing career has taken him all over the world, from Patagonia to Alaska, New Zealand, Thailand, Mongolia, Mexico, and the lower 48. Benjamin, Expedition Director for the Patagonia Mountaineering School, is a WEA certified Mountaineering Instructor, a Wilderness Medicine Instructor, an Avalanche Level I Instructor and a Leave No Trace Educator.
Benjamin is the expedition director of Patagonia Mountaineering School (website: www.patagoniamountaineeringschool.com). Patagonia Mountaineering School has more than 50 years combined expertise providing quality trekking, sea kayaking, and mountaineering expeditions in remote Patagonia, Chile, as well as wilderness medicine and avalanche safety courses in Patagonia.
This multi-sensory, interactive, and hilarious slideshow covers everything you could want to know about crossing the Patagonia Ice Cap, the third largest in the world. Topics include: "Training While Pretending to Work", Battling Chilean Bureaucracy", and "How to keep Your Tent Warm on a Cold Night". Includes an informational handout.
Saturday, April 26, 9:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
Rudi Hargesheimer has been with Midwest Mountaineering for more than twenty years and has a lifetime's wealth of knowledge about hiking, photographing, and skiing. Rudi is a board member of Parks and Trails Council, former Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) President and is the owner of North Shore Photo Art.
Watch as Rudi, a manager at Midwest Mountaineering and owner of North Shore Photo Art, takes you around Lake Superior hitting all the great backpacking trails: The Superior Hiking Trail, The Casque Isles Trail, The Pukaskwa Coastal Trail, The Superior Provincial Park Coastal Trail, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Porcupine Mountains State Park.
Friday, April 25, 5:00 pm, Midwest Mountaineering - Expedition Stage
Bert has worked in the Outfitting Department of Piragis Northwoods Company for the past 13 years and been the manager for the past 10 years. Bert has a passion for paddling that was evidenced by his summer long paddling adventure during the summer of 2000. He and his wife Diane spent 4 months paddling the Quetico and Boundary Waters. That translated into an intimate knowledge of most of the routes in both wilderness areas.
Bert feels that there are many things that make for a good outfitter, and first hand knowledge about the area is high on the list. Bert will talk about how to get the most out of your outfitter and what you should expect from them.
Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Atrium North
Sunday, April 27, 11:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Atrium North
With her pink helmet and a penchant for running big waterfalls in a kayak, Heather Herbeck is a recognizable figure in the whitewater kayaking community. Heather first moved from Minnesota to the Northwest with her husband in 2004. The two made the move in order to pursue their passion for kayaking, and are currently residing in White Salmon, living their dream as part of the area’s community of world-class whitewater kayakers. An ACA certified whitewater kayak instructor and a Rescue3 certified Whitewater Rescue Technician, Heather’s accomplishments in the whitewater world are impressive. A female paddler in the often male-dominated arena of extreme kayaking, Heather claims that she works hard to “keep up with the guys” both mentally and physically while out on the water. What the rest of us see is a bunch of guys trying to keep up with Heather.
Have you ever felt the intense feeling of being indestructible and run every drop on the river, yet the next day when you come back and paddle the same stretch of river, you walk all the big drops? Like any sport, a large percentage of whitewater kayaking is mental. Your Mental "Edge" is determined by your current skill level, the group you're paddling with and whether or not you are a good communicator with YOURSELF.
Learn ways to improve your mental health and recognize how to relax your mind during times of stress on the water and make your way to becoming a more confident person on and off the water.
Saturday, April 26, 3:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 184
Heather Herbeck will speak on the mental aptitudes involved with progressing in the sport.
Cliff Langley will show his video Northshore Project, a whitewater kayaker's perspective of paddling on the Northshore of Minnesota.
Whitewater evening will conclude with the Minnesota premier of Toxic Waters, a film by seasoned ideographer/kayaker Nate Herbeck; filled with footage from the Midwest, Oregon, Washington, Mexico and more.
Friday, April 25, 8:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
Grant Herman understands more about how boats move in water than most people who paddle. He’s been there, done it: white water, canoeing, ‘C-1-ing’, river and sea kayaking. Raced it, ran it, danced it. He loves being on the water and expeditions have taken him across the Great Lakes by kayak and into remote northern rivers and Hudson Bay by canoe.
Throughout a vibrant history, people have interacted with the Apostle Islands for a diversity of reasons; spiritual connection, life sustenance, economic viability, recreation. There have always been paddlers and contemporary sea kayakers can discover evidence of former Island life as they explore the beaches, forests and shorelines of Lake Superior’s treasured Islands.
En route through this presentation you’ll vicariously paddle over historic shipwrecks, walk the dunes of Julian Bay on Stockton Island, and experience the multitude of features that bring adventurous kayakers here each year; breathtaking sea caves of Sand and Devil’s Island, high cliffs and emerald waters of Mawikwe Bay, remote beaches, and a glimpse into the Island’s lighthouse legacy. Lake Superior’s tumultuous weather has shaped many a destiny over the years and no Superior story is complete without its mention.
Saturday, April 26, 11:00 am, Midwest Mountaineering's Expedition Stage
Loading your kayak with gear for ease and access is an important safety measure. A kayak that is loaded to maintain trim will not only be safer but will help make paddling easier and more efficient. We will discsuss loading gear strategies and how to keep your gear dry.
Sunday, April 27, 1:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Atrium North
Learn about the many possibilities for bicycle travel in Mexico, from a Hub worker who recently returned from a 2000 mile winter tour from San Diego to the southern tip of Oaxaca. The seminar will present information on route possibilities, road conditions, weather to prepare for, and other tidbits concerning scorpions, rattlesnakes, tarantulas, black widows, and other friendly fauna. Plan for your next adventure with some suggestions from an experienced bike traveler!
Come explore the canyons and incredible rock formations surrounding the town of Moab, Utah through the photos of Joel Cahalan. Recently returned from Moab, Joel biked many of the famous trails around Moab including Poison Spider, Porcupine Rim, Amasa Back, and the White Rim (a 100 mile loop through the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park). Besides sharing the area through a slide show Joel will talk about his experiences and also devote time to familiarizing the audience with the equipment and preparation necessary to enjoy some of the best mountain biking in the world.
Ready to pull your bike out and get out into the spring air?! Learn a few tricks to keep you and your wheels on the road. We’ll be covering how to fix a flat, quick brake adjustments, proper shifting and a few other pointers that will make any ride more enjoyable!
SpeakerBio.
Wabakimi Wilderness Park (5,000,000 acres +) is the biggest wilderness paddling area in the world ... with only 700 paddlers in 2007! A logical next step after BWCA, Wabakimi has woodland caribou, hundreds of lakes, dozens of rivers, some like the mighty Albany with rapids and huge waterfalls. Accessible only by bush-train, float-plane, or canoe!
Biologist, forester, and award winning conservationist Bruce Hyer will share his knowledge of the flora, fauna, paddling, politics, and history of this incredible area only 9 hours from the Twin Cities. If he likes you, he might even tell you where the 8 lb speckled trout live. Bruce spent half a lifetime helping to save this area. Join him to celebrate its ecology and beauty.
Sunday, April 27, 12:00 pm, Midwest Mountaineering's Expedition Stage
Come early! Cliff is our perennial speaker of choice. His programs always fill quickly. Cliff has been featured in every Spring Outdoor Adventure Expo since day one, 24 years ago. Author of more than a dozen best selling outdoor skills books, he knows more about wilderness camping than anyone we know. And he sometimes strongly refutes the common wisdom we think we already know. He is a recent recipient of the American Canoe Association’s Legends of Paddling Award.
If you want to get eaten alive by bugs, go to the Canadian Arctic in June. The black flies and mosquitoes which live there weigh more than ten times as much as all the plants and animals put together! An acre of swarming bugs could drain all your blood in three days! We¹ll check out your enemies and learn how to resist them with repellents, insecticides, head and body nets, specialized clothing and attitude. Recommendations for children and pets included. There are some tricks. Believe it!
Sunday, April 27, 11:00 am, Midwest Mountaineering's Expedition Stage
Here's a wealth of luscious food ideas that will make your canoeing, camping and backpacking trips more fun. Emphasis is on fast-to-prepare entrees that take less than 20 minutes to make. Discover Pita pizza and garlic-cheese pita melts; cinnamon/butter tortillas; Northwoods Stir Fry and Egg McPitz. "Flavorize" your cereals and turn bland soups into mouth-watering stews. Learn how to dehydrate and vacuum-seal hamburger, sauces and canned foods. Discover tricks for preparing meals in cold and blustery weather, and for large groups – a must if you canoe or hike above the tree line. Cliff will show you how to modify your favorite "at home" pots and pans for serious self-propelled camping. Included are clever ways to keep trail stoves in top shape. This whirlwind class focuses on the skills you need to prepare gourmet meals on a one burner trail stove in wind and rain.
Based on Cliff's just-released book, Basic Illustrated Cooking in the Outdoors.
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 pm, Midwest Mountaineering Expedition Stage
You'll find this advice like this in any camping book: "Find a level spot, above standing water, preferably on a hill that has a south-facing slope so you'll enjoy the warmth of the morning sun. There should be a good breeze to blow away bugs. The ground should be covered with soft, dry vegetation and there should be a ready source of clean drinking water and dry firewood nearby. Avoid sandy areas-the sand gets into everything. Have you ever seen a place like this? Yeah, in your dreams!
This fast-paced seminar focuses on campsite concerns and shows how to deal with obnoxious critters (bugs, bears and rodents). Even old dogs will learn new tricks from this presentation.
Saturday, April 28, 9:00 am, Midwest Mountaineering Expedition Stage
SpeakerBio.
Machu Picchu is the world famous ´lost city´ of the Incas, located deep in the Andes mountains of Peru. Over a million people a year visit Machu Picchu without knowing that within a short distance there are literally hundreds of lesser-known Inca roads and ruins, located in the high jungle surrounded by towering 20,000 foot snow covered peaks.
Discover the real adventure of Peru - hiking, biking, climbing, and kayaking some of the world’s richest wilderness while immersed in the ruins and spirit of the Incas, one of history's greatest civilizations.
Friday, April 26, 7:00 pm, Midwest Mountaineering's Expedition Stage
Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
Rod Johnson owns Midwest Mountaineering. Actually, to be more precise, he started Midwest Mountaineering in 1970 when he hitch-hiked to California and came home with a backpack full of climbing gear that he sold to his climbing friends at prices so good that all of the gear sold within seven days!
Sharon met Rod at a talk he was presenting . . . just goes to show, you never know who you will meet when you follow your bliss! Sharon and Rod enjoy travels and adventures on frequently and would love to foster your dreams and assist you planning your adventures!
Midwest Mountaineering’s owner, Rod Johnson and his wife, Sharon, have become the best at sharing their enthusiasm. Their presentations, always shown to a full house, are packed with information. You will learn the following:
- Why should you consider this type of trip? Why this place?
- How do you prepare? What to bring? What to leave at home?
- What worked for Rod and Sharon? What did not work? (They don't mince words. Some products get glowing reviews. Some get dissed - and they'll tell you why.)
- How to keep the burden down (weight, procedures, permits) and the fun factor way up.
- How to keep the cost down.
All of their presentations feature take-home resource sheets. You leave knowing what you need to plan your own adventure.
Rod and Sharon have hiked hundreds of miles in the last few years gathering information for you on the world’s greatest places to to hike. The emphasis of their light weight backpacking presentations has been on lightening your pack - down to 15 pounds or less! But many of their techniques, such as dealing with bears, weather, selecting footwear, hydration and keeping your energy level up, are useful to all backpackers and will be included in this newest program. Hand-outs will be provided.
Sunday, April 27, 3:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 180
Most lists of the world's classic hikes include the dramatic and beautiful Torres del Paine Circuit and the Fitz Roy area. This is Rod's third trip to Patagonia (the southern part of Chile and Argentina). He keeps coming back to this wild place. Some of the world's most spectacular mountains, huge glaciers, penguins, lots of wind, great food and wine at reasonable prices and many trekking options are standard for Patagonia.
Rod and Sharon backpacked, hut-hopped and day hiked from hotels. They just returned! They'll distribute resource sheets so you can do the treks on your own!
Saturday, April 26, 4:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
National Geographic Adventure Magazine lists hiking and climbing the Via Ferrata in the Italian Dolomites as one of the world’s top adventure travel destinations. Hiking in the Alps is “civilized hiking” - you don’t have to carry a tent, sleeping bag, stove or food. You can enjoy great food and wine on a scenic terrace after a long day of hiking.
Rod and Sharon will share photos from their trip in September - hiking, hut-hopping and climbing Via Ferrata in the Dolomites. They will pass out resources on how you can do your own Dolomite hike!
Sunday, April 27, 11:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
Ryan Kattner, born and raised in Waukesha, WI, joined the Minneapolis Peace Corps team as a Regional Recruiter after completing three years of service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Yap, Micronesia. As a library development volunteer in Micronesia, he established a community library, taught English as a foreign language, developed adult computer literacy courses, and lived with a Yapese family for the majority of his three year service.
Before joining Peace Corps in 2001, he earned a B.S. degree in Graphic Arts Management from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and entered the field of printing and publishing as a desktop publisher. He used his degree in graphics to produce two yearbooks for the school and community he served in Micronesia. Ryan enjoyed the time he spent volunteering as an ESL tutor, and as a wildlife caregiver for the Wisconsin Humane Society while living in the Milwaukee area. He left his job as a Paraprofessional for the Milwaukee Public School system in order to experience life as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
The men and women who join the Paece Corps reflect the rich diversity of America in race, ethnic background, age and religion; each brings a unique perspective. What do they all have in common? A sense of adventure and a desire to help others.
At this event returned Peace Corps Volunteers and Peace Corps staff will present slides of their service, information about the application process, benefits of service annd there will be time to answer your questions. Join us to learn how you can become a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Saturday, April 26, 9:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 180
Andrew Keith was raised in the Twin Cities near the Mississippi River and lived more than twenty years on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. An avid outdoorsman, he has canoed and kayaked many of the lakes and rivers of the US and Canada. Keith currently divides his time between Oaxaca, Mexico and Minnesota.
A presentation summary by author Andy Keith.
From Minnesota one can paddle downstream into three different directions and arrive at three different seas. The Mississippi River begins its southern journey to the Gulf of Mexico from Lake Itasca. Not far from Itasca a second watershed flows north into the Red River and eventually finds its way to Hudson Bay. Small streams that feed into Lake Superior form the third watershed which flows east through the Saint Lawrence Seaway to the Atlantic Ocean. Join native Minnesota writer, Andy Keith, as he recounts his paddling adventures down these three distinct routes to these three faraway seas. He will share stories from his new book along with images from his trips.
Saturday, April 26, 2:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 184
Sunday, April 27, 2:00 pm, The Loft Literary Center
John first started kayaking in 1995 with a Perception Dancer: paddling in circles and swimming at every turn. It has been an adventure he didn't expect, with highs and low, new friends becoming old friends. John feels he has been fortunate in his paddling career to have the opportunity to paddle with individuals at the top of the sport, whether locally or internationally, who have inspired him both on and off the river.
Chad is known for his kayak instruction techniques. Chad helps others find our sport – he conceptualized the first ever inner-city youth kayaking and outdoor program in 2005. When not teaching others how to kayak, he can be found updating the Team Midwest Mountaineering website (www.teammidwestmountaineering.com) or paddling with family and friends.
You've been curious about this whole "whitewater kayaking" thing right? Well, now's your chance to learn all about it. This presentation's purpose is to give you a broader understanding of whitewater kayaking and show you the camaraderie and adventure that is the core of the sport.
In "Whitewater Kayaking: From Introduction to Immersion", you will be informed and immersed by an experienced and dedicated team of kayakers about all areas of whitewater kayaking. John Kiffmeyer will begin the presentation with a brief history of the sport in the Minnesota region. Chad Kehn will then take you through how to get started and what the kayaking culture is like in the Midwest. Heather Herbeck will speak on the mental aptitudes involved with progressing in the sport.
Cliff Langley will show his video Northshore Project, a whitewater kayaker's perspective of paddling on the Northshore of Minnesota.
And it will conclude with the Minnesota premier of Toxic Waters, a film by seasoned ideographer/kayaker Nate Herbeck; filled with footage from the Midwest, Oregon, Washington, Mexico and more. With its tight-knit group of kayakers who are strong on community involvement, the Midwest is a great place to start your whitewater kayaking adventures.
Friday, April 25, 7:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
Minnesota Adventurers and Explorers Hall of Fame
Inductee of the Year
Andy has been an active outdoor adventurer with over 155,000 human-powered miles accumulated in the last 46 years, including a bicycle trip to Alaska and back in 1967, a 500-mile backpacking journey through the Brooks Range in 1972, and a 30-day circumnavigation of Lake Superior in 1996, the first without resupply. He has bicycled in 34 states and 12 other countries, has hiked and climbed throughout North America, and has paddled extensively in the wilderness waters of the upper Great Lakes area and beyond.
After being diagnosed with potentially terminal kidney cancer in 2003, and, after the initial panic, Andy realized that he must face the uncertainty and pain with the same stubbornness, perseverance, and sense of humor that he put into the thousands of miles of paddling, bicycling, hiking, skiing, and mountaineering adventures. With the help of family and friends, Andy has survived two major surgeries, a bout with radiation, and a series of potent drugs, and is still bicycling and paddling away.
Andy has worked for over 34 years in the outdoor equipment industry as a retail buyer, has served on the boards of several trade associations and advocacy groups, and has written two books and numerous magazine columns.
In June 1967, Andy Knapp, then 19, took off from the Twin Cities on a 10-speed bike loaded with more than 40 pounds of stuff crammed into an old Duluth pack, bound for the new state of Alaska. Forty years later, and after several years of battling cancer, he decided it was time to motivate with another long self-propelled trip, so why not bicycle to Alaska again! This past July, Andy left Minneapolis on his new 27-speed touring bike and arrived in Skagway, Alaska, 24 days and 2,655 miles later.
Using photos and stories, new and old, Andy will reminisce about the two trips and the changes that have occurred along the route and in the sport of bicycle touring. Do experience, modern gear, and a paved Alaska Highway win out over youthful enthusiasm? Also a theme is the mental challenge of self-motivation, a key factor in human-powered travel, as well as in the personal battle with cancer and its side effects.
The two bicycles and some of the gear used on these trips will be making a guest appearance as well.
Sunday, April 27, 3:05 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
One of the world's most unique and exciting adventure destinations is right here in the Midwest. Lake Superior offers paddlers, hikers, and bicyclists alike an endless variety of changing and challenging experiences in this timeless world of water and rock. Come and join Andy Knapp as he shares photography and stories from decades of kayaking and traveling around the Big Lake, points out interesting destinations, and discusses what it takes to safely travel these rugged shores and unpredictable waters. Andy is known for paddling across Lake Superior and around it several times, once without any resupply.
Sunday, April 27, 2:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
Inductee of the Year – Award Presentation
Congratulations to Andy Knapp, this year's inductee.
All of the Minnesota Adventurers and Explorers Hall of Fame induction ceremony details are on page 8 of the Expo Newspaper.
Sunday, April 27, 3:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Cowles Auditorium
Sarah is the Special Events & Recruitment Coordinator for NOLS.
For over 40 years, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) has been the leader in wilderness education. More than 85,000 students have learned and mastered outdoor skills, developed leadership and studied environmental ethics in the world’s most spectacular and wild classrooms! From two weeks to 135 days, NOLS offers over 65 different course types in skill areas including backpacking, mountaineering, sea kayaking, canoeing, skiing, caving, horsepacking and rock climbing.
Join NOLS grad, Sarah Lancaster, as she shares an informational presentation complete with stunning pictures and cinematography from snowy Alaskan peaks to dense Patagonian rain forest, the majestic Himalayas to sparkling coastal Baja, and the rugged Rockies to the remote Australian Outback.
Sunday, April 27, 1:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 184
SpeakerBio.
The High Sierra Trail travels 62 miles through Sequoia National Park from the big trees in the Giant Forest across the Great Western Divide to the summit of Mt. Whitney. In addition to spectacular scenery the trail features great swimming, a hot spring and a backcountry hotel. Jim and Penny Langland will review their recent backpacking round trip on this trail and provide information regarding permits, food storage requirements and transportation.
Saturday, April 26, 3:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 180
My enjoyment of the outdoors started when I was a youngster in the Boy Scouts. I spent 7 summers at Many Point Scout camp near Ponsford, Minnesota participating in camping, canoeing, and hiking. I am married, with 3 daughters, and 4 granddaughters. All of them like the outdoors and one granddaughter share my passion for backpacking.
In the 90’s I started buying backpacking equipment and in ‘95 I volunteered to help lead my church youth group on a backpacking trip. I accompanied 12 teenagers to Glacier National Park in Montana for 7 days of backpacking, white water rafting, and horse back riding.
Shortly thereafter my wife Susan and I sampled the North Shore bed and breakfast places and day hiked a few sections of the Superior Hiking Trail. That trip ignited my passion for the Superior Hiking Trail and backpacking.
After 3 years of planning and anticipation, to celebrate my retirement at the age of 66, I thru hiked 249 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail with 2 friends in 28 days. Future plans include hiking in the Grand Tetons, Glacier National Park and completing the John Muir Trail to celebrate my 70th birthday.
Thru hiking is done in many ways, over a period of years, a few sections at a time, or all at once, using the ultra light style, to the "bring everything" style.
This presentation is for the average person, who wants to do a thru hike, different from the solo ultra fast, ultra light, long treks. During this presentation, you'll learn a little about the SHT, and get some ideas to create your own 15-30 day thru hike that suits you.
Saturday, April 26, 11:00 am, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 180
Stephanie Love & Blake Cazier
Positive Energy (ed)Ventures (website: www.outdooredventures.org) strives to make outdoor adventures accessible to people of all ages and abilities, and offers experientially based outdoor adventure education and renewable energy programming.
In addition, we offer youth development training and promote public awareness of issues affecting youth and the environment.
Also — try your luck at the fishing pond.
Hey kids — come over to the kid's area in the expo tents and make cool pictures with fish! Fish, paper, and ink provided for free.
The kid's area also has crayons, coloring paper, balloons, and snacks available all weekend!
Saturday, April 26, 11:00 am, Expo Tents - Kids Area
Saturday, April 26, 2:00 pm, Expo Tents - Kids Area
Innocent Lyimo is a professional safari and mountain guide who was born and raised on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Making his first summit of Kilimanjaro at the age of 16, Innocent has over 20 years experience both as a mountain and safari guide. He has done an immense amount of climbing in Africa and North American with a dream of climbing Mount Everest in the future. Innocent has acquired extensive class and field trainings from Arusha Professional Guides school, holds a diploma with TTU (Tourism Training Unit) of Tanzania, trained with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), and is certified as a Wilderness First Responder through WMI (Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS).
Innocent now owns and operates Destination Tanzania Safaris (website: www.detasa.com), a company based in Tanzania with a branch in Minnesota.
Tanzania is the largest nation in East Africa and has more national parks than any other African country! Tanzania offers dozens of Eco-Systems, innumerable animals, and is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Africa, making Tanzania the ultimate vacation destination!
There are many unique experiences one can only find in Tanzania, starting from the challenge of climbing the majestic snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Then take a safari through the predator-rich sprawling plains of the Serengeti, venture through the natural wildlife amphitheater of the Ngorongoro Crater, view the massive Baobab trees in Tarangire, and see the pink blanket created by large flocks of flamingoes on Lake Manyara. Experience the breath-taking and panoramic views of the Serengeti on a balloon safari, rising up over the African plains just as the dawn breaks. See the fascinating culture of the Asaai tribe, visit a local children's school, explore the busy markets of the local people, and learn the history of Olduvai Gorge, where the famous discoveries of man's ancient ancestors were found.
Top it off with a little relaxation on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, "the sexy spice Island", with over 50 miles of white, sandy beaches. In between, add in a canoe safari, balloon safari, a visit to the Masai tribe, a day trip to a local children's school, and much more!
Innocent will present slides, pictures and information on the beauty of Tanzania and the adventures it has to offer. He will also offer advice and suggestions on how to create your own personalized itinerary for the perfect 'Out of Africa' experience!
Sunday, April 27, 3:00 pm, U of MN Humphrey Institute Room 184
Cory MacNulty joined the Voyageurs National Park Association as Executive Director in October 2004. She has a strong background in conservation, outreach, and nonprofit administration. Previously Cory was the Coordinator of LoonWatch, a program that works to conserve common loons and their habitats, and an affiliate instructor in biology at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute of Northland College in Ashland, WI. Cory holds a BS in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Masters in Conservation Biology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Cory first visited Voyageurs National Park in 1995, while studying common loons in collaboration with the park. She has been regularly returning to the Park ever since to do fieldwork and research, explore the islands and bays, and experience the magic of the place.
Cory oversees all aspects of the VNPA’s day-to-day operations, including communication, development, advocacy, and policy. She is committed to preserving the natural s