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greg's journal
tales from the trail
wi in the news
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Chad Dayton smiles with a participant from the Canoemobile New York City, 2012. Everyone loves paddling with Chad! Chad Dayton takes the helm as Canoemobile Program Director!May 7, 2013
Chad Dayton wears many hats at Wilderness Inquiry, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! WI is proud to welcome Chad into a new role – that of Canoemobile Program Director. In addition to taking the helm as the Canoemobile Program Director, Chad leads many trips as a WI Trail Staff, and is an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School and the Wilderness Medicine Institute. Chad also serves on the board of directors for the Dodge Nature Center, Friends of the Mississippi River, and the Minnesota Zoo. |
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New device lifts trailer racks. Innovation never stops at WI!April 2, 2013 One of the more difficult parts of the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventure program is lifting the Voyageur canoes and putting them on a trailer, especially the trailers that have six canoes stacked on top of each other. We decided to install actuator jacks, allowing us to raise the racks after placing two canoes on them. The first modified trailer was delivered yesterday so we gave it a test --it passed with flying colors! |
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WI Tanzania Managing Director Donatus Gadiye came to Minneapolis this week, presenting various options and stories of Tanzania Safaris Donatus Gadiye visits WI Headquarters, presents with Andy Walz on Tanzania Travel OpportunitiesMarch 28, 2013
New and old friends gathered at WI yesterday for a festive evening of Tanzania trip exploration and celebration with Donatus Gadiye, WI Tanzania's Managing Director, and Andy Walz, who started and developed WI's East Africa travel program. Donatus and Andy shared photos and tales from past safari and mountain trekking trips, and introduced upcoming opportunities for adventurous travel. |
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WI Intern Ron Griswell has fun striking a pose on a recent Boundary Waters winter trip Intern Spotlight on Ron GriswellFebruary 28, 2013
Ron Griswell is one hard working intern, and we are proud to have him on the team! The internship experience at WI combines many elements of our organization and operations. We asked him a few questions to highlight what his experience has been like here at WI. |
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Martha Beery Milbery and John Scanlan holding their paddles, in recognition for their years of hard work on the Board of Directors. Thanks to outgoing Board Members Martha Beery Milbery and John ScanlanFebruary 14, 2013 Wilderness Inquiry's Board of Directors is a wonderful group of smart, passionate and engaged people who work hard to fulfill our mission. Today we recognized two individuals whose board terms have come to an end. Collectively Martha Beery Milbery and John Scanlan have raised more than $150,000 to support our programs, held benefit concerts, gone on more than a dozen trips, and spread the word about WI's mission to countless people. Our hats are off to you Martha and John. Thanks for all you have done for WI over the years. And don't think that just because you're going off the board that you're off the hook--WI still needs you! |
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Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander accept Grammy for "Can You Canoe." 
Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing. 
On a sand bar on the Mississippi River. Okee Dokee Brothers Win Grammy for "Can You Canoe!"February 12, 2013
Our good friends the Okee Dokee Brothers won a Grammy for best Children's Album for "Can You Canoe," their collection of songs about the Mississippi River. Everyone at Wilderness Inquiry is so excited to see this recognition for Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander--two great guys. Joe and Justin performed last summer on WI's "Songs of the River" Mississippi River day trip. Wilderness Inquiry helped them prepare for their Mississippi River trip that served as the inspiration for "Can You Canoe." |
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Many Web UpdatesJanuary 19, 2013 We've been very busy the last few weeks updating and upgrading our website. We've added all sorts of new ways to sort and look for trips. We're especially excited about the trips by "region" and trips by "activities" pages. There are many other updates as well. Let us know what you think! |
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Happy New Year!December 28, 2012 For a review of 2012 see Greg's Journal. It was a great year! Happy New Year to all! |
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Welcome, Cohen! Presenting WI's Newest Boat Captain...December 17, 2012
WI's newest Boat Captain, Cohen Richard Dahl, was born on December 17th, 2012 at 1 am; a healthy and happy 7.5 lbs, 21 in. Congratulations to Cory Dahl and Emily Johnson Dahl! |
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Thank you volunteers and champions, you have made a big difference! Thank you Champions!December 7, 2012
We cannot begin to express our heartfelt appreciation to the 73 people who dedicated their time to connect with our supporters. Together, we discovered the pen can be mightier than the keyboard, and that everyone deserves the opportunity for adventure. You have made a difference and we thank you very much for your passion for the WI mission. |
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Gabe Keller started doing WI trips with his mother when he was 7 years old. Now working as an architect in Minneapolis, he volunteers his time and gives back to WI. Opportunity Fund in Full SwingNovember 23, 2012
Great things are happening with our efforts to raise money for scholarships. By supporting the opportunity fund, you make a difference so that anyone can participate, regardless of financial need. You may have received a handwritten note from one of our 73 wonderful volunteer champions. This effort would not be possible without their help. Our goal this year is to raise $395,000 for the opportunity fund. |
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Voyageur canoes on the Ohio River in Cincinnati. Thanks to the Camping and Education Foundation for being such great partners. 
Getting ready to paddle the Harlem River in NYC. 
Adam Hoffman paddling with a family on the Harlem River. Over 300 people loved getting out on the river that day! Canoemobile wildly popular!October 27, 2012
The Canoemobile, our efforts at getting thousands of urban youth connected to their local environments, has proven to be very successful at getting kids on urban waters and in helping to bring communities together to do so. We couldn’t be happier with how things have gone this month—minus a few van and trailer issues. |
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2012 Canoemobile team getting ready to leave for a month long tour. From left: Chad Dayton, Erica Gotcher, Nate Lien, Matt Heuer, Dillon McLeod, Liz Just, Adam Hoffman Wilderness Canoemobile crew heads east!September 28, 2012
The Wilderness Inquiry Canoemobile is off and running! An crew of staff left early this morning to take thousands of kids paddling in cities across the U.S. Packing six, 24' Voyageur canoes on a dual axel trailer, this dynamic team will paddle in Chicago, Michigan City, Cincinnati, Louisville, New York City and Washington, DC. We are working with dozens of partners in each of these cities. Funding for this endeavor comes from several sources, including the National Park Service and our great friends at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. |
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2012 Great River Race Sponsored Canoes Paddle the Home Stretch 2012 Great River Race ResultsSeptember 20, 2012
The Great River Race benefits the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures (UWCA) program, a creative outdoor education initiative that works to reduce the achievement gap in partnership with public schools and youth serving organizations by providing enriching nature-based learning to more than 10,000 students each year. Each team races on behalf of a local school in an effort to win that school a $5,000 UWCA scholarship. |
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Dr. Charlene McEvoy joins Wilderness Inquiry's board of directors. Dr. Charlene McEvoy joins Wilderness Inquiry's Board of DirectorsSeptember 12, 2012
We're pleased to announce that Charlene McEvoy, MD, has joined the Wilderness Inquiry board. Dr. McEvoy is a pulmonary medicine physician and research investigator with Health Partners, where she specializes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. |
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Asian Carp threaten native species and outdoor enthusiast by quickly infiltrating and dominating waterways. Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership Recognizes Wilderness Inquiry for its leadership in helping to reduce the spread of Asian Carp.September 11, 2012
The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership has presented Wilderness Inquiry with a Certificate of Appreciation in Riverfront Vitality for providing river recreation while addressing the threat of Asian Carp. Along with several other organizations that operate on the Mississippi River, WI has voluntarily stopped using the locks in order to reduce the risk of Asian Carp spreading to and destroying northern Minnesota Fisheries. Other organizations include: Paradise Charter Cruises, The Mississippi River Fund, Friends of the Mississippi River, The National Park Service, and Above the Falls Sports. |
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Pictured from left: Katie Nyberg, Mississippi River Fund; Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior; Josh Garubanda, Wilderness Inquiry; Mark Dayton, Governor of Minnesota; Paul Labovitz, National Park Service; Page Knudsen Cowles, Trust for Public Land U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar Recognizes UWCA as Nationally Significant ProgramAugust 26, 2012
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Govenor Mark Dayton were hosted by the National Park Service, the Mississippi River Fund, and Wilderness Inquiry on a tour of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The Secretary and Governor learned about the advancement of invasive species such as Asian Carp, and environmental and economic issues related to the river. |
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Mom and dad hanging out with Clara WI's IT Director welcomes a new baby to the family!August 26, 2012 Congratulations to Andy & Dr. Heidi Walz on the birth of their first child, Clara Jo Walz! Clara was born Saturday, August 18th, weighs just over eight pounds, and is feeling great. From all of us at WI, welcome to world Clara! |
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While roasting marshmallows with fellow AVID students on a WI winter camping trip last February, Faith only ever dreamed of going to the Arctic. Faith Amaro's Arctic adventure featured in local newsAugust 6, 2012 Recent Harding High grad and former AVID student, Faith Amaro, was selected for the opportunity of a lifetime: to experience the Arctic of Somerset Island. Her journey was featured in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, read the full article online! |
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Faith Amaro points to Arctic Watch, where she is spending a month helping with whale research. Faith Amaro goes to Arctic Whale WatchAugust 2, 2012 We are super excited to tell you that St. Paul Public School student and UWCA veteran Faith Amaro is up in the Arctic on the experience of a lifetime! A few months ago Richard Weber called Greg Lais and asked him to help find an eager and ready student to spend a month experiencing the arctic and helping with whale research. Our friends at St. Paul Public Schools contacted Faith, a senior at Harding High School, and now she is there! Faith started by canoeing the Mississippi River with Wilderness Inquiry through the UWCA, then went to our basecamp in the Apostle Islands, then out to Glacier National Park on a WI trip supported by St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. This summer she did an internship with the National Park Service in St. Paul, and now this opportunity! In one of life's small coincidences, Greg Lais also graduated from Harding High School in 1974. After Faith gets back from her trip. she and Greg will give presentations to Harding students to get more fired up about getting outdoors. |
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Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures (UWCA) program featured in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine!July 30, 2012 In only its fourth year, Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures has led day trips down the Mississippi River for more than 22,000 youths. Older students are offered longer excursions that include an overnight at Fort Snelling. Those who have completed both day and overnight trips have an opportunity to apply for a much grander trip to Glacier National Park. Read article here |
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National Park Teen AmbassadorsJuly 29, 2012 WI is excited to be a part of the National Park Teen Ambassadors program this summer! 18 students from a variety of Minnesota communities are participating in outdoor learning adventures from Voyageur National Park to the Mississippi River. Click here to learn more about this exciting program and to read about their first trip. |
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The new kitchenette at Little Sand Bay! 
Jeff showcases the quality and durability of the tables he's built. With Volunteer Help, WI Basecamp Comes TogetherJuly 19, 2012 Longtime WI volunteer and St. Paul Public School Employee Jeff Lasar recently built six camp tables for our Apostle Islands basecamp. These tables were made specifically to function in the various campsites around the basecamp. Next time you're cooking a meal or cleaning up while using one of these tables, think of Jeff. Thanks Jeff! We appreciate your hard work! |
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WI Receives Charity Navigator 4-Star Rating!July 6, 2012 Wilderness Inquiry has once again received a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator. They help donors make intelligent giving decisions by providing objective ratings and analysis of the financial health and accountability and transparency of the country's largest charities. Charity Navigator awarded WI four out of a possible four stars, which indicates that WI adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible manner. |
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STEP-UP Achieve Students Working Summer Jobs at WIJuly 5, 2012 STEP-UP Achieve is a City of Minneapolis paid summer jobs program that connects businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies with the next generation of talented and diverse workers while providing critical hands-on job opportunities for young people. WI is thrilled to participate in the program and welcomes Raheem, Jenny, and Bee (pictured left to right) to the WI Team! |
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USA Today highlights WI Apostle Islands trips!July 2, 2012
WI's Apostle Islands sea kayaking trips named a top ten outdoor adventure for families in USA Today! |
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The family that camps together...June 25, 2012
Here's an excerpt from a great article in Sunday, June 24th's Star Tribune about the DNR's "I Can Camp!" program and WI: |
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Next time you're enjoying WI's signature pesto pasta with fresh vegetables and garlic bread, raise your bowl to this guy! Meet WI's Food Coordinator - Jon HoulihanJune 22, 2012
We all know that food can make or break a camping trip. Jon Houlihan is here to make sure the food is a highlight on all WI trips. |
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Friends of Ngong Road Executive Director Paula Meyer, with Andy Walz and Greg Lais Staff Development Fund Honors Andy WalzJune 21, 2012
If you have ever been on trail with Andy Walz, you know that he embodies the spirit of servant leadership. One example of this leadership is his work with the organization Friends of Ngong Road. Andy established a partnership with Friends of Ngong Road to add a service component to Wilderness Inquiry's Kenya adventures. |
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Marissa Hunnel paddles back from Sand Island. In addition to working at WI, Marissa is a Sergeant in the US Army, and has served one year in Iraq. 
New WI trail staff wave hello from a campsite at Little Sand Bay. 
Our staff are here to serve you! Kelly Zastrow and Suzanne Schefcik are true servant leaders. Thanks for a great staff training!June 10, 2012
Last night we concluded the official part of our 2012 staff training with a ceremony at Wilderness Inquiry where staff were "blessed" with cedar boughs in the traditional manner of the Voyageurs. It was an exciting, action packed week! |
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Youth can paddle the National Park right in their own backyard through the UWCA Program. 
Justin and Joe of the Okee Dokee Brothers share their love of the Mississippi River through music. Rediscovering the MississippiJune 7, 2012
Our friends, former staff, and KFAI producers Peter Frey and Flor Trevino, produced a great audio documentary called "Rediscovering the Mississippi River." The piece, which aired on KFAI's features our partners from the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and The Mississippi River Fund, and highlights our joint Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures (UWCA) program. |
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Cory Dahl teaches his group how to pack out food for the trail. 
Josh Garubanda trains people on replenishing first aid supplies 
Matthew Ross teaches van safety Staff Training UnderwayJune 3, 2012 Today was the first official day of staff training for 35 new staff and interns. It's a really great group of fun, smart, and hardworking people. We covered mission, servant leadership, and a number of other things, including pack-out for the Apostle Islands. It's really great to see the future of WI in these people. Our future is bright! This week many of our full-time staff are involved in the training, so the folks left in the office will be plenty busy answering calls and keeping things together. Thank you Sarah, Andy, Lee, Mollie, Karen, Megan, Erik, John and all the rest. |
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Mollie and Dan love the blooming roses! Dan Russell is WI's Development Director, and Mollie Thompson is our Development Associate. Smell the RosesJune 1, 2012 The roses outside WI's headquarters are in full bloom on this magnificent first day of June! A number of years ago, we were having a problem with our building being tagged by graffiti artists. In came our wonderful friend and longtime trip participant, Barb Gasterland. Barb, who has a knack for gardening, helped us solve this problem by suggesting and donating these beautiful rose bushes. Not only do they beautify our landscape and provide food for the bees, but they also help us solve a little problem. Thanks for beautifying our world Barb! |
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Tom Landwher, Minnesota DNR Commissioner addresses UWCA Partner Paddle on Steamboat Landing at Ft. Snelling State Park. 4th Annual UWCA Partner Paddle and 2012 Summer of PaddlingMay 23, 2012 WI, the National Park Service, and the Mississippi River Fund hosted the 4th Annual UWCA Partner Paddle today on the Mississippi. About 100 people from 36 different partner organizations got in the 24' Voyageur Canoes at Hidden Falls Regional Park and paddled down to Steamboat Landing at Ft. Snelling. It was an enjoyable paddle and a great celebration of the many partners involved in the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures program. Special thanks to Congresswoman Bette McCollum, MN 4th District, Will Shafroth, America's Great Outdoors, Tom Landwher, MN DNR, Tom Melious, Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Mary Barrie from Minneapolis Public Schools. At Steamboat Landing we were treated to a presentation from Kao Thao, Naturalist at Ft. Snelling State Park. |
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The McGoldrick Family: Mark, Mia, and baby Augie. Welcome to future WI trail staff August Patrick McGoldrick!May 8, 2012
August Patrick McGoldrick was born to his parents Mark McGoldrick and Mia Feldbaum on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Mark and Mia met in 2001 on a WI trip on Alaska's Porcupine River. After the trip, a romance blossomed and the two were married in 2009. |
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Ziggy (bottom center) pictured with other ALP participants on a trip to the Missouri River in Montana in 2010. From Team ALP to Team USA: Ziggy NorbergApril 25, 2012
Ziggy Norberg, a former WI ALP participant, was selected as a member of the US National Paracanoe Team competing in the World Championships to be held in Poland this May! Ziggy, a student at Irondale High School, won the US Team Trials for Paracanoe Sprint Kayak held in Oklahoma City on April 20 & 21, beating all age groups for this honor. |
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HealthPartners Doctors Charlene McEvoy & Charles Lais (pictured right & center) present scholarship to Central High School Vice Principal Dr. Valerie Littles-Butler (left). HealthPartners Presents Great River Race Award to
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Augsburg football team at Hidden Falls in St. Paul Augsburg Football Team helps clean up River AccessApril 21, 2012 The Augsburg Football team volunteered to clean up four access points for the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures program on the Mississippi River. Crews removed debris, trash and other obstructions. "Those guys worked really hard, great crew," said team leader Josh Garubanda. Later this summer the team will take a canoe trip with WI and the National Park Service. |
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Miles (third from left) with fellow WI ALPers. 
Miles (third from left) and other youth ambassadors pictured with leaders from C&NN, The Nature Conservancy, Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, Youth Service America and the National Wildlife Federation. Miles Mazumdar to represent Children's Nature Network at Disney Kids & Nature CelebrationApril 19, 2012
Miles Mazumdar,17, a participant in WI's Adventure Leadership Program (ALP), was selected as one of four awardees to represent the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) at the Disney Kids & Nature Celebration in April. |
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Say hello to some of our 2012 staff team! New & Returning Staff Season Kick-Off SocialApril 18, 2012 WI welcomed several new trail staff to our ranks with a social in our warehouse. Joined by many returning staff, we celebrated our growing community, enjoyed great food, and built momentum for another season! |
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WI has a green office. Going Green -- We did it years ago with the Minnesota Pollution Control AgencyMarch 30, 2012
All of us at WI are committed to conserving natural resources and reducing our environmental impact. It's smart for our planet and economical for our business. Several years ago, an RFP from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) alerted us to an opportunity for small companies to figure out ways to reduce their paper consumption. WI was selected to participate in this effort through the MPCA 's Environmental Assistance grants program and it forever changed the way we do business. A recent how-to article about reducing office paper waste featured the success of WI's cool little project: |
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Francine Murphy at Pt. Lenana on Mt. Kenya Francine summits Pt. LenanaMarch 14, 2012 This past January we were thrilled to have long-time supporter Francine Murphy join us on a trip to Kenya. Always a joy to be with, Francine inspired us all by summiting Mt. Kenya at 16,400 feet! Francine's husband, Mark Murphy, served on our board of directors for many years before he passed away in 2008. In the mid 90's Mark and Francine established the Andrew Murphy Fund at Wilderness Inquiry in honor of their son, Andrew, who participated on several canoe trips to Ontario. The Andrew Murphy fund provides scholarships for people with disabilities to participate in our programs. Congratulations to Francine on her accomplishment! |
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Josh Garubanda and Greg Lais with the 2012 Wilderness Education Association Paul K. Petzoldt Award in Estes Park, Colorado. Greg Lais Recognized with the Wilderness Education Association Paul K. Petzoldt AwardFebruary 16, 2012
Congratulations to our Executive Director Greg Lais, who is the recipient of the Wilderness Education Association’s 2012 Paul K. Petzoldt award for outstanding achievement in outdoor leadership. Lais will accept the award at the association’s annual conference on February 20 in Estes Park, CO. |
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Garrison Keillor calls his friend and former neighbor, Bill Simpson, a "poor man's John Muir." Sharing the adventure is his life's workFebruary 13, 2012
The St. Croix Valley Press recently featured our own local wilderness leader and hero, Bill Simpson. Long before the advent of WI, Simpson devoted his life to helping every person, regardless of age or ability, experience the beauty and power of the natural world. So, if you've ever wondered what inspired WI co-founders Greg Lais and Paul Schurke to share the adventure, we've got two words for you: Bill. Simpson. Read the full article here! |
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Thank You Donors! Thanks for Supporting WI in 2011!January 24, 2012
On behalf of the entire Wilderness Inquiry staff, Board of Directors, and especially the youth and families that we serve, a special thanks to everyone that contributed to our 2011 New Donor Challenge and Annual Fund Campaign! By mid-December the momentum behind the New Donor Challenge was so powerful, we met the Frey Challenge and earned a $30,000 matching grant for acquiring 300 new donors. Then, Cerdian Corporation upped the ante, offering an all-or-nothing $10,000 matching grant for obtaining an additional 100 new donors. I’m happy to share that by December 31, your contributions not only helped us meet this goal but surge past it with gifts from over 400 new donors! In addition to expanding our community of support, we exceeded our 2011 annual fundraising goal! Your generosity has a tremendous impact on Wilderness Inquiry's ability to provide financial assistance and life-changing experiences to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities on inclusive, outdoor adventures all over the world. |
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WI group on Mt. Kenya on January 2, 2012 
Greg Lais having fun with two young Maasai Warriors in Kenya. 2012 Trip ScheduleJanuary 16, 2012
If you are on our mailing list you should have received a 2012 trip schedule by now. We have many great trips planned for this year. Two trips have already taken place, one to Kenya and one to Costa Rica. Both were great. Take a look through the website and find your trip today! |
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WI receives 4-star rating from Charity Navigator!December 31, 2011
Charity Navigator, America's leading independent charity evaluator, works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by assessing and rating the "financial health and accountability and transparency of America's largest charities." By utilizing these ratings, donors can see how a charity compares on performance metrics with other charities throughout the country. Donors can be more confident that in supporting those charities rated highly by Charity Navigator, they will be supporting organizations that are financially healthy, accountable and transparent. |
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Thank you for a wonderful year. A Year to be Thankful For!December 26, 2011
It’s hard to believe that 2011 is quickly coming to an end. It’s been a rewarding, fun and eventful year. A lot of things happened! |
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Veterans will participate on training trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Everglades, and Yellowstone National Park. 
A group of veterans and others with spinal cord injuries participated on a kayaking trip in the Apostles Islands last summer. Sierra Club & WI Partner to Provide Outdoor Leadership Opportunities for VeteransDecember 12, 2011
Wilderness Inquiry is thrilled to announce a partnership with the Sierra Club's Military Families Outdoors program to serve veterans on outdoor adventure training trips. These trips are designed to build on veterans’ leadership experience and promote lifelong outdoor recreation skills. |
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WI joins the Outdoor Alliance for KidsNovember 22, 2011
The Outdoor Alliance for Kids (OAK) is a national strategic partnership of diverse organizations with a common interest in increasing access to outdoor activities for youth and families. Founded on the knowledge that our future on this planet depends on humans having a deep appreciation for and understanding of the natural world, OAK believes that every child should have the opportunity and encouragement to play outside, dig in the dirt, smell the fresh air, roll down a hill, paddle on a river, climb a tree, and take a hike. |
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Volunteers personalize notes for WI's annual fund. 
Erin writes notes to folks who went on trail with her this summer. Annual Fund Volunteers Rock!November 16, 2011
It's that time of year again! Fall colors are fading, and inside at Wi, the flurry and excitement of our annual fundraising campaign fills the air. With help from dozens of volunteers, we are writing personal notes to more than 5,000 people requesting support of WI’s scholarship fund. |
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WI on the Road! CanoeMobile brings UWCA to Chicago & D.C.October 31, 2011
A team of six WI staff piled into the "CanoeMobile" and chugged eastward to bring Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures (UWCA) to two major metropolitan areas. |
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Step One at the WI station: Portage! 
Step Two at the WI station: Wash PFDs WI Hosts Station for Gopher Adventure RaceOctober 14, 2011 Two hundred U of M students participated in the Gopher Adventure Race on Friday, October 7, 2011. Teams of two raced through the city completing mental and physical challenges at different sites, discovering many of the gems of the city. For the Wilderness Inquiry station, participants portaged a canoe one third of a mile and washed five lifejackets. This was a great opportunity for participants to be introduced to Wilderness Inquiry and we look forward to continue their involvement, as a volunteers, interns, and participants! |
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Lorna Gleason 
Dan Ness Meet Our New Board Members--Lorna Gleason and Dan NessOctober 14, 2011
We are excited to welcome both Lorna Gleason and Dan Ness to our Board of Directors. Our Board is an involved and experienced group of volunteers who are dedicated to carrying out Wilderness Inquiry's mission. Dan and Lorna are no exception. |
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Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Foundation Fund Trip for Veterans/People with Spinal Cord InjuriesOctober 4, 2011
In August we partnered with Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Denver, CO to provide a three-day kayaking adventure in the Apostle Islands for 14 individuals, including five individuals with spinal cord injuries and their family members. The trip provided a rare opportunity for these families to participate in a shared outdoor adventure that both pushed their limits and brought them closer together. |
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Teams race in the 2011 Great River Race 
HealthPartners' HealthPaddlers team wins the 2011 Great River Race. First Annual Great River Race raises funds and awareness for student successOctober 4, 2011
Two hundred paddlers took to the water on Saturday, September 17, 2011 for the first annual Great River Race – a canoe challenge designed to raise funds and awareness for the academic achievement gap in the Twin Cities. Proceeds from the race benefit Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures (UWCA), a creative outdoor education initiative that works to reduce the achievement gap in public schools by providing enriching nature-based learning to more than 10,000 students each year. The UWCA is a joint initiative of Wilderness Inquiry, the National Park Service and the Mississippi River Fund, in partnership with Minneapolis and Saint Paul Public Schools. |
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Taste of the Apostle Islands featured by the Heavy TableSeptember 19, 2011
Emily Friedman shares her tales from the trail, and wonderful photos, from the inaugural Taste of the Apostle Islands trip in August 2011. It's sure to get your mouth watering and paddling itch itching for next year's Taste of the Apostles trip. |
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Coen Family getting ready to paddle the Mississippi River! Family Fun on the Mississippi RiverAugust 29, 2011
The Coen family recently joined us on a Mississippi River Gorge 1/2 Day Canoe paddle. It was a day of family fun with more than 10 families showing up to enjoy the river! These day trips are a great way to discover the hidden gem of the Twin Cities, the Mississippi River National Recreation Area. The Coen's had such a good time that they are now considering taking a canoe trip out West with Wilderness Inquiry next year! |
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WI leaders Matt and Jen serve up pan fried fresh caught whitefish with all the fixings. 
Fresh organic apricots, chevre cheese, and raspberries make a tasty and beautiful hors d'oeuvre. 
Kayaking the sea caves was definitely on the menu, and one of the highlights of the trip! Taste of the Apostle IslandsAugust 10, 2011
We just completed our inaugural “Taste of the Apostle Islands” trip. Combining the discovery of the Apostle Islands' natural beauty by sea kayak, with meals made from fresh local ingredients and conversations with local farmers, this trip promises to become a staple of our Apostle Islands trip offerings. Our basecamp at Little Sand Bay provides a wonderful setting for us to establish a variety of connections to the rich culture and history of the Bayfield area. What better way to do that than by sharing hearty and wholesome food after a day of kayaking the sea caves? |
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Scenic Vista of the White Cliffs on Montana's Missouri River 
Missouri River paddlers mug for a shot under Big Sky Country. Montana's Missouri River PoemJuly 23, 2011
Participant Jason Cudahy penned this poem after he was inspired by a great trip on Montana's Missouri River. Thanks for sharing this Jason! |
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The Clifford D. Crase at East River Flats on the Mississippi River 
Nancy Crase and the Wilderness Inquiry crew at the launching of the Clifford D. Crase. 
Cliff Crase The Clifford D. Crase joins the Wilderness Inquiry fleetJuly 10, 2011
We are delighted to announce the dedication of the "Clifford D. Crase," our new safety support pontoon for the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures on the Mighty Mississippi River. The Clifford D. Crase will provide an additional margin of safety on these river trips and also provide volunteers and supporters with a way to visit the river and experience the UWCA. |
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Herb Johnson in 1964 
Staff member Adam Hoffman paddles the Herbert C. Johnson through the St. Anthony Lock and Dam on the Mississippi River. Herb Johnson, one of WI's first board members, passes away at age 89July 6, 2011
Long time friend and supporter Herb Johnson passed away on June 25th. Herb first met Greg Lais in the mid-1970's during the legislative battle over motorized use in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Greg became Herb's "go-for" in arranging various events and functions, and Herb became Greg's mentor and life-long friend. |
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WI's operations were disrupted by the closure of Minnesota's State Parks in 2011, but we did manage to re-route all trips and we discovered new partners and access points as a result. Special thanks to St. Paul Park and Recreation and the Watergate Marina in St. Paul for their help with the Outdoor Nation event serving over 100 emerging outdoor leaders. State of MN Shut DownJuly 3, 2011
The State of Minnesota shut down on one of the most beautiful–and busy–weekends of the year. We're sorry to see this for many reasons, including the thousands of people and families who had to leave Minnesota State Parks due to the shut down. Wilderness Inquiry had several trips planned that used Minnesota State Parks, but fortunately we have been able to re-route them to other places, including our base camp up at Little Sand Bay adjacent to the Apostle Islands. |
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Garrison Keillor gathers the crowd. 
Enjoying the view from Lake Woebegone. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Superintendent Paul Labovitz, Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson, WI Executive Director Greg Lais, Mary Barrie, and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak Garrison Keillor and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman host fundraiser for the UWCAJune 24, 2011 Friends and supporters of the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures (UWCA) program gathered on June 21 at the home of Garrison Keillor and Jenny Nilsson. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak both spoke about their passion for the program and the importance of getting kids outside--for their health and the health of our cities. Even Keillor, the self described "great indoorsman," spoke fondly of his trips to the Boundary Waters with his brother. Keillor recalled hearing great stories about the early days of Wilderness Inquiry from his friend and neighbor, WI trail staff Bill Simpson. Proceeds from this event will support our work with the St. Paul Public Schools AVID program. Many thanks to Garrison Keillor, Jenny Nilsson, and Mayor Coleman for a wonderful evening! |
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UWCA featured on Minnesota BoundJune 15, 2011 An Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventure with Roseville Middle School students was recently featured on Ron Schara's Minnesota Bound. If you missed it on Kare11 last weekend you can check it on Wilderness Inquiry's YouTube channel. Nearly 400 Roseville students will be floating down the Mississippi River in the coming days! |
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2011 Trail Staff at training on Lake Nokomis 
After staff are trained, they get assigned to trips and events. Megan and Rolf are at our schedule board assigning staff to trips. It's quite an undertaking, really a huge and intricate puzzle. 2011 Staff Training UnderwayJune 3, 2011
Staff training for 2011 is underway! More than 40 new staff are learning the ways of Wilderness Inquiry from our mission to how to cook great food outdoors. It's a pretty intense week for these people, requiring total focus. We all work pretty hard to master the skills and techniques required to lead great trips all over the world for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Many themes run through staff training, including hard skills, soft skills meta skills (like judgment and decision making) and the principles of servant leadership and inclusion. You'll see the results of this effort when you take a trip with these dedicated and highly skilled staff. They are passionate about sharing the outdoors with everyone! |
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Apostle Islands Superintendent Bob Krumenaker and WI Program Manager Cory Dahl with Buddy Bison at the APIS Heaquarters in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Buddy Bison visits the Apostle IslandsMay 28, 2011 While on a recent trip to the headquarters of the Apostle Island National Lakeshore we discovered our old friend Buddy Bison hanging out in the gift shop. Buddy is the mascot of the National Park Trust, our good friends who help to protect places and get people outside. |
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From Left: David Kingman, Jim Langdon, Craig Peterson, Michael Hoffman 
Greg Lais thanks former board chair Craig Peterson for a job well done WI Acknowledges Outgoing Board Members for Years of Outstanding ServiceMay 11, 2011
Wilderness Inquiry recognized board members David Kingman, Jim Langdon, Craig Peterson, and Michael Hoffman at the last board meeting of their terms this morning. We greatly appreciate the hundreds of volunteer hours these gentleman have given to WI over the last 6+ years. |
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The new cart shed at Little Sand Bay. Little Sand Bay Work Crew gets base camp ready for 2011 seasonMay 11, 2011
An amazing work crew of Boy Scouts from Eagan, WI trail staff, and local chain saw talent performed a ton of work getting ready for the 2011 season. We were able to: |
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Wilderness Access - Boundary Waters Canoe Area circa 1982 Featured Video:
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WI Welcomes New Interns: Shannon, John, & Brandon New Interns Join the RanksApril 4, 2011 We're pleased to have three new spring interns join our ranks. Internships are an important part of our operations. Each year we have approximately 25-30 people serve as an intern. These folks learn valuable life and work lessons, and they contribute a great to deal to Wilderness Inquiry in terms of work, ideas, and a "can-do" attitude. Shannon Grady (Nashville, TN), John Chevalier (Apple Valley, MN), and Brandon Olson (Plymouth, MN) all started today. We look forward to working with them. |
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Anacostia River Canoeing Featured on Let's Move BlogMarch 7, 2011
DC United Coach, Mike Lingenfelter, is committed to helping urban Washington, D.C., youth to get moving and adopt healthier lifestyles. Wilderness Inquiry provided a great opportunity for the D.C. United youth when WI brought its canoes out to D.C. for paddling on the Anacostia River. |
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President Obama on America's Great Outdoors Initiative America's Great Outdoors - A Promise to Future GenerationsMarch 2, 2011
President Obama released the America's Great Outdoors initiative last week. We applaud his commitment to getting more youth outdoors. The Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures program is featured on page 88. |
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Anthony Lamaar aka The Soundshaker performs with Mike Droho & the Compass Rose at Wilderness Inquiry's benefit concert. Four Bands host Rock for a Reason to Benefit Wilderness Inquiry at Fine Line Music CafeFebruary 18, 2011
Big thanks to the four great bands that played at the Fine Line last night. The New Distractions, Mike Droho & Compass Rose, South Farwell and Kazyak were all fantastic. Watch the short video clip of Anthony Lamaar aka The Soundshaker shot by Greg Lais with his iPhone. |
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Mike Miller, President, Northland College, Hilary Bulger, Northland graduate and WI Trail Staff, and Greg Lais, Executive Director, Wilderness Inquiry celebrate our partnership agreement. WI and Northland College Celebrate Partnership AgreementFebruary 4, 2011
On February 3, we celebrated our partnership with Northland College by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. This Memorandum formalizes a decades long partnership between Northland College and Wilderness Inquiry, and outlines how we will continue to work together to meet common goals, including: |
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Thank you donors and champions! Big Thank you to WI Champions!February 1, 2011
A big thank you to all of the Wilderness Inquiry Champions! More than 66 volunteers from around the country "Championed" WI by writing personal notes to more than 5,000 WI supporters. This effort raised over $386,000 for WI's 2010 Annual Fund Campaign and will provide scholarships, support services for individuals with disabilities, and training for our fabulous trail guides! Last week we celebrated the efforts of our volunteer Champions at a luncheon at our offices in Dinkytown. Because of their efforts we met our fundraising goal and exceeded our goal of acquiring 300 new donors to meet the Frey Foundation challenge. Way to go! |
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Travel advisor extraordinaire, Arthur Frommer, highlights Wilderness Inquiry's inclusive trips -- for people of all abilities, including disabilities.January 7, 2011 Arthur Frommer notes Nonprofit Travel Organizations Worthy of Support |
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Wilderness Inquiry internships featured in University of Minnesota's Connect newsletterJanuary 4, 2011 Wilderness Inquiry internships featured in University of Minnesota's Connect newsletter |
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We met the New Donor Challenge!December 21, 2010
Since early October, over 300 new donors joined our ranks! This secured a $30,000 grant from the Frey Foundation for WI. |
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Washington DC kids paddle the Anacostia River with Wilderness Inquiry. 
Kids get suited up to paddle the Anacostia Washington DC kids paddle the Anacostia River with Wilderness Inquiry and partnersNovember 24, 2010
This past week 5 Wilderness Inquiry voyageur canoes, 6 staff and 1 van traveled out to Washington D.C. to share the Urban Wilderness Canoe Program with the nation's capital. During their time there, they brought over 361 youth and 110 adults canoeing on the Anacostia river--a total of 471 people. |
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Tina and Audrey are having fun while helping WI. 
Bruce and Madeleine make a great team! WI Annual Fund Volunteers Goes the DistanceNovember 19, 2010
The conference room at the WI office has been transformed into fundraising central. Dozens of volunteers have come together to raise funds for our 2010 annual fund campaign. Since the beginning of November, volunteers have handwritten thousands of letters to give our fundraising effort the personal touch. |
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Check out our UWCA slideshow featuring pictures from 2010 to see our mission in action. Thank you to UWCA Volunteers and Staff!November 17, 2010
Last week we celebrated the 2010 season of the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures! Joined by our partners, The National Park Service and the Mississippi River Fund, it was a night full of pictures, stories, smiles, and awards! |
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UWCA to Serve more than 400 DC Youth this WeekNovember 14, 2010
Check out this video showing a group of DC youth experiencing the UWCA on the Anacostia River (read below for more info on this effort). Our team is getting enthusiastic response from participants and partners. Steve Coleman, Executive Director of Washington Parks and People says, "this is the largest number of kids ever to paddle the Anacostia in one week!" |
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Buddy Bisons practice their canoe strokes in preparation for paddling the Anacostia River in Washington DC. The UWCA goes to Washington with Buddy Bison!November 5, 2010 Wilderness Inquiry is teaming up with Buddy Bison of the National Park Trust and several other organizations to demonstrate the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures program in Washington DC on the Anacostia River. From November 12-18 Cory Dahl (pictured here with Buddy Bison) will lead a WI crew with support from the National Park Service, the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Washington DC Departments of Health and Parks and Recreation, Washington Parks and People, the Anacostia Watershed Society, the Washington Canoe Club, the Environmental Protection Agency, the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, and DC public and charter schools. We are thrilled to take over 400 DC area kids out in the Voyageur canoes and to recognize the First Lady's "Let's Move Outdoors" initiative in support of America's Great Outdoors. Let's paddle!! |
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Representing WI at the award ceremony from left: Josh, Cory, Amanda, Lee, Mark, Sarah, Megan, Greg, Jenni, Greg WI Receives Excellence Award at the Minnesota Nonprofit Awards CeremonyOctober 7, 2010
Wilderness Inquiry received the 2010 Large Organization Excellence Award for Non-Profits at the Minnesota Nonprofit Awards Ceremony in Duluth, MN. The one-of-a-kind art glass award engraved with WI's name is now proudly displayed in our reception area. WI is incredibly honored to be recognized with this award as a leader among Minnesota's non-profits. |
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Don Shelby leads the way on a Mississippi River trip from Coon Rapids to Boom Island. WCCO's Don Shelby Paddles the UWCAOctober 3, 2010
Over 90 people joined WCCO news anchor Don Shelby and National Park Service Superintendent Paul Labovitz on an eleven mile paddle from Coon Rapids to Boom Island. It was a perfect autumn day and everyone loved the trip. Don serves on the board of the Mississippi River Fund and he has been a long time supporter of Wilderness Inquiry. He loves the river and the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures program. Look for him to join us on many more trips in the future. |
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Greg presents Sarah a plaque commending 20 years of dedicated service. 
Greg Dehn, Sarah Milligan-Toffler, Daren Achenson, & Greg Lais Sarah Milligan-Toffler Completes 20 years at Wilderness InquirySeptember 14, 2010
Congratulations to Sarah Milligan-Toffler on 20 years at Wilderness Inquiry as our Development Director! Next time you see her, say thank you for all of her hard work! |
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Recipient of 2010 Non-Profit Excellence AwardSeptember 13, 2010
We are thrilled to announce that Wilderness Inquiry will be receiving the Non-Profit Excellence Award from the Management Assistance Program and the Minnesota Council of Non-Profits at their annual conference on October 7th. |
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New Boats Added to the Fleet!September 8, 2010
We recently added four 23 Foot We-no-na Minnesota 4's to our growing fleet of canoes – these boats seat four people and are the new pride of our fleet! Own a piece of WI history and purchase one of the boats rotating out of the fleet. |
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Great Wide OpenAugust 10, 2010 The 5th Annual Great Wide Open took place on August 11 at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Lakeville, MN. The event raised nearly $10,000 through tournament fees and a silent auction. Proceeds from the tournament will go directly toward building a new Voyageur canoe for the UWCA. Thanks to Amanda LaRiviere and all of our volunteers, especially Bob Ditmore and John DuBois. |
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Staff Happenings:May 10, 2010
Congratulations to Kyle Rucker and his partner on the birth of their baby boy, Gabriel in March. Gabriel is doing great and all are happy (despite the lack of sleep). Send Kyle your well wishes when you get a chance. |
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The Neil DuBois: WI's newest Voyageur CanoeMarch 23, 2010
On St. Patrick's Day, a group of WI folks met in St. Paul at Northwest Canoe to celebrate the newest member of WI's fleet of Voyageur canoes. The newest member of the fleet is named the Neil DuBois, in memory of the young man whose love of adventures lives on. The new boat weighs just 180 pounds! This is like a feather compared to the JENNI'O, which we have all come to love at 380 pounds. The photo on the left is the new Voyageur canoe being built in memory of Neil DuBois. |
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Former Trail Staff Helps with Haiti ReliefFebruary 17, 2010
Former trail staff Michael Barringer-Mills just returned from serving on a relief team in Haiti with American Refugee Committee, based out of Minneapolis. During the short time Michael was there, his team spent time working to decontaminate water, passing out plastic sheets to be used as shelters and helping city officials come up with a supply distribution plan. Michael compared his current work with his experience at WI: "I often say that in emergency humanitarian aid work the best training I ever had was leading WI trips, so what comes around goes around. For example, in Haiti we dropped in 2 days after the earthquake on a military plane with no support on the ground at all and a bunch of supplies and camping equipment. You can bet that skills leading WI trips came into play when I had to organize the assessment team to live off the land for a few days until we were able to get food and water going." |
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John Jewell and John Ismdahl Paddled the MississippiDecember 30, 2009 Here's a quote from John Jewell about their adventure: "After fifty-five wonderful days on the river and nearly 1,700 miles we reached New Orleans at about 9:30 p.m. The trip took us through the heart of our country. We paddled through the largest ports and some of the smallest towns. We met hunters, tow boat crews, ferry drivers and an artist; all of whom had a different story to tell. All I can say is wow and thank everyone for their support." Read more about their adventure at: http://uwca2gulf.blogspot.com/ |
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Greg Lais & Jenni O'Link Unveiling of the Jenni O'November 16, 2009 At the recent UWCA Season Party, Jenni O'Link was honored for her work with the UWCA program when one of WI's Voyageur canoes was unveiled to show its new name - the "Jenni O." |
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Public School students and their teachers carry a voyaguer canoe down to the river Minneapolis Public Schools paddle with WIAugust 5, 2009 Throughout the month of July, Wilderness Inquiry took over 700 summer school students from Minneapolis Public Schools on the Mississippi River to experience their local National Park. This is part of a partnership with the National Park Service, Mississippi River Fund and WI to get over 10,000 students on the river each year. |
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Team Wilderness Inquiry with Coach Scott Tripps Swimming for Wilderness InquiryJuly 24, 2009 The 23rd annual Minnetonka Challenge, a 5-mile open water swim, took place on July 18. At this event, Wilderness Inquiry supporters Karen Zemlink, Mary Hauff, and Kelly Lindblom swam as team "Wilderness Inquiry," taking first place in the women's relay division. |
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Surveying the Hors' d' ouerves! Grand Opening of Little Sand Bay Base CampJuly 17, 2009
WI recently had the Grand Opening of the Little Sand Bay Base Camp in the Apostle Islands. It was a fun party, live auction, and sing-along out at Camp #3 on the new WI property. Many people came from the local community, the Twin Cities, Madison and Chicago. Thank you to all the folks who donated money for the project and items for the auction - and thank you to those who bought the auction items! |
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Visit WI's Event Booth! Madison Canoecopia 2009April 7, 2009 Wilderness Inquiry attended Canoecopia, often called the World's Largest Paddling Expo. Over 20,000 people attended the event to look at the latest paddling and camping gear, attend speaking events, and see product demonstrations. WI's executive director, Greg Lais, gave two presentations entitled "Accessible Gems of Wisconsin and Beyond." |
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You will see many of these faces on trips this summer! January Staff TrainingFebruary 5, 2009 Fifteen enthusiastic future WI trail guides attended our January Staff Training, led by Greta Arnquist. Over the three-day "mini-training," selected topics from our week-long summer staff training were covered, giving these trail guides a headstart as we move towards our busy season. Pictured behind them is one of our collapsible Pakboats canoes, to be used on our Porcupine River trip in Alaska. |
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