It was the fall of 2019 when local Minnesota clothing company Great Lakes Northern Outfitter reached out to Wilderness Inquiry for a partnership with their Freshwater Initiative, “…an ongoing and collaborative campaign to partner with various organizations tackling different issues that ultimately help preserve our beautiful lakes.” It didn’t take long for the two organizations… [Read more] Great Lakes Partnership with Wilderness Inquiry
Written by Erika Rivers As February comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my first 90 days as the executive director of Wilderness Inquiry. When I accepted the invitation to join this team, I was excited for the opportunity to continue pursuing my passion for connecting people to the outdoors, and I knew… [Read more] The Next Adventure Begins: 90 Days at the Helm of Wilderness Inquiry
It’s no secret that our mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to each other and the natural world through shared outdoor adventures, which is why we are thrilled to introduce a new program, the Wilderness Inquiry Fellowship, that does exactly that. This paid fellowship program is specifically designed for people… [Read more] Introducing the Wilderness Inquiry Fellowship
This past fall Wilderness Inquiry celebrated a decade of Canoemobile connecting youth to nearby nature in the Bronx with a full week of celebration, including day programs, community paddles, and a press conference to highlight the Urban Waters Federal Partnership – the very partnership that brought Canoemobile to New York over a decade ago. The… [Read more] Celebrating a Decade of Canoemobile in the Bronx
As 2021 comes to a close, we are incredibly grateful for a year spent in community, building closer connections to the outdoors. This year, the Wilderness Inquiry team continued to embrace creativity and fostered a renewed drive to carry forward our mission and programs. We strengthened and expanded our in-person outdoor experiences, kicked off new… [Read more] 2021 Year in Review – Moving Forward, Together
Wilderness Inquiry has worked closely with the USDA Forest Service for many years, providing opportunities for youth and families to connect to public lands and wilderness areas through Canoemobile and extended trips. In 2021, we began a new 3-year agreement with the Forest Service – Urban Connections program, with a goal to expand Canoemobile and… [Read more] New Partnership with the Forest Service Brings Canoemobile to Cities Across the United States!
Canoemobile was back in action this fall, bringing the “floating classroom” to communities across Minnesota, Illinois, Northwest Indiana, New Jersey, and New York. Canoemobile brings the canoe to you, connecting youth, families, and communities to their local waterways by combining environmental education with an introduction to accessible water-based recreation. Through a combination of youth-focused day… [Read more] Canoemobile Engages 10,000 Kids from MN to NYC
Wendy Placko, Director of Sales & Video Team Lead at Neuger, went on the Apostle Island kayaking trip this past August. Journey with Wendy as she reflects on her five-day adventure at Sand Bay and the surrounding islands on Lake Superior. I’d known of Wilderness Inquiry for maybe two years because the company I work… [Read more] Kayaking the Apostle Islands – an Adventure with Wendy Placko
New leader will guide Wilderness Inquiry through a strategic planning process and further the organization’s mission and commitment to ensuring that everyone belongs in the outdoors. Wilderness Inquiry is excited to announce the selection of a new executive director! Erika Rivers will begin serving in this leadership position on November 30, 2021. With nearly two… [Read more] Wilderness Inquiry Welcomes New Executive Director, Erika Rivers!
For many students classroom learning, and even more so, virtual learning can be a struggle. There are many different reasons for this, however, Wilderness Inquiry’s Credit Academy in partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) offers an attractive experiential learning solution. In efforts to assist and incentivize Minnesota youth to stay on track to graduate, this… [Read more] Place-based Credit Recovery: Closing the Opportunity Gap in Partnership with MPS
