In August, Wilderness Inquiry welcomed Brian Muchiri Waihenya from Kenya, who traveled to Minnesota on a professional exchange opportunity through the U.S. Department of State’s Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). During his time in Minnesota, Brian learned about the internal workings… [Read more] A Month of Adventures with Mandela Washington Fellow Brian Muchiri Waihenya
Wilderness Inquiry’s 2023 Outdoor Credit Recovery season just came to an end, and we are excited to say that it was one of the most successful seasons yet. Since the start of our program in 2014, we have seen continued growth as the program expands to work with new school districts and more students. Our… [Read more] A Classroom Without Walls
In July, Chef Lachelle Cunningham joined Wilderness Inquiry in the Apostle Islands on one of our Women’s Affinity trips to enjoy good food, yoga, and the beauty of the outdoors. This is what she had to say after her trip with us: “I was in my happy place (The Nature) this past weekend…had a pretty… [Read more] On Trail: Lachelle Cunningham in the Apostle Islands
This summer, the Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Fellowship program marks its second year as we welcome a new cohort of fellows. The Fellowship program is designed as an introductory career learning opportunity for people whose identities are underrepresented in the outdoor industry – people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or as an individual with a disability.… [Read more] Wilderness Inquiry Fellowship: Meet the 2023 Fellows
In 2022, Wilderness Inquiry embarked on an intentional path forward for the organization with the development of a new, five-year strategic plan. Guided by our commitment to equitable inclusion in the outdoors, the plan sets the course for building stronger organizational efficiency, excellence, and long-term sustainability, while expanding our reach and impact. Through collaborative planning,… [Read more] Wilderness Inquiry’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan
Each year, Wilderness Inquiry marks the start of Canoemobile season with the launch of our spring tour. From March to May, our dedicated Outdoor Leaders led two Canoemobile rigs to nine cities and communities across the Midwest and West Coast – bringing hands-on outdoor learning and exploration to nearly 5,000 youth and families. Stops on… [Read more] Canoemobile Expands to New Mexico
For nearly a decade, Wilderness Inquiry has worked alongside Alpha Resource Center in Santa Barbara, CA, to connect adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities to canoeing and camping experiences in the Santa Barbara area. A key partner and supporter for this work has been Toad&Co, who joins each year with volunteers, financial support, and… [Read more] Paddling the West Coast with Alpha Resource Center and Toad&Co
Wilderness Inquiry’s Executive Director Erika Rivers embarked on a trip to New Zealand as a trip assistant. [Read more]
In late January, a group of students from Park Center Senior High School embarked on a snow-filled adventure to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the first of three outdoor trips planned with Wilderness Inquiry. The up-north adventure provided Park Center students (aka Park Center Pirates!) the opportunity to get outdoors as part of their education… [Read more] On Trail: Park Center High School in the Boundary Waters
It was a big year for Wilderness Inquiry – filled with renewed energy, change, and growth. In 2022, we proudly adventured outdoors with 28,100+ people to 80+ unique parks, rivers, lakes, and green spaces throughout Minnesota, around the country, and across international borders. As 2022 comes to a close, we are incredibly grateful for a… [Read more] 2022 Year in Review – Building Community and Connections
