Outdoor Explorer - Alaska Public Media

This week on Outdoor Explorer, we dive into the science and magic of the aurora borealis with Vince Ledvina, aka "The Aurora Guy." Vince, an aurora chaser and Space Physics PhD student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, shares his passion for the northern lights and offers insights into what creates this stunning phenomenon, why it’s so tricky to predict and how to increase your chances of seeing it. Whether you're an aurora veteran or dreaming of your first sighting, you'll have an illuminating journey into the night skies!

HOST: Martha Rosenstein

GUEST: Vince Ledvina, "The Aurora Guy," Space Physics PhD student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks

LINKS:

Vince's website

Aurora webcams

Space Weather Live

In 1964 President Lyndon Johnson signed the federal Wilderness Act into law, culminating decades of effort and compromise. Over the past 60 years, Congress has designated millions of acres as Wilderness, including over 57 million acres in Alaska. During that time the concept of Wilderness and how it is managed has changed. For instance, the original definition of Wilderness as being 'untrammeled by man' is challenged by the fact of thousands of years of Indigenous use. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock discusses the past, present and future of the Wilderness Act with James Edward Mills, an African American filmmaker, and Karlin Itchoak, United States Fish and Wildlife Service Assistant Regional Director of Refugees in Alaska and an Alaskan Native. Alaska Wilderness Film Week is 11/12 to 11/15 and will feature "American Ascent," James Mills film about the first all African American ascent of Denali.

When was the last time you took on a completely new outdoor skill? Outdoor skills like hunting and fishing are part of Alaska’s rich cultural history, But they can also be intimidating to learn or prohibitively expensive to dive into, especially if you don’t know someone who can show you the ropes.

Fortunately, people in Alaska have access to an affordable program that can help. Offered by the state’s Department of Fish and Game, classes under the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program provide a fun, friendly environment where students can learn new skills. In this episode of Outdoor Explorer on Alaska Public Media, we’ll talk to some folks who run it about what makes this program special and how Alaskans can participate.

HOST: Amy Bushatz

GUESTS:

Maria Bakic, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Outreach & Education Coordinator

Katelyn Zonneville, Information Officer and instuctor, Alaska Department of Fish and Game sport fish division

Abby McAlister, Becoming an Outdoors Woman Alaska Southeast coordinator

LINKS:

Sign-up for classes with BOW Alaska HERE

BOW on Facebook

Is the outdoors any riskier than our day to day lives? How does our risk tolerance affect our decision making? What variables influence our level of risk tolerance? On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock discusses these questions and more with Deb Ajango and Luc Mehl. Deb teaches risk management and wilderness first aid and Luc is an Alaska-born adventurer who teaches water safety and avalanche classes. The concept of risk is as old as humanity, influencing us consciously and unconsciously. As we plan and undertake trips with friends and family, or go on a class or guided outing, understanding the risks and how we react to them can lead to successful and enjoyable outings. Deb, Luc and Paul will talk about the history and definitions of risk, how our risk tolerance evolves with age and experience, and how group dynamics are affected by risk.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Deb Ajango, risk management and wilderness first aid educator

Luc Mehl, adventurer, water safety and avalanche educator

LINKS:

"Keeping safe during Summer adventures | Talk of Alaska"

Things To Luc At: Luc Mehl's website

Safety Ed

Triple Point Safety

Alaska Avalanche School

What goes into making a new trail? After four years of work this summer the new Curry to K'esugi Ridge Connector trail opened. The 15 mile trail connects the Curry Ridge trails that start at Ken K'esugi camp ground and the K'esugi Ridge trails to the north, all in Denali State Park. A partnership between State Parks, Mat/Su Trails and Parks Foundation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Interior Trails worked together to procure funding, design and build the trail. The trail was made possible by a grant from the Federal Government's Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project, aka Pittman Robertson Act. Besides the partnerships above a dedicated trail crew worked on the trail.

On this episode, host Paul Twardock learns the history and the process of building the trail from the people who made it happen. We also hear tips on hiking the new trail, including completing the 50 miles between Ken K'esugi to Little Coal Creek.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Christine Byl, Gabe Travis, Blaine Smith, Interior Trails

Stuart Leidner, Superintendent of Mat/Su/Copper Basin State Parks

LINKS:

Denali State Park

Interior Trails

Mat/Su Trails and Parks Foundation

Maps of Denali State Park trails

Alaska Department Fish and Game Curry and K'esugi Ridge Information and Maps

The Alaska State Fair in Palmer draws thousands of people each year to the Matanuska-Susina Valley for food, rides, craft booths and – of course – the farm exhibits. It’s also a top spot for community connection. But can the State Fair also be a place for Alaskans to connect with outdoor recreation?

In this episode hear host Amy Bushatz explore that question while on location at the fair as she attends events ranging from the annual directors’ reception to the great pumpkin weigh-off, with special guest appearances by fair historians, outdoor enthusiasts, pumpkin growers and cabbage fairies.

HOST: Amy Bushatz

GUESTS:

Jeff Curtis, Alaska State Fair CEO

Talis Colberg, former Alaska Attorney General

Burl Dickman, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Ken Baylock, giant pumpkin master of ceremonies

Silas and Seth Dinkel, giant pumpkin competitors

Kierre Childers, cabbage fairy

Ailis Vann, cabbage fairy

Nick Hanson, Alaska Ninja Warrior

Megan Justus, Skee tawk manager

Jessi Morse, Alaska Division of Forestry

LINKS:

Alaska State Fair

Talis Colberg’s work on Alaska State Fair history

Alaska State Fair pumpkin weigh-off

This episode of features Jordan Iverson and Shannon Titzel. In June, Jordan completed the Triple Crown of Swimming, a challenge that includes three iconic swims: the English Channel, the Catalina Channel and the Swim around Manhattan. Only 333 people in the world have completed the Triple Crown, and Jordan did all three swims in a year, becoming the second Alaskan to finish the challenge. Meanwhile, her friend Shannon had been eying a swim across Cook Inlet, from Point MacKenzie to the Anchorage Small Boat Harbor. The distance straight across is three miles, but due to currents, the route is six miles. It wasn’t hard for Shannon to convince Jordan to join her on this historic swim. The swim had been completed only once before by Bob Kaufman and Chris Hodel, although the pair had been in wetsuits. To be considered an official open swim by the governing body, it would have to be in swimsuits only.

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUESTS:

Jordan Iverson and Shannon Titzel, open water swimmers

LINKS:

Triple Crown of Swimming

"This Anchorage nurse just became the first Alaska woman to complete the grueling ‘Triple Crown’ of swimming" Alaska Public Media

As Autumn descends upon Alaska, Outdoor Explorer is taking a moment to look back at the year so far. This week we’ll be taking a listen to some favorite segments of interviews conducted by our wonderful hosts, including chats with a champion cyclist from Homer, Alaska avalanche forecasters, and an elite outdoor runner. We also hear about the benefits of outdoor activities on mental health and how it can help heal from trauma.

The songs and calls of birds on the lakes and waterways of southcentral are a familiar and comforting soundtrack to summer, including the familiar loon. Just how well these species are fairing is said to be an excellent indicator of the air and water quality and nearby open space.

And that’s exactly why Maxine Franklin, a longtime parks employee, volunteer and loon enthusiast got little worried when she noticed over the summer of 2023 that she hadn’t seen many loon chicks at Nancy Lake State Recreation Area where she was working. She flagged her concern to Tamara Zeller, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, and revitalized an effort to monitor the loon population there.

In this episode of Outdoor Explorer you’ll learn all about loons in Southcentral, hear what the monitoring team is up to and go on a loon adventure with us at Nancy Lake.

HOST: Amy Bushatz

GUESTS:

Tamara Zeller, U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist

Maxine Franklin, former state park employee and volunteer

LINKS:

Hear the different loon calls

U.S. Fish and Wildlife loon website

Lovealoon.org

The Annual Lost Lake Run is an iconic Alaska mountain race traversing the Lost Lake trail in the Kenai Mountains north of Seward. Started in 1992 to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis by Marsha Vincent, the original race had 55 participants and has grown to over 700 participants and many volunteers. The registration for the event fills in minutes. The event has raised over $2 million dollars for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, contributing to research that resulted in life saving medications. Host Paul Twardock interviews race director Pat Simpson and board member Sabrina Walker. They discuss their connections to the race, Cystic Fibrosis and the challenges and rewards of organizing a mountain running race on public lands.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Pat Simpson, Director, Lost Lake Run

Sabrina Walker, Board Member, Lost Lake Run

LINKS:

Lost Lake Run

Lost Lake Trail Forest Service Information

Skinny Raven turns 30 this year! They are planning an anniversary block party on Saturday, August 17, that will coincide with the Anchorage Mile, one of the competitive events that are part of the Anchorage RunFest weekend. Daniel Greenhalgh and Tasha Heikkila-Adam are co-owners of Skinny Raven Sports and have been with the iconic store from the beginning, in one capacity or another. There have been ups and downs throughout the years, including a point at which the original owner almost liquidated the store and Daniel and Tasha stepped up and bought the business. Skinny then survived COVID, pivoting to an innovative online presence. The store has a culture unto itself and is recognized as one of the top running stores in the nation.

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUESTS:

Daniel Greenhalgh and Tasha Heikkila-Adam, co-owners of Skinny Raven Sports

LINKS:

Skinny Raven website

30th Birthday info

The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is home to a wide variety of parks and recreation lands managed by the state or Mat-Su Borough. From Hatcher Pass down to Jim Creek Recreation Area and out to Denali State Park, there’s plenty happening all year long to make space for a wide variety of motorized and nonmotorized sports enthusiasts, protect the wild spaces many users love, and welcome in both locals and tourists.

So what’s new in Mat-Su and what are you missing by not exploring the Valley more? In this episode we hear from Stuart Leidner, superintendent of the Mat-Su’s state parks, and Hugh Leslie, recreation manager for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

HOST: Amy Bushatz

GUESTS:

Stuart Leidner, Alaska State Park superintendent for the Mat-Su/Copper River Basin region

Hugh Leslie, Recreational Services Manager for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough

LINKS:

Matanuska-Susitna Borough parks and recreation

Mat-Su/Copper River Basin State Parks

Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation

Mat-Su Ski Club

Hatcher Pass Snow Riders

Anchorage's plethora of bike trails provide many possibilities for cycling enthusiasts. Over many decades, individuals and organizations have worked hard to preserve and expand bike trails and routes. This Outdoor Explorer features two events that highlight those efforts. The first half of the show features Bike to Work Day, an event organized by Bike Anchorage. The event consists of around 80 treat stations and 4,000 riders along the bike trails and bike commuter routes in Anchorage in the morning and afternoon commuter hours of May 17, 2024. Stations had food and drinks, swag and information on biking. Host Paul Twardock biked between Westchester Lagoon and the U-Med district interviewing participants, treat station hosts and Bike Anchorage Executive Director Alexa Dobson.

The second half the show highlights the new temporary dedicated bike lane in downtown Anchorage. The lane, a bike only, two way path separated from traffic, runs along 6th Ave. through the heart of downtown. It continues on A Street to connect to the Chester Creek greenbelt. The path creates an easy loop from downtown to the Chester Creek bike path to the Coastal Trail back to downtown. The path is an experiment by the Municipality of Anchorage and the State Department of Transportation to test the feasibility of dedicated bike lanes in Anchorage. Host Paul Twardock attended the dedication of the new lane on May 30, 2024 and interviewed attendees and the people that made it happen.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Bike to Work Day commuters

Alexa Dobson, Executive Director, Bike Anchorage.

Downtown dedicated bike lane organizers and dedication attendees

LINKS:

Anchorage Bike Lane Study

Bike Anchorage

Off the Chain

Susitna Bicycle Institute

BROADCAST: Thursday, August 1st, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST:Thursday, August 1st, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

Did you know that one of the best professional cyclists in the world is an Alaskan? Kristen Faulkner from Homer is a member of the U.S. Olympic track cycling team for this summer’s Paris games. This week she joins Outdoor Explorer to discuss the finer points of riding a bike inside a velodrome.

HOST: Adam Verrier

GUEST: Kristen Faulkner, U.S. Olympic track cycling team

LINKS:

Kristen Faulkner's website

Team USA Cycling website

Alaskan's adventurous nature can lead down many paths. For some, starting their own business in the outdoors is one. The risks and rewards of traveling through the mountains, rivers, and oceans are similar to being an entrepreneur: exploring new terrain with uncertain outcomes and potentially high benefits. This Outdoor Explorer is part of an informal series featuring Alaskans that started their own business. This episode features Kierre Childers with Revel Treks and Tours based in Palmer, Alaska. Kierre shares her story of becoming a small business owner leading hiking and backpacking trips in Southcentral Alaska.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUEST: Kierre Childers, Revel Treks and Tours

LINKS:

Revel Treks and Tours website

Instagram

Facebook

Memorial Day may be the traditional first day of summer, but veterans, their families and the loved ones left behind know it’s also about something much bigger—remembering those who lost their lives in service to the nation.

While some mark the day with ceremony, many others honor the lost by taking to mountains and trails. That includes the challenging journey up Gold Star Peak, where a moving memorial site is perched on the rocky top.

Gold Star Peak sits on a slightly angled ridgeline in the Chugach Range, adjacent to Mount POW MIA, west of Pioneer Peak and the Twin Peaks and easily spotted from Mat-Su. It’s a tough climb tackled each year by hundreds of military-connected Alaskans and visitors. Explore why doing something hard outside helps us mark military loss and find out how you can participate.

HOST: Amy Bushatz

GUEST:

Mark DeRocchi, Army veteran and president of The 98 Fund

Mike McCauley, Navy veteran and volunteer with The 98 Fund

LINKS:

The 98 Fund

Gold Star Peak, Inc

It is time for boating! After a long winter kayaks and canoes are finally appearing from beneath piles of snow, rivers are running, lakes are thawing, and the ocean beckons. This episode of Outdoor Explorer is about getting ready for rafting, kayaking, canoeing and other non-motorized paddle sports. Topics include preparing yourself and your equipment for a summer of paddling. We also talk about Knik Canoers and Kayakers, or KCK. The club is instrumental in river conservation, access, and education in Southcentral Alaska. It hosts a safety education meeting, a paddle film festival, Paddle Fun

Day and organizes trips.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Jule Harle, packrafting author and instructor

Eric Downey, Knik Canoer and Kayaking club president

Chris Hellmann, organizer of the KCK paddle film festival and KCK vice president

Knik Canoers and Kayakers

Alaska Packrafter School and Jule Harle

American Canoe Association

Alaska Office of Boating Safety

Alaska Pacific University Outdoor Programs

Alaska Sea Kayakers

Alaska Coastal Safety

Fairbanks Paddlers

Paddlers Realm

Things to Luc At: Wilderness Safety and Alaskan Adventure

Turnagain Kayaks

For as long as humans created art nature has inspired us. From cave paintings in France to Indigenous art in Alaska to western artists like Rockwell Kent artists and their work celebrate the wonders of the natural world. The Forest Service's Voices of the Wilderness program continues the tradition with an artist in residence model of service and art. Individuals apply to the program and if accepted spend a week or more in a Wilderness or Wilderness Study Area with wilderness specialists. During that time they help with service projects and work on a creative piece that is then shared with the agency and the general public. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock discusses the program with Barbara Lydon, program coordinator with the U.S. Forest Service; Marybeth Holleman, author and poet; Youpa Stein, multimedia artist; and Klara Maisch, painter. We learn about the program and the work they created from the inspiration they got during their time with the program in the wilderness.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Barbara Lydon, program coordinator with the U.S. Forest Service

Marybeth Holleman, author and poet

Youpa Stein, multimedia artist

Klara Maisch, painter

LINKS:

Forest Service Voices of the Wilderness

Marybeth Holleman

Klara Maisch

Youpa Stein

Barbara Lydon

Prince William Sound Natural History Symposium

Volunteers contribute immensely to our ability to access and enjoy the outdoors. Whether building and maintaining trails, organizing races, teaching and mentoring beginners, pulling invasive weeds, picking up trash or serving as board members, volunteers are the core of the outdoor community. Volunteers also require work and commitment from the organizations they contribute to.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Kikkan Randall, Executive Director, Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage

Maya Kaup, Volunteer and Communication Coordinator, Alaska Trails

Mike Morganson, Single Track Advocates and a volunteer with Alaska Trails

Peter Taylor, President, Mountaineering Club of Alaska

LINKS:

Alaska Trails Volunteer Opportunities Page

Alaska Trail Stewards Page

Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage

Mountaineering Club of Alaska

Single Track Advocates

Habitat for Humanity

On this Outdoor Explorer host Lisa Keller sits down with Harlow Robinson, executive director of Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. On April 30, the Hall will induct the class of 2024. Harlow tells us about the people and the moment that comprise this year’s class, as well as the annual Director’s Awards and the popular 100 Miles in May.

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUEST: Harlow Robinson, executive director, Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

LINKS:

Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

Healthy Futures 100 Miles in May

Alaska's mountains and oceans provide some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Anchorage trails have connected the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet for decades, with a few gaps. Just recently newly created trails make it possible to bike, hike, run, or ski from Glen Alps to Knik Arm of Cook Inlet without crossing a single road. The Anchorage Park Foundation designated a route called "Mountains to Sea Trails," with a video, signage, and other information to help people navigate from Glen Alps trailhead in Chugach State Park to Westchester Lagoon and the Anchorage Small Boat Launch, around 24 miles. To help explain the route and its history Host Paul Twardock is joined by Anchorage Park Foundation's Diana Rhodes, cyclist Christina Grande, and filmmaker William Melton.

In 2012 Michael Engelhard, an outdoor guide, writer, and anthropologist decided to hike and paddle from Canada to Kotzebue, acting on a lifelong goal. Though not the first to make the trip, and just the start of the "through hike" trend occurring in the far north, Engelhard brought his unique Alaskan background to the trip. This spring The Mountaineers published his memoir of the trip "Arctic Traverse." The book is a mix of travelogue, natural and cultural history and philosophy. Michael joins host Paul Twardock to discuss his motivations for the trip, how the book came about, doing a two month solo trip, the natural history of the Brooks Range and his musings on wild lands and development.

On the this Outdoor Explorer, we hear from MaryBeth Goodman, director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health. The Cohen Clinic is on the leading edge of recognizing that the outdoors is a critical piece of mental health. Along with their partners, the clinic offers programs that address the wholistic needs of veterans, using the outdoors as a path to healing from trauma.

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUEST: MaryBeth Goodman, Director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic

LINK:

Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health

BROADCAST: Thursday, March 28th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, March 28th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

The Arctic Winter Games is a biennial event celebrating the sports and culture of the people who live in the circumpolar north. Delegations from Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland and northern Scandinavia gather to compete in 21 different sports and share their cultures with one another. This year it’s Alaska’s turn to host the Arctic Winter Games, which will take place during the school spring break, March 10-16, in the Mat-Su Valley.

HOST: Adam Verrier

GUESTS:

Amy Spargo, Chair of the Arctic Winter Games Board

Telsche Overby, Arts and Culture Program Coordinator

LINKS:

Arctic Winter Games Website

Arctic Winter Games Livestream

NOTE:This episode was recorded prior to the start of the Arctic Winter Games.

People with disabilities live and thrive in Alaska and Anchorage. Challenge Alaska is a nonprofit that is a key organization making that happen. Challenge works with Alaskans with disabilities, giving them access to adaptive sports, education and a supportive community. Known for its adaptive ski and snowboard program in Girdwood Challenge also offers a variety of programs in Anchorage for a wide range of people, including veterans. Challenge was established in 1980 by Doug Keil, a Para-Olympic medalist in para-alpine skiing. The organization has grown to include the Raven Program for people with intellectual disabilities, the Warrior Program for Veterans with disabilities, the Para-Sport program for people with physical and visual disabilities and the Adaptive Ski and Ride School in Girdwood.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Jeff Dick, recreation therapist

Quinzee Elsberg, volunteer

JP Wood, board member

LINKS:

Challenge Alaska website

Facebook

Instagram

BROADCAST: Thursday, March 14th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, March 14th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

Alaska is home to some amazing trails, but one thing it doesn’t have is a long trail of its own. This week on Outdoor Explorer we dive into the Alaska Long Trail, a trail that would connect Seward and Fairbanks via a multi user trail system. We also talk about the potential for this trail to be designated as a National Scenic Trail as well as get some trail updates about the Iditarod Historic National Trail Southern Trek, which is currently the most complete section of the Alaska Long Trail.

HOST: Martha Rosenstein

GUEST: Mariyam Medovaya,Alaska Long Trail Project Coordinator

LINKS:

Alaska Trails: Alaska Long Trail

Bureau of Land Management: Alaska Long Trail

Hatcher Pass outside Palmer in the Talkeetna Mountains has recently become a destination for groomed downhill skiing and riding thanks to the development of the area known as Skeetawk. Running the show is Megan Justus, who came to the job after managing a Syrian refugee camp. Join guest host Amy Bushatz on this episode of Outdoor Explorer as we head into Hatcher Pass to chat with Megan about managing a ski operation, plus what's coming for the ever growing Skeetawk.

GUEST HOST: Amy Bushatz

GUEST: Megan Justus,Manager, Skeetawk

LINKS:

Learn more about Skeetawk

Find information about the Arctic Winter Games

BROADCAST: Thursday, February 29th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, February 29th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

Volunteer ski patrols have assisted Alaska's ski areas since the 1950's. The Alyeska Ski patrol was founded in 1953 working at Alyeska and Arctic Valley. Through various iterations, the latest being the Alyeska Volunteer Ski Patrol, volunteers have provided aid and assistance to skiers while supporting the professional Alyeska patrol. From the mundane like helping set boundary lines to dramatic like assisting with tram evacuations volunteers have a long history of stories and experience to share. This past fall the resort decided to not use volunteers, thus ending, at least for now, the tradition of the volunteer ski patrol at Alyeska. To commemorate the patrol's history they gathered in December of 2023 to tell stories and reminisce. With the assistance of William Melton Media Outdoor Explorer was able to record some of the stories and present them to you on this episode. Matt Martyn, Patrol Director, MC'ed the event.

HOST: Paul Twardock

LINKS:

National Ski Patrol

Arctic Valley Ski Patrol

Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol

Skeetawk Ski Patrol

Pioneer Ski Patrol

Alyeska Ski Patrol

"Women Ski Patroller of Alyeska" (Outdoor Explorer 3/13/2020 show)

BROADCAST: Thursday, February 22nd, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, February 22nd, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

What's the history of outdoor ice skating in Anchorage? How did the midtown Cuddy Park Ice Oval come to exist? What is Anchorage's Winter Solstice Festival and how is it linked to Anchorage ice skating and the Park? This Outdoor Explorer answers these questions and more. Every year the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department and their partners host a Winter Solstice Festival at the Cuddy Family Midtown Park. The event features ice skating on the park's ice oval, horse drawn sled rides, food trucks and dog sled rides. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock roamed the event interviewing participants, organizers, volunteers, politicians and the events and ice ovals founders. In the second half of the show Jim Renkert talks about growing up in Anchorage ice skating and skiing, how the sports have become the core of Anchorage's winter city ethos and his vision of bringing winter sports to all Alaskan youth.

HOST: Paul Twardock

Interviewees:

Ellen Devine, Anchorage Parks and Recreation

Dave Bronson, Anchorage Mayor

Anna Brawley, Anchorage Assembly

Petra, volunteer/tourist from California

Jim Renkart and Art Geiss, founders and organizers of the Oval and event

LINK:

Anchorage's Winter Solstice Festival

Anchorage Skate Club

Anchorage Speed Skating Club

Nordic Skating: Luc Mehl

This week on Outdoor Explorer, we visit our neighbors to the east in Whitehorse, Canada, to speak to Meghan and Marko Marjanovic about hiking in the Yukon Territory. The Yukon is a land of long rivers, big mountains and vast wilderness, but there aren’t a lot of marked hiking trails. Sometimes you need a little guidance in a wild landscape, and we’ll discuss Marko and Meghan’s book and their website that describes many of their favorite hikes in the Yukon Territory.

HOST: Adam Verrier

GUESTS:

Meghan and Marko Marjanovic, authors, Yukon hiking enthusiasts

LINKS:

Yukon Hiking website

"Yukon Hiking: A little Guidance in a wild landscape"

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

1st segment:

Wendy Wagner, Director, Chugach Avalanche Center

Mary Gianotti, Chugach front range forecaster

Mik Dalpes, Seward area forecaster

Daniel Krueger, Seward area forecaster

2nd segment:

Anne St Claire, APU faculty, avalanche researcher

LINKS:

Chugach Avalanche Center Staff

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center

Simon Fraser University Avalanche Research

Alaska Avalanche Information Center

Alaska Avalanche School

Avalanche.org

American Avalanche Association

The Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies

BROADCAST: Thursday, January 25th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, January 25th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

On today’s show we are talking with elite ultra runner and author Zoë Rom about her book "Becoming a Sustainable Runner." We talk about the importance of emphasizing long-term goals over immediate outcomes and how not to let your ego get in the way of your training. We dive into how climate activism and running are related and how having a running community is important for sustainability. We also touch on one of everyone’s favorite topics, gear, and how you can make your gear acquisitions have less of an impact on the planet. Even though we are talking about running and endurance sports, you’ll still get some good tips to help you stay active across your entire lifespan.

HOST: Martha Rosenstein

GUEST: Zoe Rom, author, "Becoming a Sustainable Runner"

BROADCAST: Thursday, January 18th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, January 18th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

On this Outdoor Explorer we hear from Graham Zimmerman, a professional climber who is the author of the recently released book "A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains." Graham tells the stories of his many epic climbs, how he confronts the dangerous consequences the sport bears on climbers’ friendships and loved ones and how he is a witness to the rapidly changing climate that impacts the mountains he loves.

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUEST: Graham Zimmerman,professional climber, author of "A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains"

LINKS/MEDIA:

"A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains"

BROADCAST: Thursday, January 11th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, January 11th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

It's that time of year when lovers of winter are headed to the trails and mountains to slide and glide on white crystals of snow. To help prepare them organizations such as Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Center host events like "Snow Stories" that aim to increase safety awareness and get people excited about the upcoming winter season. This year's Snow Stories was at the Beartooth Theater in late October. Outdoor Explorer was there to record the event with the assistance of the Beartooth staff for this show. The speakers featured on this show are author, guide and avalanche instructor Joe Stock. Joe just published his latest book "The Avalanche Factor," which is the focus of his talk. Heather Johnson is the second speaker. Heather was a novice skier when she arrived in Alaska in 2014, headed to the mountains and has skied every month since, the topic of her talk. She is the Assistant Director of the Alaska Avalanche School. John Sykes is an Avalanche Forecaster for the Chugach Avalanche Center, a 4th year PhD student in snow science at Simon Fraser University, and board member of the Alaska Avalanche School. His talk is on a ski mountaineering trip between Mount Iliamna and Mount Spur. This show is a live recording with some references to slides, but the stories are informative and entertaining. Get psyched for winter!

HOST: Paul Twardock

SPEAKERS:

Joe Stock, author, guide, avalanche instructor

Heather Johnson, Assistant Director, Alaska Avalanche School

John Sykes, avalanche forecaster

LINKS:

Chugach Avalanche Center

Alaska Avalanche School

The Avalanche Factor

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center

BROADCAST: Thursday, December 14th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, December 14th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

Oil Spill of 1989, and long term issues like climate change and invasive species. Even it's popularity contributes to increased human impacts. Despite the challenges the Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation and Silvia Earl's organization Mission Blue have teamed up to designate PWS an Ocean Blue "Hope Spot." On this edition of the show host Paul Twardock discusses what this means for Prince William Sound with the Foundation's Executive Director Charla Hughes, Georgia Aquarium's Dr. Dayne Buddo, and Mission Blue's Hope Spot Program

Manager Shannon Rake.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Charla Hughes,Executive Director, Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation

Dr. Dayne Buddo, Georgia Aquarium

Shannon Rake, Mission Blue Hope Spot Manager

LINKS:

Mission Blue website

Mission Blue "Hope Spots"

Georgia Aquarium website

Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation website

When freelance graphic designer Aurora Hablett was invited on the show, the goal was interview her about winter single track. Aurora is a big part of placing winter single track trails in Far North Bicentennial Park. However, as the interview progressed her role in mapping trails became a focus. Hablett has created maps and trail panels for Singletrack Advocates, integrated legacy maps of the Alaska Pacific University trail system into one cohesive map and designed a ride in the shape of a bull for the Bike Durham Bull Ride in Durham, North Carolina. Hablett uses geographic data to create maps in shapes, a technique called GPS visualization. While most of the time is spent talking about mapping, the interview does cover a short overview of winter single track.

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUEST: Aurora Hablett, freelance graphic designer

BROADCAST: Thursday, November 30th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, November 30th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

Mountain biking started in the 1980's and since then people have biked the world from Alaska to Chile to the Himalayas. More recently, Alaskans created and developed fat bikes for Alaska's winter. As bikers discovered what they could do with improved bike technology they came up with ways to carry all their gear. Bike trailers and paniers worked on pavement, but once on trails and snow new systems were needed. Eric Parsons with Revelate Designs started fiddling with bags that fit on bike frames to enable his epic trips. Eventually he quit his day job and started what would become Revelate Designs. On this Outdoor Explorer Eric talks with host Paul Twardock about biking all over the world and how that inspired and influenced his business.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUEST: Eric Parsons, Founder of Revelate Designs

LINK:

Revelate Designs website

BROADCAST: Thursday, November 9th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, November 9th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUESTS:

Kenzie Barnwell, Chugach Stewardship Coordinator for the National Forest Foundation

Philip Swiny, Executive Director of the Alaska Huts Association

LINKS:

Alaska Huts Association

National Forest Foundation

BROADCAST: Thursday, November 2nd, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, November 2nd, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

Fall in Alaska is hunting season. Throughout the state Alaskans pursue moose, caribou and waterfowl, stocking up their freezers while enjoying the outdoors. That relationship to the natural world is the focus of Steve Meyer and Christine Cunningham's new book "The Land We Share." Steve and Christine are avid hunters, primarily of game birds working with their retrievers and Labrador working dogs. On this Outdoor Explorer Steve and Christine talk with host Paul Twardock about their holistic approach hunting and being in the outdoors with their dogs.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS: Steve Meyer and Christine Cunningham, authors of "The Land We Share"

LINK:

The Land We Share: A love affair told in hunting stories - Alaska Geographic

What does it take to create and run an outdoor gear company? Alaska is an ideal testing ground for outdoor gear and apparel. A surprising number of small outdoor apparel businesses have started and thrive in Alaska, testing their clothing in Alaska's wind, rain, cold and snow. Jen Loofbourrow started Alpine Fit with a vision of manufacturing base layers for Alaskans. The business survived the pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks, and Alaska's logistical challenges to become a thriving business. On this Outdoor Explorer Jen discusses the path she took and challenges she has overcome with host Paul Twardock.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUEST: Jen Loofbourrow, Alpine Fit founder

LINKS:

Alpine Fit website

Alaska Public Media story: "Anchorage women-owned businesses form ‘Outdoor Alliance’ to help each other succeed"

Alaska Public Media story: "Anchorage outdoor apparel company Alpine Fit wins small business award"

On this episode of Outdoor Explorer we're joined by Haley Johnston, the co-chair of the Chugach Park Fund’s Citizens Advisory Board. The Chugach Park Fund was established in 2016 under the umbrella of The Alaska Community Foundation and since that time has been a critical part of improving trails, signs and facilities in Chugach State Park. Haley fills us in on past, present and future projects.

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUEST: Haley Johnston

LINKS:

Chugach State Park - Citizens Advisory Board Facebook

The Alaska Community Foundation - Chugach Park Fund



Our guest on this episode of Outdoor Explorer is Kikkan Randall, executive director of the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage. She last spoke with host Lisa Keller two years ago when Randall had first taken the helm of NSAA.

Randall had recently returned from living in British Columbia and she was active on Olympic committees, the non-profit Fast and Female, and ACTIV Against Cancer, a Norwegian organization dedicated to ensuring that physical activity becomes part of standard cancer treatment. Since then, she has steered NSAA through the pandemic and is dreaming big about the future of the organization that shaped not only her competitive career, but also Anchorage as a Nordic ski town.

In January, NSAA is celebrating 60 years. The conversation is wide-ranging, from the programs and events NSAA has planned for the upcoming ski season, to the impacts of climate change on snow, to volunteer and employment opportunities, and present and future projects.

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUEST: Kikkan Randall, Executive Director of the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage

LINKS:

Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage website

NSAA 60th Anniversary events

NSAA Facebook

NSAA Instagram

Every year at the end of August in the Black Rock Desert of northwest Nevada, Black Rock City is built, and for about a week it becomes the third largest city in Nevada, with around 60,000 inhabitants. It is the host city for the annual event called Burning Man and it has all the amenities you’d expect to see in any other city of this size. It has with bars, restaurants, bike shops, clothing boutiques, auto mechanics and recreation centers. But the thing that differentiates this city from other American cities is that nothing at Burning Man is bought or sold, traded or bartered; Black Rock City runs on a gift economy. Every resident is expected to participate, and to bring something to contribute for the common good. What you decide to contribute – that’s up to you.

On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Adam Varrier explores Burning Man. He speaks with Cherie Yanek. She’s the race director for the annual Burning Man Ultramarathon, which takes place in the middle of the week at 5 o’clock in the morning, to beat the mid-day desert heat. In the second half of the show, we hear from the artist Miguel Guzman about the art piece he created along with his partner, Iyvone Khoo, using recycled and biodegradable materials including Mycelium. The sculpture is presented in an area of Burning Man called “Deep Playa," which is open desert, some distance from the tent city that holds the occupants of Black Rock City. The art piece represents the Mayan Rain God, Chaac, and our conversation took place at around 3:00am under a full moon and the stars of the Milky Way galaxy stretching from horizon to horizon across the night sky.

HOST: Adam Varrier

GUESTS:

Cherie Yanek, race director for the annual Burning Man Ultramarathon

Miguel Guzman and Iyvone Khoo, artists

LINKS:

Burning Man website

Burning Man Ultramarathon 50k

Miguel Guzman's Instagram page

Iyvone Khoo's website

BROADCAST: Thursday, September 28th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, September 28th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

What makes an outdoor expedition successful? Most trips in the outdoors, whether one day or two weeks, are enjoyable and fun, that's why Alaskans, even on wet summers like this one, flock to the outdoors. But some outings turn into epics and even tragedy. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock talks about what makes a good expedition happen with retired Denali Mountaineering ranger Daryl Miller and current South District Ranger for Denali National Park Tucker Chenoweth. They discuss what made some of their expeditions succeed despite life-threatening weather and what they've learned advising and observing expeditions on Denali.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Daryl Miller, retired Denali Mountaineering ranger

Tucker Chenoweth, South District Ranger for Denali National Park

LINKS:

Leave No Trace.org: Plan Ahead and Prepare

National Park Service: Climbing Denali

REI: Food Planning

The Hall of the Mountain King

Alaska author Don Rearden grew up in Southwest Alaska living and observing rural life. His books "Raven's Gift," a novel, and "Without A Paddle," a collection of poems, reflect his Alaska experiences and life. Don also co-authored books featuring two of Alaska's professional military rescuers. Don joins host Paul Twardock to discuss Alaska's culture, history and environment and how they influenced his writing.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUEST: Don Rearden, author

LINK:

Don Rearden's website

Biking single track trail on mountain bikes has become very popular in Southcentral Alaska. Trails have proliferated and more are planned. Long trails like the Alaska Traverse will help connect communities and increase non-motorized recreational opportunities. In the Matanuska Susitna Valley and Chugiak/Eagle River individuals and groups are busy building and maintaining trails. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul

Twardock welcomes Will Taygan with the Chugach Mountain Bike Riders and Rene Dervaes with the Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers to discuss what is happening in Mat-Su Valley and Chugiak/Eagle River and the upcoming Alaska Mountain Bike

Summit.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Will Taygan, Chugach Mountain Bike Riders

Rene Dervaes, Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers

LINKS:

Chugach Mountain Bike Riders

Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers

Alaska Trails

Single Track Advocates

Joe Kurtak embodies a modern day Alaskan. He was raised at a remote mining camp in eastern California, went to college, then came to Alaska in 1971 for a summer job. He quickly fell for everything the Great Land had to offer, especially its geology. Joe worked for 40 years mapping Alaska's geology while working for both private firms and the federal government. Along the way he also pursued his love of skiing and sea kayaking. On this Outdoor Explorer Joe shares his wealth of knowledge of Alaska's geology, including Prince William Sound, and some of his many adventures with host Paul Twardock.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUEST: Joe Kurtak

LINKS:

"Mine in the Sky : The History of California's Pine Creek Tungsten Mine and the People Who Were Part of It"

"Of Rock and Ice: An Explorer's Guide to the Geology of Prince William Sound, Alaska"

Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol

On the next Outdoor Explorer our guest is Nicole Chamberlain and the Meowtaineer, Petra the Adventure Cat. Petra is a Siberian Forest Cat, well-adapted to the cold, and Nicole has taken her on many adventures on the snow and the water. They recently spent time at the Sheldon House in Denali and Petra became the first cat to ski on the Ruth Glacier.

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUESTS:

Petra the Adventure Cat,meowtaineer

Nicole Chamberlain,meowtaineer guide

LINKS:

Petra and Nicole’s Instagram

Petra and Nicole’s TikTok

Petra and Nicole’s Website

Sheldon Chalet Website

BROADCAST: Thursday, August 10th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, August 10th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Jessica Cherry, editor of "Wheels on Ice"

Andromeda Romano-Lax, author, contributor to "Wheels on Ice"

LINKS:

"Wheels on Ice"

More than a century of tales from the trails in ‘Wheels on Ice: Stories of Cycling in Alaska’

BROADCAST: Thursday, August 3rd, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, August 3rd, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

On this Outdoor Explorer we're joined by Alison Mariella Dèsir, author of "Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn’t Built for Us." Her book unveils the running movement as being centered around and represented by White people, not only ignoring the foundational work and performances of Black distance runners but also not acknowledging that running while Black can be dangerous.

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUEST: Alison Mariella Dèsir

LINKS:

Alison Mariella Dèsir website

Harlem Run

Run4AllWomen

The Running Industry Diversity Coalition

Run Alaska Trails POC Trail Running and Adventure Retreat

Skinny Raven Book Signing

Out & Back with Alison Mariella Dèsir

Many Alaskans have helped preserve the open spaces we enjoy. Their hard work, dedication and perseverance gave us our state parks, trails and environmental standards that we enjoy. This Outdoor Explorer features Peg Tileston. Peg has been active in organizations including the Alaska Center for the Environment (now called the Alaska Center), the Alaska Women’s Environmental Network, the Alaska Conservation Foundation, the Alaska Water Resource Board, Trustees for Alaska, the Alaska and Alaska Common Ground. She has also been on the board of Chugach Electric Association, the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Council, and the Anchorage Recycling Task Force to name a few. She has received numerous awards including being inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame. Along the way she explored much of Alaska. She joins host Paul Twardock to discuss her many contributions and adventures.

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUEST: Peg Tileston

LINKS:

Alaska Women's Hall of Fame

Alaska Center

Alaska Common Ground

Alaska Conservation Foundation

Trustees for Alaska

BROADCAST: Thursday, July 20th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, July 20th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

The bike race formerly known as the Fireweed 400 is back. Now simply called “The Fireweed,” this 200-mile race makes its comeback this weekend taking riders from Sheep Mountain Lodge to Valdez! This week on Outdoor Explorer, we talk with president of the board of directors, Sara Wendling about all things race details and catch up with the a few members of the 1wheel1ders, a unicycle team that will be participating in this years race.

HOST:Martha Rosenstein

GUESTS:

Sara Wendling, President, Fireweed Board of Directors

1wheel1ders, unicycle team

LINKS:

Fireweed race website

Facebook

Instagram

BROADCAST: Thursday, July 13th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, July 13th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

People come to Alaska for a variety of reasons. Award-winning photographer Mark Kelley came with the hopes of meeting a whale, and almost 50 years later, he’s still here. On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Martha Rosenstein and Kelley talk about the challenges of photographing wildlife in Alaska, turning his passion into a career and what it’s like to return to a special spot year after year to observe and photograph bears.

HOST:Martha Rosenstein

GUEST:Mark Kelly

LINKS:

Mark Kelly Photography

Facebook

Instagram

BROADCAST: Thursday, June 1st, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, June 1st, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

On the this Outdoor Explorer, host Lisa Keller is joined by Tom Walker, author of the book "The Wanderer." In less than 6 months, Wolf 258 traversed almost 3000 miles in Alaska and Canada. His amazing journey, documented through his GPS tracking collar, is the subject of a story that mixes what we know about his movement with speculation on what he was doing during his travels.

HOST:Lisa Keller

GUEST:Tom Walker, author

LINK:

"The Wanderer: An Alaska Wolf’s Final Journey" at Mountaineers Books

BROADCAST: Thursday, May 25th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, May 25th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

In March, Ben Americus accomplished many firsts on the Linkup: the first late winter completion, the first to ski off the peaks and the first to complete the Linkup since Ptarmigan Peak was added as the 13th summit over 5000 feet. This week on Outdoor Explorer Ben joins host Lisa Keller to talk about how he added his name to Chugach Front Linkup history.

HOST:Lisa Keller

GUEST:Ben Americus

LINKS:

Chugach Front Linkup website

Alaska Public Media Outdoor Explorer, May 2018, “The 12-Peak Challenge and Chugach Trails.”

Alaska Public Media Outdoor Explorer, October 25, 2019, “Imagine hiking all the tallest summits of the Chugach Front Range in one trip. These people did it this year.”

Alaska Public Media Outdoor Explorer, March 10, 2020, “Sophia Tidler’s Winter Solstice Adventure.”

Summer in Alaska brings a plethora of outdoor adventure opportunities. Boating, hiking, climbing, fishing, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting ramp up and so do the calls for help. Southcentral Alaska is fortunate to have good search and rescue capabilities compared to most of the country. However much of it is provided by volunteer organizations. This Outdoor Explorer has representatives from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, the Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs, the Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol, and the Alaska Incident Management Team. With host Paul Twardock they will discuss their roles, how search and rescue works in Alaska, how to volunteer, and most importantly how avoid needing a rescue.

HOST:Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Erin Boklage, Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs

Mark Miraglia, Alaska Mountain Rescue Group

Amy Holman, Alaska Incident Management Team

Zach Liller, Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol

LINKS:

Alaska Incident Management Team

Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol

Alaska Mountain Rescue Group

Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs

Alaska Search and Rescue Association

BROADCAST: Thursday, May 11th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, May 11th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

What was it like to be a field scientist in Alaska during the 1970s and 80's? John Schoen spent 20 years working for Alaska's Department of Fish and Game as a scientist studying Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats and brown bears in the Tongass National Forest. John's research influenced the prevailing thoughts on the effects of clearcutting on deer habitat, and added to our understanding of Brown Bears importance to their ecosystem. His strong conservation ethic, influenced by Aldo Leopold and others, melded with science and advocacy continued after he left Fish and Game to work for Audubon Alaska. John is a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in field science, the Tongass temperate rainforest, and conservation. John joins host Paul Twardock to discuss his fascinating career and memoir titled "Tongass Odyssey: Seeing the Forest Ecosystem Through the Politics of Trees, A Biologist's Memoir."

HOST:Paul Twardock

GUEST:

John Schoen, author, former Fish and Game field scientist

LINKS:

"Tongass Odyssey: Seeing the Forest Ecosystem Through the Politics of Trees: A

Biologists Memoir"

More information about John Schoen

Southeast Alaska Conservation Council

The Landmark Trees Project

Audubon Alaska

Prince William Sound Natural History Symposium

BROADCAST: Thursday, May 4th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, May 4th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

HOST: Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Arlene Blum, mountaineer, scientist

Pam Miller, Alaska Community Action on Toxics

LINKS:

Arlene Blum website

Alaska Community Action on Toxics

Green Science Policy Institute

BROADCAST: Thursday, April 27th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, April 27th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

HOST:Lisa Keller

GUEST: Harlow Robinson, executive director of Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

LINKS:

Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

Healthy Futures 100 Miles in May

HOST:Lisa Keller

GUEST:Holly Brooks, two-time Olympian and licensed professional counselor

LINKS:

Holly Brooks’ website

Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance with link to “Winning at All Costs: Breaking the Silience on Athletes and Eating

Disorders”

Project Red-S

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUESTS:

Steve Cleary, Executive Director of Alaska Trails

Donnie Hayes, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Fairbanks North Star Borough

Mark Kimerer,

The first migratory birds are showing up and bear tracks have been sighted in the Chugach. That means it's time to dust off the backpacks, boats, and tents and start planning for summer! Join host Paul Twardock and guests on this week's Outdoor Explorer to get a start on summer.

HOST:Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Randy Dowd, Executive Director and founder of Onward and Upward

Onward and Upward Staff

LINKS:

Onward and Upward website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

BROADCAST: Thursday, March 16th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, March 16th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUESTS:

Beth Nordlund, executive director Anchorage Park Foundation

Joe Connolly, chair of the Glen Alps Road Service Area Board of Supervisors

LINKS:

Anchorage Park Foundation

Glen Alps Board of Supervisors

Ballot information

HOST:Paul Twardock

GUEST: Steve Mock, Denali Rescue Volunteers, the Alex Lowe Foundation, and the Khumbu Climbing Center

LINKS:

Denali Rescue Volunteers

Khumbu Climbing Center

Denali Climbing History

Alex Lowe Foundation

HOST:Adam Verrier

GUESTS:

Sara Studebaker-Hall, Director of Operations at TeamUSA Biathlon

Zach Hall, Team Manager and Head Coach at the Soldier Hollow Olympic Legacy Program

LINKS:

Biathlon Alaska

Anchorage Biathlon Club

Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage: Biathlon

Team USA: Biathlon

HOST: Lisa Keller

GUEST: Beth Bragg, former sports editor at the Anchorage Daily News

HOST:Adam Varrier

GUEST:Jim Burkholder

LINKS:

Kincaid Park Web Page

Kincaid Park Ski Trail Map

BROADCAST: Thursday, February 9th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: February 9th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

HOST:Lisa Keller

GUESTS:

Sally Burkholder, the Alaska Ski for Women co-founder

Molly Mylius, Alaska Ski for Women race director

BROADCAST: Thursday, January 26th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, January 26th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

HOST:Paul Twardock

GUESTS:Dan Osborne, Dick Jabonowski, Ed Minot, Steve O'Brien, Tom Kensler, and Mike

Sallee

LINKS:

Denali Climbing History

BROADCAST:Thursday, February 2nd, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, February 2nd, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

HOST:Lisa Keller

GUESTS:

Chris Reynolds, treasurer of Friends of the Stewart Public Trail

Kelly Becker, a long-time trail adjacent homeowner

LINKS:

Recreation Access in Anchorage Vol 1

“Judge rules that Anchorage’s historic Stewart Trail is open to the public” - The Alaska Landmine

Friends of Stewart Public Trail Facebook page

“Road rage AK” - Craig Medred

HOST:Paul Twardock

GUEST: Tom Choate

LINKS:

Tom Choate Biography

BROADCAST:Thursday, December 1st, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, December 1st, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

HOST:Paul Twardock

GUESTS:

Ricky Geese: Director, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Zachary Babb: Program Manager, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA)

Alaska; NPS

LINKS:

Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan

Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Barneys Sports Chalet

Hoarding Marmot

Play It Again Sports

REI Anchorage

BROADCAST:Thursday, November 17th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, November 17th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

On this next Outdoor Explorer, our guests are Jeff Landfield and Paxson Woelber from The Alaska Landmine. The two journalists have reported extensively on disputed access to public lands in Anchorage. Our conversation focused on the history and battle for access to Chugach State Park from the Stewart Trail.

On this Outdoor Explorer, we’ll talk to Alice Tower Knapp, who grew up in Anchorage, skiing on the local ski trails and participating in events organized by the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage (NSAA). She eventually ended up in the Middlebury College Athletics Hall of Fame, and was named to the US Ski Team. She recently published a book about the NSAA, called “On Track!”. The book focuses on the history of the organization, its role in the broader community, the advocacy and events organized by the group, and the individuals who have made the NSAA what it is today. Our conversation was recorded while out for a walk during a steady, cold rain at Russian Jack Springs Park one afternoon, soon before the arrival of the first snowfall of the winter.

On this show, our guest is Rick Steves. If you’ve watched public television in the last 20 years, you likely know him from his travel shows Rick Steves Europe and Travel with Rick Steves. Our discussion covers how he turned his passion for travel into a business as well as climate change and travel, why it’s important to say yes to travel opportunities, and his new show The Art of Europe.

On this Outdoor Explorer, we’ll go for a walk with a man known as The Walking Monk, because he’s walked across North America five separate times and he recently published a book about the people he’s met along the way. Join host Adam Verrier on Outdoor Explorer to

hear our discussion about the joys and pleasures of taking a good long walk.

Anchorage's Off the Chain Bicycle Collective is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization aiming to increase bicycle ridership, awareness, and safety. Started as a UAA bike club Off the Chain is housed in a full, but well organized, workspace in Spenard. Open a few evenings a week the shop has all the tools and most parts to fix a bike and volunteers that teach you how to do it. Off the Chain also sells used bikes, and accepts bikes as donations, as a way to cover their costs. Low cost and fun, the organization also offers clinics and outreach all meant to make biking affordable and accessible. On this show host, Paul Twardock visits the shop, with his bike, and gets a tour of the facility, along with some bike repair advice!

ur guests for this show are Laura Marcus and Zach Brown, the founders and co-executive directors of the Tidelines Institute. On two campuses along Icy Strait in Southeast Alaska, Tidelines Institute offers a variety of programs from a six-month immersive gap year experience to short courses lasting one to three weeks to community workshops. They also host research scientists and a residency program for anyone seeking to advance knowledge, beauty, justice, health,

or sustainability. A key piece of the Tidelines Institute experience is being outdoors working, harvesting, hiking, and paddling. Laura and Zach both have unique life paths that led them to collaborate on an environmental leadership and science education experience in one of the most remote and beautiful locations in the world.

HOST:Lisa Keller

GUESTS: Laura Marcus and Zach Brown, the founders and co-executive directors of the Tidelines

Institute

LINKS:

BROADCAST:Thursday, October 27th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, October 27th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

HOST:Lisa Keller

GUEST: Beth Nordlund, executive director of Anchorage Park Foundation

LINKS:

Anchorage Park Foundation

Register for the Moose Loop Virtual Race

BROADCAST:Thursday, September 15th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT

REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, September 15th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT

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Orienteering is the sport of using a map and compass to navigate the outdoors. The Arctic Orienteering Club in Anchorage organizes orienteering races and events during the summer months that are open to everyone, competitors, or those just out to learn new trails and open spaces. This Outdoor Explorer introduces the sport, discusses how new technology and mapping are influencing orienteering, and we learn from Olympic nordic skier Scott Patterson what it's like to be a beginner. Also on the show are Jen Jolliff, author of Fogunner, and Mike Robinson, Arctic Orienteering Club board president.

LINKS:

Arctic Orienteering Club

Scott Patterson's bio

Fogrunner by Jen Jolliff

Orienteering is the sport of using a map and compass to navigate the outdoors. The Arctic Orienteering Club in Anchorage organizes orienteering races and events during the summer months that are open to everyone, competitors, or those just out to learn new trails and open spaces. This Outdoor Explorer introduces the sport, discusses how new technology and mapping are influencing orienteering, and we learn from Olympic nordic skier Scott Patterson what it’s like to be a beginner. Also on the show are Jen Jolliff, author ofFogunner, and Mike Robinson, Arctic Orienteering Club board president.

LINKS:

Arctic Orienteering Club

Scott Patterson’s bio

Fogrunner by Jen Jolliff

Our guest for this show is Jen Aschoff, a geology professor at UAA who recently became the tenth person and the second woman to complete the Chugach 120. The Chugach 120 is the 120 peaks in the Chugach State Park with a prominence of 500 feet or more. Unlike the Chugach Linkup, which links all front range 12 peaks over 5000 feet in one go, the Chugach 120 can only be achieved over a period of years. It entails some relatively easy walk-up summits but also some technical climbs, including rock and ice climbing, with long approaches that may include glacier travel. Jen looks at the Chugach 120 as a personal challenge that anyone who likes to hike can work up to; she will share how to get started and connected to the peak bagger community.

Peakbagger “List of Lists,” listing peaks worldwide

Chugach State Park 120 Peak List (official Mountaineering Club list)

Mountaineering Club of Alaska

What is it like to be an avalanche specialist? A conservationist? A wilderness traveler? A Buddhist? Brad Meiklejohn is a long-time Alaskan who has written a new book titledThe Wild Trailsthat explores these topics and more. On this show Brad discusses the challenges and rewards of helping others and the natural world, including his work on restoring the Eklutna watershed by removing an old dam by working with the Eklutna People and others. His insights on recreation, conservation, and self-growth are based on his work as an avalanche forecaster and educator, co-founder of the American Packrafting Association, his role as the Alaska State Director of the Conservation Fund, and his many significant trips to the Arctic and other wild places.

Our guests for this show are congressional candidates Nick Begich and Mary Peltola. Your host, Lisa, reached out to the Sarah Palin campaign three times but never received a response. In these interviews with Nick and Mary, she asked questions sourced from four leaders in the outdoor industry in Alaska: Mary Goddard of Sustainable Southeast Partnership, Steve Cleary of Alaska Trails, Lee Hart of Alaska Outdoor Alliance, and Kikkan Randall of Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage. They also chatted about their own personal experiences in the outdoors, what makes the Alaska outdoors special, and where they are happiest in the Alaska outdoors.