NOLS grad interviewed on PBS

NOLS grad Chip Giller, founder of Grist, was interviewed recently on PBS. Check out the video to hear about his perspective on the "light green to dark green" spectrum of environmentalism, about his influential childhood babysitter, and his inspiration for starting the humorous environmental magazine with the tagline, "a beacon in the smog."

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Risk Management Training

Risk management is an issue that affects groups of all kinds, from scouting troops to college outdoor programs. Whether your program is small or large, wilderness based or study abroad, the issues of risk management are critical--and they can be daunting to address.

The perfect opportunity is coming up next month: we're offering a two-day training seminar at our headquarters here in Lander, Wyoming from June 14-15, 2007. Come spend two fast-paced, scenario-driven days getting a thorough education in risk management and develop an action plan for the future of your outdoor program!

Our seminar provides you with the structure and tools you need to tackle this overwhelming task. At NOLS we've had forty years to learn the risk management lessons that your program may be addressing. Let us share our experience with you! Upcoming trainings:
      June 14-15, 2007 - Lander, WY
      October 2-3, 2007 - Whistler, B.C., Canada
      October 22-23, 2007 - Banff, Canada
      October 30-31, 2007 - Asheville, North Carolina

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Focus the Nation

Focus the Nation is a nationwide teach-in centered around global warming solutions on January 31, 2008, and NOLS is participating! Focus the Nation intends to spark discussion about practical solutions to stabilizing the climate.  

We're excited to be a part of this educational initiative involving hundreds of colleges, universities, high schools, middle schools, faith groups, civic organizations and businesses. NOLS Bus sponsor, Stonyfield Farm, is also a featured partner for Focus the Nation. Find out how you can participate at their web site and stay tuned for more news on NOLS' involvement!

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Lander Steps It Up

Global Warming was thrust into the limelight in our little town of Lander when more than 120 concerned citizens pedaled their road bikes, mountain bikes, tandems, and kid trailers to City Park for a little bluegrass music and words of wisdom from local visionaries. Wyoming historian and conservationist Tom Bell articulated the urgency of the issue and the need for sacrifice. Two local entrepreneur/ contractors in renewable energy and sustainable building gave us new hope with their innovative businesses. After the rally we all hopped on our bikes and road a 15-mile loop along the foothills of the Wind River Range.

NOLS had been at work for weeks, designing and distributing posters, doing local radio spots, and painting the banner. Partnered with Wyoming Conservation Voters and Wyoming Outdoor Council, the efforts of all our organizers resulted in a memorable rally on a sunny spring day. Many local merchants also sponsored the event, including The Elemental Training Center, The Wild Iris, Freewheel Ski and Cycle, Main Street Books, the Open Door Cafe, Compassionate Counseling, and the Cowfish Restaurant.

Momentum is building! Several local politicians showed up to the rally. We’ll be looking to them for a commitment in government to reduce our carbon footprint and to create a more sustainable society!

So many people came we couldn't fit them all into the photo frame.

Tom Bell lays it down for locals to consider.

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Smells a little fishy...

Twenty five instructors and in-town staff took advantage of the recent NOLS Fly Fishing Seminar.  Rookies and master anglers alike took to Lucky Pond and the Popo Agie river to test their skills.  Students learned casting, knot tying, basic entomology and ecology, fish behavior, and stream and lake techniques.  This batch of budding fish fiends will be able to impart their fine wisdom with students on Wind River Wilderness and Orvis Fly Fishing courses this summer.  Special thanks to instructors Molly, Jim, Kevin, George, Nate, and Alan!

 

Molly and George tell the group about fish "steak" (entomology)

Casting practice on the baseball field

The fishy group gathers for a final pose outside of headquaters

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Light and Fast Backpacking

NOLS lightens up!  Ryan Jordan from Backpacking Light magazine, Demetri Coupounas from GoLite, and Mike Clelland! (a NOLS instructor light backpacker guru) recently hosted 10 participants on the NOLS Light and Fast Seminar in the Red Desert.  The seminar gave instructors some strategies to lighten their own pack loads and prepared them to teach Light an Fast courses that will run in the Wind River mountains this summer.  Participants were surprised to learn how far they could travel with the lightweight gear and how much less tired they felt when they got into camp.  Lightweight alcohol stoves and a tent that doubled as a poncho also impressed the group. Photos by Nick Cross.

Happy hikers with lightweight packs

Instructor Mike and Lara check the map

Cooking up some din-din on the amazing alcohol stove

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