Saturday Class HighlightsBearproofing Your CampSupported by the latest research, here's the low down on protecting yourself and your food from bothersome bears. You'll learn that the recommended method of "storing food in trees" doesn't always work. Includes a detailed hand-out that suggests ways to cope with troublesome bears. Be aware that there are significant behavioral differences between wild bears, man-wise bears and habituated bears. Know how to properly use pepper spray to discourage a bear. Understand behavioral differences between black bears and grizzlies. What should you do when you meet a bear on the trail? Black bears, polar bears and grizzlies require different strategies. Here's practical up-to-date information about bears that you can use whether you trek to the Arctic or the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. If you've read Cliff's views on bears in his books, you know he challenges accepted beliefs. Now new research by Stephen Herrero and James Gary Shelton suggest he's right on track!
Saturday, April 25, 9:15 am, Humphrey Institute Room 180 - Superior Stage
Backcountry NutritionJoin NOLS Instructor Riley Hopeman for an informative warm weather health session on the importance of the nutrients you need in the backcountry, why you need them, how many you need and where you can find them within wilderness foods. Explore how to adjust to specific environments and special diets without sacrificing taste or variety. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of our recently released Backcountry Nutrition book.
Saturday, April 25, 9:30 am, U of M Humphrey Institute, Atrium - Quetico Stage
Celebrating Quetico's 100th AnniversaryQuetico is 100 years old this year and Kevin will be celebrating by showing pictures and film of his favorite places to paddle in the park. He'll also share stories of other paddlers' love affairs with the park that he gathered last season during a 20-day canoe trip while working on a film for the Friends of Quetico.
Saturday, April 25, 10:30 am, U of MN Humphrey Center, Cowles Auditorium
Boundary Waters TrailsThe recent big blowdown and fires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness have decimated Martin's favorite trail, the Kekekabic Trail. As founder of the Kekekabic Trail Club and current leader of the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee, Martin has cared a lot. Through his persuasive knack of appealing to hikers that want a truly wild and isolated wilderness experience, he has led or helped organize many volunteers who have provided trail maintenance on the "Kek" and other remote Superior National Forest Trails, trails so remote and so wild that the US Forest Service ranks them as very low priority on their list of "to dos".
Hence the noise that sounded loudly in the media last October when two experienced hikers got lost by wandering off the Kekekabic Trail in the blowdown area. The USFS spent a large sum of money flying over the area in search of the twosome. Everything turned out OK, except the question again was raised: Should the Forest Service policy include maintenance of remote trails, including normal trail marking and signage so hikers will not get lost, or should the current low budget / no signs / no routine maintenance practices be continued. Like it or not, that is a reasonable synopsis of the issue. The USFS, of course, does not want to be embroiled in a firestorm of controversy. Their recent response has been encouraging!
Saturday, April 25, 10:30 am, Midwest Mountaineering - Expedition Stage
Going Light and Backpacking SecretsRod and Sharon are continuously experimenting with new gear and new techniques. They have tested new ideas on their recent trip to New Zealand. Rod is planning to hike the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail this summer. Since he will have to carry his pack the entire distance, he has developed techniques to keep his total pack weight under 18 pounds. He will bring this gear to the presentation. Rod and Sharon will distribute a handout with tips, so you too can significantly lighten your pack. Many of their techniques, such as dealing with bears, weather, selecting footwear, hydration and keeping your energy level up, are useful to all backpackers and will be included in this newest program.
Saturday, April 25, 11:45 am, Humphrey Institute Room 180 - Superior Stage
Tents and Sleeping BagsDown or synthetic? 2 person or 3 person? When planning your next backpacking trip or expedition, the choices can be confusing for tents and sleeping systems. Let Brian Block – world traveler, mountaineer and Midwest gear rep – show you the benefits and differences between all of the options in the market today. He will cover tent features and benefits, the major differences between down and synthetic sleeping bags and criteria for making the best selections for your activity. This promises to be a very exciting, hands-on and educational hour!”
Saturday, April 25, 11:45 am, U of M Humphrey Institute, Atrium - Quetico Stage
Canoe & Kayak Injuries, Treatment and PreventionYou love to canoe and kayak. Learn how to stay healthy and injury free while enjoying the outdoors. Heather will discuss injuries common to flatwater canoeing and kayaking. She will go over basic paddling motions and how they may relate to overuse injuries. She will explain in detail how the rotator cuff and shoulder function and what can go wrong. She will review injury prevention strategies including some hands-on shoulder exercise demonstrations.
Saturday, April 25, 11:45 am, U of M Humphrey Institute, Room 184 - Voyageurs Stage
Wilderness PleasuresFrom cool camp gadgets to skinny dipping etiquette to cooking s'mores to making the perfect bush martini, Kevin will share his philosophical views on why we like to go camping and how to make it more enjoyable and stay out longer. Callan is definitely as entertaining as he is informative and this is a show you definitely don't want to miss. Definitely.
Saturday, April 25, 2:15 pm, U of M Humphrey Institute, Room 180 - Superior Stage
Sunday, April 26, 1:45 pm, U of M Humphrey Institute, Room 180 - Superior Stage
What Global Warming Could Mean for the BWCAWThe boreal forests of the BWCAW have been transformed in recent years by the big blowdown of 1999 and the Cavity Lake and Ham Lake Fires of 2006 and 2007. Climate change and invasive species will continue to transform the forests. Invasive tree diseases such as emerald ash borer, invasive ecosystem engineers such as European earthworms, and increasing frequency of storms, fires and droughts will reinforce these changes. Various mixtures of oak savanna and hardwood forests with some conifers such as white pine and white cedar are likely to grow in the area in the future.
Saturday, April 25, 2:15 pm, U of M Humphrey Institute, Room 20 - Chippewa Stage
Packing Your KayakLoading your kayak with gear for ease and access is an important safety measure. A kayak that is loaded to maintain trim will not only be safer but will help make paddling easier and more efficient. We will discsuss loading gear strategies and how to keep your gear dry.
Saturday, April 25, 3:30 pm, U of M Humphrey Institute, Atrium - Quetico Stage
Becoming a Boundary Waters FamilyThe outfitters of the Gunflint Trail in partnership with the United States Forest Service have put together a program of informational materials and interactive seminars so that kids and parenst can feel comfortable in the woods. Find out how you can Become A Boundary Waters Family this summer and start making memories.
Check out the website:
www.becomingaboundarywatersfamily.com.
Saturday, April 25, 3:30 pm, Midwest Mountaineering - Expedition Stage
Quetico FavoritesBert will share some of his favorite routes in Quetico and why they have that status. He will also bring you up to date on rules and regulations ... passport requirements, etc.
Saturday, April 25, 4:45 pm, U of M Humphrey Institute, Room 15 - St. Croix Stage
Seriously wish I lived closer and could make it up there.