Articles

NOLS
An American Ascent at the Wild Center
On Sunday, July 29, 2018, in Tupper Lake, NY, The Wild Center will host a screening of An American Ascent in conjunction with NOLS Northeast, followed by a Q&A session with Expedition Denali member James Kagambi.
How to Deal with Mosquitoes on Camping Trips
Senior NOLS instructor Marco Johnson gives Men’s Journal readers some tips on how to deal with mosquitoes while camping.
Tips for Camping Responsibly during Fire Season
Senior NOLS Instructor Marco Johnson offers Outside Online’s “Gear Guy” some tips on how to camp responsibly during fire season.
What to Look Forward to—and Watch Out for—When Camping Alone
In a June 2018 Wall Street Journal article, senior NOLS instructor Marco Johnson offers readers some tips on how to prepare for a solo camping expedition.
One Grad’s Journey from Denali to Emergency Room Medicine
Taking wilderness medicine courses inspired Andy Elsberg, NOLS grad and former instructor, to pursue a medical degree. Today, he works in the emergency room at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.
Adventure Sports Network Recognizes NOLS Instructor Jorge Moreno
The Adventure Sports Network recently recognized Jorge Moreno, NOLS instructor and ambassador for the nonprofit Latino Outdoors, for his efforts to make the outdoor community more inclusive.
NOLS
The Best Ways to Treat Water in the Backcountry
In an article for The Casper Star Tribune, senior NOLS instructor Marco Johnson explains the top four methods for water purification in the backcountry and when to use them.
Sleeping in a Tent: A Lifelong Love Affair
In a recent Washington Post article, senior NOLS instructor Marco Johnson explains that sleeping in a tent sparks appreciation for a simpler way of life as well as a stronger connection to nature and other people.
Applying LNT Ethics: “Leave What You Find”
Doug Schnitzspahn, editor of Elevation Outdoors, uses the Leave No Trace principles he learned on his NOLS course to articulate an ethic that’s transferable to the front country.
Helping Young People Connect with the Outdoors
Mayowa Ogunjobi, youth program trip leader and WFR grad, is committed to helping young people from disenfranchised groups connect with the outdoors. For that to happen, educators must make their programs relevant to students whose communities continue to have limited access to outdoor spaces.
NOLS
Wyoming’s Future Economy Will Need Protected Landscapes
In an op ed for the Casper Star Tribune, NOLS president John Gans argues that Wyoming’s Wilderness Study Areas should be protected from development. These wilderness lands contribute to the state’s burgeoning outdoor recreation industry and boost local economies.
Reflections on an Intense New Zealand Sailing Course
In a recent Washington Post article, writer David Brown shares his experiences as a 65-year-old student on a 14-day NOLS New Zealand - Prime sailing course.
NOLS
The Meaning of Active Followership
After a guided backcountry ski trip in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, former NOLS instructor Molly Absolon reflects on the concept of active followership in a column for the Jackson Hole News & Guide.
Forest Service Trails in Wyoming Need Help
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently identified two Wyoming trail systems as priority areas for maintenance but failed to set aside federal funds to address the issue. The Shoshone National Forest, a NOLS operating area, is one of the high priority sites.
NOLS
Public Lands: You Can’t Protect What You Don’t Know
A founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association and former top executive at The North Face, Sierra Designs, and Camelbak, NOLS grad Sally McCoy believes the outdoor industry needs to help make public lands accessible to a more diverse community.
New Zealand’s Trail Huts: Shelter, Conversation, and Community
NOLS Instructor Jeremy Cronon gives The New York Times a rundown on New Zealand’s public trail hut system, open to backpackers for minimal fees.
Miho Aida Won’t Let the Outdoor Industry Off the Hook
Former NOLS Instructor Miho Aida is challenging the outdoor industry to make room for women from marginalized communities. Her documentary The Sacred Place Where Life Begins: Gwich’in Women Speak features Native American women activists fighting to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
Be Prepared: Pack a Premade First Aid Kit
With input from Shana Tarter, assistant director of NOLS Wilderness medicine, Outside’s Gear Guy discusses the advantages of purchasing a premade first aid kit.
NOLS Instructor Earns 2018 Grit & Rock First Ascent Award
NOLS Instructor Josie McKee was recognized as one of the recipients of Grit & Rock’s 2018 First Ascent Award, a grant that supports mountain exploration and first ascents by women.
The Best Gear for Going Poo in the Woods
Outside’s Gear Guy gets some tips from NOLS instructor Jared Spaulding on the best practices and gear for pooping in the woods.
UT Austin’s Business Honors Program Gets Outside with NOLS
In January 2018, seven students in University of Texas’ Business Honors Program embarked on a custom NOLS course in Arizona.
NOLS
Making History: An American Ascent
The film An American Ascent chronicles the journey of Expedition Denali, the first all- African American team to climb Denali, the highest peak in the U.S.
MHYC Alum Inspired by Wilderness First Responder Course
MHYC alum uses AmeriCorps award to complete a NOLS Wilderness First Responder course.
NOLS
Celebrating Expedition Denali
In honor of Black History Month, Glacierhub recognized Expedition Denali, the first all-African American team of climbers to summit the highest peak in the U.S.

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