February 25, 2019
Eight students from the 2018 Copper River Stewardship Program presented at the Alaska Forum on the Environment in Anchorage in mid-February. Their talk “Linked by the River: Shared Wilderness Experiences” demonstrated how adventure, time in another’s community, ecology lessons, writing exercises, and challenging experiences can be used to foster cooperation and build lasting relationships. Their presentation, given to a packed room of 75 forum attendees, even included an original song about their 10-day exploration of the Copper River Watershed. Keep an eye out for their debut album!
Students, educators, and rowers pose in front of an escaped fish wheel along the banks of the Copper River. Back Row: Elias Hanson, Arctic Buchanan, John Appleton, Ria Smyke, Anika Witsoe, Nikki Friendshuh, Alexis Hutchinson; Front Row: Scott Hickox, Flynn Milligan, Eric Lutz, Glenn Hart, Akilena Veach, Helen Laird, Lauren Bien, Zoe Russin, Barry Whitehill, Kate Morse, Faith Collins, Thomas Abraham, Carolyn Venner, Luke Wassink, Ryan Chalker, Tim Skiba Photo credit: Flynn Milligan