2024-2025 Schedule
All programs are held at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
October 17, 2024
6:30-8:00 pm
Sam Kuper
Hiking In A Hidden Gem: Wyoming’s Wind River Mountain Range
Sam Kuper will discuss the sights and experiences of a 4 day backpacking trip he took with his daughter, Abby, to the Wind River Mountain Range in southern Wyoming in July 2024. The “Winds” is a wilderness area in Wyoming that is lesser known than areas such as Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, but it is no less beautiful. Its popularity has grown over the years, partially propelled by social media. Sam last backpacked in the Winds in 1992 and his preparation, gear list, and age 🙂 were significantly different but the experience was equally exciting. Sam will discuss some of those differences and provide a few tips for those who may want to experience this hidden gem.
Biography: Sam’s love for the outdoors and backpacking began with family camping trips and as a Boy Scout. He has backpacked, fished, and canoed in several states and Canada. Abby is a graduate student who is relatively new to backpacking but loves new experiences, traveling and all things adventure-related
November 7, 2024
6:30-8:00 pm
Jessica urton
Backpacking 101: Discovering & Rediscovering the Joy of the Trail
Are you ready to reconnect with nature and embark on a transformative adventure?
Join us for Backpacking 101, a beginner-friendly presentation that will inspire you to discover OR rediscover the joy of the trail. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking to refresh your skills or a complete newbie eager to get started, this session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to embark on your own backpacking journey. We’ll delve into the essentials of backpacking, from packing your pack efficiently to choosing the right food and water filtration methods. Learn how to navigate the great outdoors safely and responsibly, while minimizing your environmental impact.
Key takeaways include:
- Don’t overthink it: Start small and explore local trails to build your skills and confidence. You don’t have to start on the A.T.!!!
- Embrace the basics: Rediscover the simple pleasures of backpacking and connect with nature on a deeper level.
- Step outside your comfort zone: Challenge yourself to try new things, whether it’s backpacking in a different region or attempting a more challenging trail.
Whether you’re seeking a solo adventure or a group outing, this presentation will provide you with the tools and inspiration to embark on a rewarding backpacking experience.
Let’s hit the trail together!
Biography: Jessica Urton is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and the owner of Trailhead Trader, a local outdoor gear consignment shop. With a deep love for nature and a commitment to community, Jessica has dedicated her life to sharing her passion with others. As a long-time trail volunteer at Caesar Creek State Park, Jessica has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the outdoors. Her experience as a park host and her work as a backpacking and hiking guide for Explorer Chick Adventure have further solidified her belief in the importance of outdoor exploration. Jessica’s proudest accomplishment is her non-profit organization, Hope Wanders, which aims to empower women from difficult life situations through outdoor adventures. By removing barriers and providing opportunities for healing and growth, Jessica is dedicated to making outdoor activities accessible to all. Jessica is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive outdoor community for everyone. She believes that the outdoors offer a healthy and inspiring space for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature and themselves. Join Jessica on this journey of discovery and adventure!
December 5, 2024
6:30-8:00 pm
Andy niekamp
Hiking the arizona national scenic trail – from mexico to utah
Take an 800-mile journey from the Mexico border to the Utah state line on the Arizona Trail (AZT) across the entire length of Arizona through deserts, mountains, forests, canyons, wilderness, and history. The AZT winds through the Sonoran Desert, the Superstition Mountains, and the Mazatzal Wilderness on its way to the Mogollon Rim and majestic San Francisco Peaks, through the Grand Canyon, and onto the North Rim conifer forests of the Kaibab Plateau. Learn how Andy endured sun, heat, rain, wind, snow, sketchy water sources, and trail closures on our nation’s newest national scenic trail to complete this epic thru-hike in the spring of 2023.
Biography: Andy “Captain Blue” Niekamp has over 20,000 miles of backpacking experience, including five end-to-end hikes on the Appalachian Trail, a continuous footpath from Georgia to Maine that travels throughout 14 different states. He has also hiked the Buckeye Trail, Florida Trail, Arizona Trail, Camino de Santiago (French Way and Portuguese Way), Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, Sheltowee Trace, Long Trail, Ozark Highlands Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, Benton McKaye Trail, Ohio To Erie Trail, and other trails. He is the founder and organizer of Dayton Hikers, a Meetup hiking group with 9,500 members, and the Chief Adventure Officer of Outdoor Adventure Connection, a backcountry guide service. His passion lies in organizing special hiking events and encouraging others to get involved in trail maintenance.
January 2, 2025
6:30-8:00 pm
Don and Sue Klosterman
Backpacking in Wrangell-st.elias national park and preserve, alaska
Glaciers and Bush Planes and Bears …. !
We are excited to share the story of our 5-day guided backpacking trip in this 13.1-million-acre national park and preserve, the largest protected land in the U.S. Our adventure began in Anchorage with a 90 minute turboprop flight to the McCarthy-Kennecott area located in the heart of the national park alongside a confluence of active glaciers. After staying a night in the Kennecott Lodge, we then boarded an even smaller bush plane to fly out to the remote Skolai Valley, landing on a narrow dirt strip barely visible from the air. After unloading and watching the plane fly away, we began our 5 day adventure … just the two of us, our guide Peyton, and heavy packs! We base-camped for 4 nights and took day hikes across rock fields, tundra, and meadows of wildflowers to see stunning vistas like the 26-mile-long Russell Glacier and the Seven Sisters Valley. We saw wildlife on several occasions, including Alaskan brown bears, marmots, and a caribou. Our presentation will include maps, photos, and short video clips, including aerial footage from the planes, walking on a glacier, wildlife in action, and fording cold glacial streams in Crocs. Don’t miss this immersive look at one of our lesser known national treasures!
February 6, 2025
6:30-8:00 pm
John Rahtz
Backpacking Loops of Ohio
He’s baaaaack … .with one of our most requested programs “Backpacking Loops of Ohio” !! Many backpackers dream of epic, once in a lifetime thru-hikes that take months to walk and cover thousands of miles. Rather than just dream, how about getting out on one of many great backpacking trails right here in Ohio? Options range from easy strolls to challenging 50+ mile hikes that travel through surprisingly impressive scenery. In addition, most of these 2-3 day hikes are loops, greatly simplifying logistics. Join us as we tour over a dozen backpack trails where you can immerse yourself in nature without ever leaving the Buckeye State.
March 6, 2025
6:30-8:00 pm
Jason Wish
winter Backpacking in south carolina
We welcome back Jason Wish by popular demand, after last season’s packed presentation on fastpacking and “Fastest Known Time” challenges. This year, join Jason Wish on a 10 day backpacking trek, as he finishes up the Palmetto Trail in South Carolina.
