Outdoor Explorer - Alaska Public Media

This week on Outdoor Explorer we sit down with Lisa Keller as she says goodbye to the show. We talk about her roots in Anchorage, how she’s inspired athletes of all levels, and the impact of bringing running into a women’s correctional facility. She also reflects on her time as an Outdoor Explorer host and what it has meant to share stories of people (and pets) in the outdoors.LINKS:Multisport Training of AlaskaRunning Free Alaskahttps://www.windingpathalaska.com/

Have you ever wanted to make your own outdoor gear? On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock interviews two professional gear designers to help answers questions covering concept to finished product. Jaime Hirano is a textile artist teaching clothing design, fabrication and repair at the Anchorage Museum. John Peterka is the owner and operator of Sagebrush Dry, designing and making drybags and other outdoor gear in Kake, Alaska. Both have years of experience designing and producing outdoor gear. They share their knowledge and experience including suggestions for anyone thinking of starting their own gear design business.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Jaime Hirano, textile artistsJohn Peterka, owner, Sagebrush DryLINKS:Sagebrush DryAnchorage Museum Seed LabFashion IncubatorSeattle Fabrics

Of the thousands of glaciers spread across Alaska, only about 700 have names. These ever-evolving features have lacked a centralized source for information about their status, names or interesting facts. Until now.Author and journalist Naomi Klouda’s new book, "The Alaska Glacier Dictionary," began as a project to satisfy her own curiosity about glaciers but grew into something much more. In this episode, she joins host Amy Bushatz to take listeners on a journey across the state’s named glaciers, sharing fun facts and insights about this fascinating part of Alaska.HOST: Amy BushatzGUEST: Naomi Klouda, author/journalist

On this episode we sit down with writer and wilderness guide Michael Engelhard, who brings the history of Nome alive with a rare mix of lived experience and cultural insight in his new book "No Place Like Nome." Hear about Nome as a crossroads of Indigenous history, gold-rush mayhem and Arctic survival — and Michael’s own adventures, from caribou hunts to months trekking across the Arctic, shape the way he tells these stories. It’s a journey through history, across landscapes and into the human spirit.HOST: Martha Rosenstein GUEST: Michael Engelhard, author, adventurer, anthropologistLINKS:Michael's website"No Place Like Nome"Arctic Traverse: A Brooks Range Journey | Outdoor Explorer

Many federal workers are retiring or moving on from their jobs studying the natural world. This episode features two field biologists with years of experience studying birds in Alaska. They share their stories, what they studied and what they learned over 40 years of working in Prince William Sound, Denali, the Pribilof Islands and the Arctic Ocean.Dr. Kathy Kuletz studied sea birds starting on Naked Island in Prince William Sound starting in the late 1970's and continued her work to become one of the world leading experts on the Auk, or Alcidea family of birds that include murrelets, pigeon guillemots and puffins.Steve Matsuoka studied passerines, or song birds like warblers and thrushes in Denali and the Pribilofs.Their stories and advice help inform and inspire the next generation of field scientists.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS: Dr. Kathy Kuletz, field biologistSteve Matsuoka, field biologistLINKS:Audubon AlaskaKathy Kuletz on Gulf Watch AlaskaAlaska Pacifc Seabird GroupSteve MatsuokaSteve Matsuoka Research Publications

How does a family that camps together stay together? The Graziano family camps, hunts, paddles and skis year-round with each other and still enjoy exploring Alaska together. Starting when their daughter Fiora was a year old and continuing when their son Nico was born, Gino and Jess included them on many of their trips, including moose hunting, canoeing, backpacking and sea kayaking. Even with Fiora and Nico in their teenage years, they still enjoy their outdoor time together. While on a kayaking trip in Prince William Sound with host Paul Twardock, they shared their story and what they have done to ensure safe and fun family adventures.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Gino GrazianoJess GrazianoFiora GrazianoNico GrazianoLINKS:Chugach National ForestFamily Campgrounds near AnchorageLeave No TracePrince William Sound State Marine ParksPrince William Sound Stewardship FoundationFiora Denali Sings on InstagramNico Graziano on Instagram

Ready to get outside as a family and explore everything Alaska has to offer? If you’re new to the state, have very young kids or are trying to get your family outside together for the first time, the idea might be daunting. On this episode of Outdoor Explorer, we learn from families outside expert and author Erin Kirkland, then head up to the Alaska State Parks Families to Parks day at Independence Mine State Historical Park in Hatcher Pass outside Palmer to learn more and talk to a few families who are getting out there.HOST: Amy BushatzGUESTS:Erin KirklandMegan and Ryan IngramWendy SailorsAmanda and Piper ManvilleMegan MilitelloLINKS:Erin Kirkland InstagramErin Kirkland: Lonely PlanetAlaska Department of Natural Resources: 2025 Families to the Parks Independence Mine State Historical Park 

Prolific author and longtime Alaskan Debbie Miller writes books that dive into nature and help both children and adult readers explore and understand the outdoors in the state. In this episode we hear about her adventures in writing about, visiting and living near the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, sharing that and many other outdoor experiences with others – including former President Jimmy Carter – ways the refuge has changed over time or stayed the same, and why she believes it's still vitally important to protect today.HOST: Amy BushatzGUEST: Debbie S. Miller, authorLINKS:Debbie Miller websiteFacebook

As the summer speeds by, Alaskans are making the most of the long days playing and working outside. This episode features one young Alaskan family who make their livelihood mostly in the summer operating a flying service and remote cabin: Blue Ice Aviation. Matt Keller and his wife Samantha both grew up in Alaska with parents who were pilots. They started Blue Ice Aviation and recently added a remote cabin that the public can rent.HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Matt Keller, Blue Ice Aviation

What does it mean to live a life shaped by wild places? This week on Outdoor Explorer, we talk with author and adventurer Jon Waterman. From rescuing climbers on Denali to crossing the Arctic alone, Jon shares what he’s learned, including powerful lessons from Indigenous communities he’s met along the way.

It's spring and time to prepare to visit Alaska's lakes, mountains, oceans and rivers to enjoy the outdoors. Many of us head to our state parks and increasing use can lead to impacts on vegetation, water quality and wildlife. However, it doesn't have to. On this episode, we hear about how we can enjoy the parks and take care of them at the same time. Host Paul Twardock interviews Stuart Leidner, Superintendent of the Mat-Su/Copper River Basin Region of Alaska State Parks and Wendy Sailors, Community Engagement Manager for Alaska State Parks, to discuss what challenges come with the increasing use of state parks and what individual users and park management can do to minimize user impacts.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Stuart Leidner, Superintendent of the Mat-Su/Copper River Basin Region of Alaska State ParksWendy Sailors, Community Engagement Manager for Alaska State ParksLINKS:Alaska State ParksLeave No Trace 

On this Outdoor Explorer, we hear from Harlow Robinson, the executive director of Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. On June 5, the Hall will induct the class of 2025. Harlow tells us about the people and the moments that comprise this year’s class, as well as the annual Director’s Awards and the popular 100 Miles in May.HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Harlow RobinsonLINKS:Alaska Sports Hall of FameHealthy Futures 100 Miles in May

Public use cabins are very popular in Alaska, with demand exceeding supply. Various organizations are working on new huts and on this Outdoor Explorer we highlight two: Arctic Valley Ski Area and Alaska Huts.Arctic Valley has two huts available for the general public and is building more. General Manager John Robinson and architect Allana Blough describe the challenges of building cabins in Artic Valley's alpine environment.On the second half of the show Alaska Huts' Executive Director Philip Swiny updates us on their new hut at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS: John Robinson, General Manager, Arctic ValleyAllana Blough, architectPhilip Swiny, Executive Director, Alaska HutsLINKS:Alaska HutsArctic Valley Ski Area Public Use CabinsChugach National Forest Public Use Cabins

Since 1976, Jeff Lowenfels has been observing the climate and giving gardening and yardening advice in his weekly Anchorage Daily News column, the longest running gardening column in the United States. Hear about the weird winter, the potential Mount Spurr eruption and the effect this strange year will have on your yard and garden.We also hear about Lowenfels' past as the happy boy on Happy Boy Margarine packages and other great anecdotes from his and Anchorage's history.HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Jeff Lownfels, Anchorage Daily News gardening columnistLINKS: Jeff Lowenfels’ website"He Wrote a Gardening Column. He Ended Up Documenting Climate Change" - New York Times Magazine

Seward’s hometown Mount Marathon Race holds legendary status among professional and novice runners alike as the world’s toughest 5K. Each year, more than 1,000 runners enter a lottery for a chance to sprint through town and climb more than 3,000 vertical feet before descending the grueling course.So, what makes this annual Fourth of July event so special? Join co-hosts Amy Bushatz and Adam Verrier as Adam shares what it’s like to be a Mount Marathon Race announcer. They also check in with race official Matias Saari and Mount Marathon enthusiasts Denali Foldager Strabel and Steve Mayer to learn more about this uniquely Alaskan outdoor experience. Hosts: Adam Verrier Amy Bushatz Guests:Matias Saari Steve MayerDenali Foldager-Strabel

Every year thousands of hawks and other raptors migrate into Southcentral Alaska by Gunsight Mountain on the Glen Highway. Redtail Hawks, Rough Legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, Golden Eagles, Sharp Shinned Hawks, Merlins and Peregrine Falcons are some of the many species of birds that traverse the zone. Anchorage Audubon and the Mat-Su Birders host the annual Hawk Watch tailgate every mid April with talks about how to identify the birds as they zoom over head. Bob Dittrick and Ted Swem join host Paul Twardock to share the history of Hawk Watch and why the Gunsight Mountain location is a magnet for hawk migration. On the second half of the show Paul visits with professional birders working for Hawk Watch International to talk about their work counting birds.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Bob Dittrick and Ted SwemSam Darmstadt, Hawk Watch InternationalLINKS:Mat-Su BirdersAnchorage AudubonHawk Watch International Gunsight Mountain Bird CountHawk Watch International

As spring approaches and the snow disappears, summer trails reemerge from their own hibernation. At the same time, trail crews are gearing up for their summer projects. On this Outdoor Explorer Haley Johnson and Mariyam Medovaya with Alaska Trails join host Paul Twardock to discuss various trail projects, including upgrades to the Crow Pass Trail out of Eagle River. In addition, they discuss the Bureau of Land Management's recently released Alaska Long Trail National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study. The study, requested by Congress, looks at the financial and physical feasibility, suitability, and desirability of making the Alaska Long Trail a National Scenic Trail.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Haley Johnson and Mariyam Medovaya, Alaska TrailsLINKS:Alaska Long Trail National Scenic Feasibility StudyAlaska State ParksAlaska Trails

Well cared for outdoor gear makes for successful outings, and saves money! On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock talks gear care and repair with three experts: Jaime Hirano teaches textile repair and reuse at the Anchorage Museum, Patrick Higgins is the Director of Outdoor Studies at Alaska Pacific University, and Jeremy Cronon is a field instructor and partnership director with the National Outdoor Leadership School, or NOLS. They discuss how to care for and common issues with outdoor gear including paddling gear, tents, stoves, sleeping bags and apparel. You'll learn about preparing gear for trips, common issues like zipper and stove repair, repairs in the field, and when and how to wash your expensive rain jacket. At the end of the show we'll have information about the annual APU Gear Swap on April 5th. Resources and Links: The Fixed Line: https://www.thefixedline.com APU Gear Swap: https://www.alaskapacific.edu/event/gear-swap-2025/ National Outdoor Leadership School: https://www.nols.edu/en/ Anchorage Museum: https://www.anchoragemuseum.org REI Repair services: https://www.rei.com/repairs

Hitting the trails is a great way to explore Alaska, but it can also be a deeply personal experience about so much more. That’s something Alaska mountain runner Denali Foldager Strabel has experienced firsthand as she’s headed into the mountains to process tragic loss and move through personal challenges. Join us as we share in Denali’s journey of finding comfort and adventure on Alaska’s trails.HOST: Amy BushatzGUEST: Denali Foldager Strabel

Trail builder and Anchorage ski racing pioneer, Jim Mahaffey, visits the studio to discuss his arrival in Alaska in the 1960s, the early years of the Alaska Methodist University Ski Team and the construction of the APU ski trail system in the U-Med district in Anchorage. Jim’s program pioneered the early development of women’s cross-country ski racing and his program supplied many of the members of the first American women's Olympic teams in cross-country skiing. Most of the Anchorage bowl’s trail systems and many of its organized ski programs can trace their lineage back to Mahaffey.HOST: Adam VerrierGUEST: Jim Mahaffey