Packrafting Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (In-Person & Live-Streamed LAM Talk)

One of the most remote and least-disturbed wilderness areas in North America, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a wild place unlike any other in the U.S. The Canning River runs from the Brooks Range through the wetlands and hummocks of the coastal plain to the Arctic Ocean. After their plans for a different trip were scrambled during the COVID pandemic, Jonathan and Nell found themselves on a bush plane destined for a remote landing strip in the Alaska wilderness. This was the start of a 15-day packrafting trip down the Canning River that was filled with hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, mosquito-swatting….and endless aufeis. Jonathan and Nell will share some stories from their adventure, along with the nuts and bolts of logistics and trip planning for such a remote location.

About the presenter:

Jonathan is a bird nerd who loves spending his free time hiking and exploring new places. No stranger to this venue, Jonathan previously worked at PEEC and helped create the partnership with the L.A. Mountaineers that led to monthly programs at the nature center. He now leads the Manhattan Project National Historical Park at LANL.

Nell grew up in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate NY, where she developed her love of cold winters, abundant snow, and nordic skiing. After earning her masters in ecology and environmental management, Nell moved west to Park City, UT "for one summer" and stayed for many years until moving to Los Alamos in 2023. Nell loves almost any outdoor activity that involves snow or water, so naturally she wound up in New Mexico.