Springtime in canoe country

Thanks to everyone who attended the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Ely last Friday. It was a great evening of inspiring, high-quality films about environmental issues around the world, and a wonderful opportunity to connect with people who love the Boundary Waters as much as we do.

While the films covered issues from Africa to Detroit, the event also had a local flavor. Co-sponsor Steve Piragis of Piragis Northwoods Company talked to the audience about the work of Energy Efficient Ely, a local program designed to find local solutions to energy issues.

Thanks to sponsors Piragis Northwoods Company, Patagonia, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Tom’s of Maine and Clif Bar for helping us put together a great event.

The weekend also provided me (Friends Communications Director Greg Seitz) with some time to hike and paddle in and around the Boundary Waters. Spring is springing, with new buds on the trees and wildlife waking up from the long winter. (But there are still a few piles of snow in shaded areas!)

I hope you enjoy the photos. Click on the individual pictures to see the full-sized version.