Podcast: Clearing the Way with Michelle Kwan

When many of us think of the Boundary Waters, we think about paddling and portaging. But there area number of ways to experience the Wilderness, including recreational hiking. In this episode, we meet Michelle Kwan, who went on her first Boundary Waters trip in an even more unique way – as a volunteer doing trail clearing work.
For Michelle, this turned out to be life-changing experience.
In this episode Michelle shares her story about connecting to the Boundary Waters through trail-clearing, and the logistics of a trail clearing trip. Then she goes much deeper, sharing her observations on being a person color in the wilderness, discussing issues of access and why more BIPOC people aren’t visiting the Boundary Waters, and how she’s working to change that.
After participating on several trips and recruiting several people to join her, Michelle is now leader her own trail clearing trips. She wants to continue to develop her skills, – including creating unique, flavorful Asian-inspired camping meals, and continuing her work to guide more people and inspire them to venture out to wild places.
Inspired? Sign up for a trail clearing trip!
Resources
Trail Clearing Trips – Sign up and Learn More
Connect with BIPOC Outdoors Twin Cities (Facebook group)
Subscribe
On the Friends of the Boundary Waters podcast, we bring together people who share a love of the incredible BWCA wilderness in Northeastern Minnesota. The podcast will features scientists, political figures and experts in outdoor recreation and wilderness skills to help you learn new facets of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the most visited wilderness in the United States.
Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Amazon Music Listen on Spotify Listen on StitcherContinue Listening

Podcast: Guardians of the BWCA
Don't miss this podcast about the legislative and political battles from those who fought to preserve the Boundary Waters in…

Podcast: Game Changing Gear
Find out how to choose the best gear for your BWCA trips from Rutabaga Paddlesports shop owner Darren Bush.

Podcast: 25 Tips for a Better Boundary Waters Trip
Want to make your Boundary Waters trip even better? Check out these 25 tips to move faster, be more comfortable…