The AdventureKEEN Blog
Cheryl Johnson: Creating outdoor opportunities for BIPOC youth
In 2006 Dudley Edmundson conducted a series of interviews with African American outdoors-people that culminated in the book Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places.
A lot has changed, in the world, and around the United States, in the 17 years since Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places was first published. Yet, when reading through the interviews, it is easy to see the common themes and energy that link all of their experiences with the growing outdoor community who LOOK like them and share their passion for nature and the outdoors.
Over the coming months we will be sharing the interviews from Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places here on our blog, and we hope you can find your voice to add to those celebrating their passion for the outdoors.
Cheryl Armstrong, President and CEO,
James P. Beckwourth Mountain Club
Denver, Colorado
The James P. Beckwourth Mountain Club was named after a famous biracial African American, James Pierson Beckwourth. He was a true legend of the West.
He was born in 1798 in Fredericksburg County, Virginia, to a white plantation owner and one of his African American female slaves. They moved to Missouri when Jim was about six years old, because they wanted to stay together, and it was easier at that time to do that there than it was in Virginia. Beckwourth was raised in Missouri. He was taught to read, as were all of his siblings. He was apprenticed to a blacksmith so he would have a trade. Around 23 years of age he was fortunate enough to meet General William Ashley, who founded the Rocky Mountain Fur Trading Company. Beckwourth joined the company as a hunter, and over his long fascinating life he was, among other things, a frontiersman and an exceptional explorer. In 1850 he discovered a pass over the Sierra Nevada Mountains that would lead pioneers into the Sacramento Valley of California.
He also saved the life of General Zachary Taylor, who later became President of the United States. Beckwourth was also war chief of the Crow Indian nation. He was adopted into the tribe and he pretty much lived with the Crow for many years. He spoke a multitude of Native American dialects as well as being fluent in English, Spanish and French. He was also one of the co-founders of the city of Pueblo, Colorado.
Our organization named itself in honor of Jim Beckwourth because of his contributions to the West and also because he was a real trailblazer and adventurous guy. We like to think that we honor some of that spirit of adventure and his legacy in our organization.
Childhood Experiences and Turning Points in Nature
I was born in Detroit, Michigan. My father’s side of the family was one of the original black families in Michigan. They founded the first Episcopal churches. My childhood was pretty unusual for African Americans at the time. My father was a doctor, and his father was a doctor and medical school professor, and education had gone on and been a tradition in my family for generations and generations. I guess you could say I had a very affluent childhood.
We had a house in Detroit where my father practiced medicine and proudly served inner city residents. He also had a home in Canada, across the river right on Lake Saint Clair. So I grew up canoeing, swimming and hunting in the summer. I fished and explored the woods around our home in Canada. My father had a boat and we got to water ski and do all of the traditional water sports. We would ice skate on the lake in the winter.
I grew up being a very athletic girl. I loved sports and the outdoors and being in the woods, immersed in nature. I loved being under the open night sky more than anything—it was good for the soul then, and it is good for the soul now.
What I Do in the Outdoors
I have been involved with the Beckwourth Club since I moved to Denver in 1995. In 1998 we started a formal program called the Beckwourth Outdoor Education Center, specifically to take urban youth into the outdoors for hiking, fishing, camping, backpacking, snowshoeing, whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking. We teach them mapping and compass skills as well as self-arrest training and leadership skills.
The reason we started the Beckwourth Mountain Club (it was formed in 1993) was because of our passion to bring the outdoors to inner city youth and residents. The organization is run by a terrific group of almost 60 volunteers, predominantly by people of color. They act as mentors, chaperones, hike leaders, instructors and historical reenactors. They mentor not only the young kids in the organization, but also the adults that come to our center that are new to the outdoors.
The membership is open to everyone and is about 65 percent African American, 25 percent Latino, and the remaining is mixed race, multi-race, Asian, Anglo and all combinations thereof. Membership is for families, singles and seniors. We do outdoor activities every single weekend, from easy day hikes, to climbs of Colorado’s peaks. We also do upscale trips such as orca watching on the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington state, and trips to national parks such as Acadia in Maine and Yellowstone in Wyoming. The idea is to make these national parks and wilderness areas available to a broader population.
I also do a great deal of fundraising. That’s my job—I am the money beggar! I am the grant writer and public relations person. I travel around the country heading up panel discussions and workshops, doing presentations on our program. I guess you could say I wear about 15 different hats around here.
I spent many years in the legal profession, but eight years ago I was able to break away and do what I truly love and have a passion for. There is no comparison salary-wise between working for a nonprofit organization and being in the legal profession, but I would not do anything else even if you gave me a million dollars. I enjoy running this organization and doing what we do for the community.
Four Tips to Help You Slow the Spread of Scary Invasive Species
This weekend wraps up the National Invasive Species Awareness Week for 2023. Here at AdventureKEEN we love North America’s lands and waters and want them to remain resilient to climate change and other biological challenges. It’s very clear, after reading books like Invaders of the Great Lakes, that little sticky seeds and tiny hitchhiking critters can easily upset nature’s balance. The state of New Jersey is even looking to revive its statewide council on battling invasive species. Fortunately with a little bit of awareness and a couple of new habits, we can all help cut back the spread of invasive species.
The term “invasive” is used for aggressive species that grow and reproduce rapidly, displace native species, and cause major disturbance to the areas in which they are present. Invasive species can cause irreversible harm to the environment and the economy and often pose a threat to plant, animal, and human health. The good news is that solutions start at home.
By taking some basic care, you can greatly reduce the risk of spreading invasive species to the places that you love.
Here are a few tips to help do this:
- Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft, trailers, and equipment when finished boating or fishing. Comply with watercraft inspection and decontamination requirements.
- Clean hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles, and other gear between outings.
- Avoid dumping aquariums or live bait into waterways.
- Volunteer to help remove invasive species from public lands and natural areas.
That last step is a big one, but a great way to plug into and support your local outdoor community. Be sure to check out our friends at the North American Invasive Species Management Association as well as the official National Invasive Species Awareness Week website for more ideas and to join the conversation.
Meet Molly Merkle – AdventureKEEN Publisher
Meeting authors is one of Merkle’s favorite responsibilities as publisher.
Bob Sehlinger, co-founder of AdventureKEEN and publisher of The Unofficial Guides, said, “For years, we’ve counted on Molly’s vision for growth, addressing the needs of our readers, and nurturing the extraordinary people who work for the company. Through the hardships and challenges that are a fact of life in entrepreneurial publishing, Molly has been our rock: mission-oriented and unflappable. She has also been our leader, our head of house, in all except title. Now she deservedly wears the mantle of publisher.”
Merkle started her career with the company more than 30 years ago and has excelled at cultivating relationships and developing books that are a good match for the company’s editorial and sales capabilities. “We are proud to be an indie press in mutuality with indie book and specialty retailers who support our program,” Merkle said.
While Merkle retains COO responsibilities for development of the publishing program and heading up the company’s leadership team, she will focus on AdventureKEEN’s partnerships and author support through her role as publisher. It’s a role she has already proven fit for.
“We expect that Molly will continue her organizational excellence as our publisher, just as she mastered every position that she held prior. The company is thriving as readers discover the health benefits of engaging with nature, and she’s a big part of that success,” said Richard Hunt, president and co-founder of AdventureKEEN.
Merkle’s work to build a collaborative, nimble, and diverse workforce in support of the growing enterprise is essential for AdventureKEEN’s future. “It’s a terrific privilege to work with this team we have built, and I’m looking forward to the good work we can continue to do at the intersection of the book publishing, conservation, and outdoor recreation industries,” Merkle said. “We see real value in our publishing program and are passionate about the books we publish and messages we are putting out into the world.”
About AdventureKEEN: The company’s founding dates back more than 40 years, guided then and now by a love of being in the woods and on the water, by a passion for reading and books, and by the sense of wonder and discovery made possible by spending time recreating outdoors in beautiful places. AdventureKEEN’s mission is to share that wonder and fun with its readers, especially with those who haven’t yet experienced all the physical and mental health benefits that nature and outdoor activity can bring. In addition, AdventureKEEN strives to teach about recreating responsibly so that the natural resources and habitats we all cherish and rely on will be available for future generations.
AdventureKEEN is excited to share this announcement and to improve how we serve our authors, accounts, and readers. Join us as we celebrate and look down the trail to what lies ahead.
Upcoming Author Events for October 2022
There are so many wonderful author events all around the country this October. Whether you’re looking for some spooky fun in New England, paddling the rivers across the state of Georgia, or pitching a tent with your family in Colorado, our authors are out there hoping to meet you and hear about your experiences. Check out the list of author events to see if any are happening near you!
Author L’Aura Hladik will be giving presentations and signing her two books: Ghosthunting New York City and Ghosthunting New Jersey.
- October 1: Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library, Brick, NJ, at 3 p.m.
- October 3: Hunterdon County Library System, Flemington, NJ, at 7 p.m.
- October 6: Gloucester County Library, Gibbstown, NJ, at 6:30 p.m.
- October 8: Ocean County Library, Toms River, NJ, at 3 p.m.
- October 13: Middletown Twp. Public Library, Middletown, NJ, at 7 p.m.
- October 16: Parsippany-Troy Hills Library, Parsippany, NJ, at 2 p.m.
- October 17: Emmaus Public Library, Emmaus, PA, at 6 p.m.
- October 27: Old Bridge Public Library, Old Bridge, NJ, at 7 p.m.
- October 29: Plumstead Branch of Ocean County Library, New Egypt, NJ, at 12 p.m.
Author Jeff Morris will give presentations and sign his books: Cincinnati Haunted Handbook, Nashville Haunted Handbook, Twin Cities Haunted Handbook, and Chicago Haunted Handbook.
- October 3: Delhi (Cincinnati) library at 7 p.m.
- October 25: Oakley Library (Cincinnati) at 6:30 p.m.
John Kachuba, author of Ghosthunting Ohio and Ghosthunting Ohio, on the Road Again will be signing books and attending author fairs.
- October 11: Cincinnati Public Library, Anderson Branch, Cincinnati, OH, at 7 p.m.
- October 15: Licking County Library, Newark, OH, 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
- October 20: Cincinnati Public Library, Madeira Branch, Madeira, OH, at 7 p.m.
- October 25: Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY, at 6:30 p.m.
- October 27: University of Cincinnati Emeriti meeting, Cincinnati, OH, at noon
Coauthors Kathryn and William Mayo will be signing their book The Mysterious North Shore of Lake Superior.
- October 1: Barnes & Noble, Miller Hill Mall, from noon until 2 p.m.
- October 8: Fitgers, in Duluth, from noon until 2 p.m.
The amazingly talented watercolor artist and Drawn to Birds author Jenny deFouw Geuder will be giving a talk and holding a book signing.
- October 8: Herrick District Library, at 10 a.m.
Paddling author Suzanne Welander will lead an afternoon paddle and sign her book Canoeing & Kayaking Georgia.
- October 27: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, 2-5:30 p.m.
Out west, camping and outdoors author Monica Stockbridge will be signing her book Best Tent Camping: Colorado.
- October 29: REI Denver, Adventure Station, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Welcome our Newest Marketing Team Member
It’s the people who make AdventureKEEN exciting and fun, no matter which department they’re working in or what part of the country they call home. Get to know the members of AdventureKEEN through their day-to-day jobs, as well as their favorite things to pack for a hike.
We’d like to introduce you to Trenton Foston, the newest member of the AdventureKEEN Marketing Team. Trenton has lots of experience in digital marketing and brings a rich blend of skills. We’re so happy that he has joined AdventureKEEN!
In the coming weeks, he’ll start working closely with our imprints and authors to help spread the word about new titles, old favorites, and upcoming author events. Trenton is a terrific fit here and is already making a positive impact around the office in Birmingham.
So, if you see Trenton at a show, event, or even online, say “Hi!”
Welcome, Trenton!
#bewellbeoutdoors
Welcome New AdventureKEEN Team Members
It’s the people who make AdventureKEEN exciting and fun, no matter which department they’re working in or what part of the country they call home. Get to know the members of AdventureKEEN through their day-to-day jobs, as well as their favorite things to pack for a hike.
Kimber Sherrod, our new Account Manager, will be covering much of the Southwest and West. It’s a role she’s looking forward to filling, especially for the “opportunities to meet new people and motivate them to explore the gifts from Spirit Nature.”
Her positive attitude and joy for life would be an asset anywhere. And when it comes to a weekend hike, she makes sure she brings a few need-to-have items along.
“I always pack first aid supplies, Benadryl, and, of course, snacks!” Kimber says.
Natalie Blankenship is AdventureKEEN’s new Online Product Manager. Natalie focuses on making sure our website is helping our online customers. This includes everything from passing along order tracking information, sharing coupon codes, and building out our growing newsletter The Goods.
Natalie’s focus on helping others extends to her pack, as well, especially when she’s planning a hike with her dog, Halli.
“If I’m out walking/hiking, Halli is always going to be with me, so my pack will include her travel water bowl, leash, and enough water for both of us!” says Natalie.
Those are two of the newer faces around the AdventureKEEN offices. With their energy and sights set on serving account and website customers, you might just bump into one of them soon. Be sure to tell them hello!