Education is the backbone of this expedition, and we will be building on that fact through a number of initiatives.

Both hikers Mike Link and Kate Crowley have spent a career in education: Mike founded, then directed, the Audubon Center of the North Woods, a residential environmental learning center, for over 38 years, and has taught for both Northland College and Hamline University. Before Kate worked at the Audubon Center, she was involved in public education at the Minnesota Zoo. Together, they hope to involve, educate and inspire an entire generation all the way through this journey, from primary education through to University Graduate students.

School Programs

Schools will be contacted through the following and other residential learning centers in Minnesota:

As well as through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Charter School Association.

Michigan and Ontario connections are still being sought.


We will be reaching out not only to the schools, but their communities, media and local organizations, in a variety of ways starting far before the trip and extending to after its completion.

  • In these first few months beginning in Fall 2009, we will begin connecting with the participating schools and inviting them to help us in the crucial planning and development of the expedition.
    For example, we might ask for the backgrounds on issues and challenges facing that region of the lake and its plant, animal and human communities; to look at trails and roads and suggest routes, determine the calorie intake for our diets, and calculate approximate hiking times; to review the history of the lake and communities, help with finding and getting in touch with key contacts, and other details.
    This diverse combination will expose the students to insights on a wide variety of subjects, including geography, history, technology, politics, environmental issues, natural history (science), nutrition, and the real-life application of mathematics.
  • In the spring, when the expedition is under way, they will be invited to follow our journey through our website, blog, Facebook, and Google maps.
  • As we travel we will be giving talks in a variety of townships and communities to share our adventure and concerns. Schools in those communities will be invited to host or attend those talks.
  • During the summer students who are not in year-round schools can follow the adventure at home and then in the Fall the class can conclude the adventure through classroom discussions and our on-line postings.
  • Schools along Lake Superior will again be asked to be part of the final leg of the trip once school is back in session.
  • Finally, after the trip is over a summary will be sent to each school and schools that want us to come and speak can make arrangements for personal appearances.

College courses

We will be partnering with Northland College in Wisconsin and Hamline University in Minnesota to deliver programs to postsecondary students.

A Hamline University graduate program on-line course involves students in the ecology of the Great Lakes, as well as in participating in all three stages of the hike: Preparation and planning, the actual expedition, and the post-expedition research, analysis and findings.
Hamline University will also provide an opportunity for a class to visit and follow us along the trail for two field days as part of the graduate program.

Northland College undergraduates in both the May term and the Fall Semester will connect with us on the trail and follow our progress as part of their Outdoor Education Studies.

We will also be contacting University of Minnesota Duluth and Michigan Tech, where three of our advisors work, as well as other postsecondary institutions around the lake, to coordinate and collaborate on lessons and programs.