​Day 4: LiveStream 1 at Nels Lake

Our very first Paddles & Pines LiveStream is in the books—and it went off without a hitch! The weather was hot but beautiful, with the clouds showing off just enough to make Nels Lake sparkle.

We were joined by an incredible lineup of partners:
    •    Alison Nyenhuis and Rachel Hedlund, Outdoor Educators with Friends of the Boundary Waters
    •    Jaylen Strong, Director and Tribal Preservation Officer at the Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum
    •    Rachael Pace, Marketing and Hospitality Director at the Ely Folk School
Together, they helped us explore why water has always been the trail through this wild and wonderful place. From canoe basics and portaging, to the rich Indigenous history of the Boundary Waters, to the craft and tradition of birchbark canoes—every story reminded us that these waters carry culture, community, and connection.

Students across the country joined in to learn paddling strokes, history, and even took on a STEM challenge to design their own model watercraft. I even got the chance to portage a canoe myself—I thought it weighed 100 pounds, but was quickly corrected… only 40! Still heavy enough to make me respect the skill and strength required.

A huge shoutout to our technical crew—Steve and Dave, who keep everything running seamlessly behind the scenes—and to our online moderators, LeAnn, Tiffany, and Rodney, who make sure every student voice is heard.

We can’t wait for LiveStream 2 on Friday at the American Bear Center! Until then, keep paddling, keep asking questions, and keep protecting the places that matter most.